Happy Holidays!
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Gifts over $250
I have been remiss in writing and have not posted for some time but I do apologize. My internet service had been down for over 10 days!! I was ‘grounded’ by my Internet Service Provider due to ‘technology difficulties’ that took them almost a fortnight to rectify!! Absurd I know. The holidays have begun – Hanukkah started yesterday and Christmas is fast approaching. Thought I would share some last-minute gift ideas that are over $250 – when the pressure is on the ‘price’ is often overlooked. First up would be a Martha Sturdy resin bowl. http://www.marthasturdy.com. This Canadian ‘Martha’ is internationally known for her unique handmade pieces of functional art. Each resin design is exclusive to itself; having its own colouration, air bubbles, irregularities and textures.
Next would be the Georg Jensen Masterpiece Pitcher. http://www.georgjensen.com. Designed by Henning Koppel of Denmark in 1952, this polished steel carafe is simple but sensuous with an elegantly extended handle and exaggerated lip. This pitcher whether it is holding water or wine would be the sparkling centerpiece on any table.
Of course if I could I would love something from Hermès, that wonderful orange (love it) box company. Truth be told I am a girl who prefers the orange box to the (Tiffany) blue box! Check out this website to get a peek into the world of Hermès. http://lesailes.hermes.com/na/en/495
And just as the flicker of a candle at this time of year is so festive I thought the swirling flame of the A|Design Twistfire Fireplace http://www.auerhahn-twistfire.de would be appreciated at any time of the year. The Twistfire uses bio ethanol and has 3 curved glass planes that allow air to circulate and create the ‘twisting’ effect of the flame. The matte stainless steel fireplace is made in Germany and stands 2 ft. tall. The Twistfire is a very unique expression of fire befitting of the backyard or poolside.
Best of luck!
Royal Mail Stamp Rug
One of the many traditions that occur at this time of year are the sending of Christmas cards to family and friends both near and far. Growing up in my house the Christmas card was as important as the baking of the ‘fruit cake’. My Mother took her Christmas cards quite serious. A lot of thought went into the purchasing of the cards, what was written on the inside of each card and the correct time of mailing the cards. Cards addressed to overseas homes had to be mailed much earlier thus creating even more stress whereas local addresses had a few weeks grace. But heaven forbid if any of those Christmas cards were received after Christmas! My duty regarding the Christmas cards was to lick each stamp and affix to the dozens of envelopes. I loved to see the different themed stamps that came out each year by Canada Post. Recently I came across a new type of stamp – the Royal Mail Stamp Rug. The U.K. company Rug Maker www.stamprugs.com has been officially granted a licence to manufacture the Stamp Rug Collection which features the iconic design of Machin’s Royal Mail Stamps. Each rug displays the sculpted profile of the Queen’s head, a denomination and a sculpted edge to mimic the U.K. mail postage stamp. The rugs are hand-woven from 100% New Zealand wool in the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal and take approximately 12 weeks to weave. Ranging from 3ft x 4ft to 8ft x 10ft, the rug collection is compromised of 6 stamp proportioned sizes in a wide palette of colours that can be used as a unique floor covering or as a wall hanging. Each handmade Royal Stamp Rug is truly a work of art and takes ‘stamp collecting’ to a whole new level!
The Christmas Tree
Have you ever wondered about the Christmas tree? Not so much about the history of it but rather just the idea of it. The thought of going to the all the trouble of bringing into your home a big ‘dead’ tree and then decorating it!!?? Think about it. I mean at some point I am sure you have had a vase of flowers that have been in the house way too long and you think, “OMG, these flowers are so dead they are gross” and disgustingly throw them out. But for some reason we continue on with the Christmas tree. Our first Christmas together, hubby and I had no living room furniture as we would rather wait until we could afford what we really wanted. Therefore the Christmas tree was huge, filling the space. When we finally got furniture there was no space for the tree. So because I did not want to rearrange the furniture to allow for a big tree we got a ‘Charlie Brown’ tree which I totally loved. Mind you the tree was quite tall but very ‘scant’ and could hold no ornaments! This year I really wanted to find a new alternative; something different in regards to the Christmas tree. Some ideas I came across were from CB2 www.cb2.com. There is the chalkboard tree.
Or the picture frame tree.
Or the outlined in lights on the wall tree.
Of course I could always go with one of the numerous ‘artificial’ trees that are available in an array of colours (white, pink, silver, blue, green etc.) and material (feather, tinsel, PVC). But lack of storage space is a problem at my house. I am now thinking that next summer I will venture into the woods up at the cottage and find a ‘Christmas’ tree and start trimming the tree into maybe a topiary or a cylinder-type shape. But this would take planning and who thinks of Christmas in July??!!
Jeff Goodman Studio
What is so fabulous about this time of year are all the studio tours, open houses and parties that take place. It is a time of year when artists give us a glimpse into their studios. When décor shops let us wander, sip and nibble. One of my favourite studio tours that I have attended for many years is the Jeff Goodman Open House and Sale. Jeff creates with glass. His hand blown pieces are both ethereal in design and embracing of the natural force of gravity. Jeff is one of Canada’s preeminent glass blowers. Establishing the Jeff Goodman Studio in 1989, Jeff began pushing the boundaries of designs in glass and soon, his passion for architecture sparked a new phase in his career – researching and testing the potential for glass as a structural material. Today, the Jeff Goodman Studio works with hotel and condo developers, private collectors and homeowners to produce dramatic blown glass vessels and chandeliers, as well as architectural glass installations. Jeff’s work can be seen in public spaces, galleries and cultural centres in Toronto and around the world. And in my home too – I have a few of Jeff’s pieces, both blown and cast. Check it out this Friday and Saturday if you have time.
Materializing My Vision
Eureka! I have found myself a new upholsterer. I have been recovering furniture for myself and clients for years or rather the upholsterer has. I have found that an upholsterer is someone you create a relationship with. They begin to understand what you are thinking. They begin to see what your vision is for the end product. My first upholsterer was located outside of Toronto but his workmanship and price were worth the drive. Carl built furniture for me and he re-covered many pieces of furniture for me over the years. Carl and I got to know each other through ‘extension’ meaning that he met many of my family, friends, neighbours and clients that he steadily did work for. I was reminded of this fact while visiting a family member recently and was told that the sofa I was sitting on was recovered by Carl. But like all good things that come to end Carl decided it was time to retire and move much farther from the city. That is when I found Jack. Jack was located in Toronto this time making it much easier for me to ‘drop by’ and ask about a certain fabric or various upholstery questions. Once again Jack and I got to know each other. He met my family, friends, neighbours and clients too. Jack was the upholsterer who I had re-upholsterer ‘My Purple Chair’ with the mohair coat. (https://modmissy.com/2011/07/26/another-trash-to-treasure) I had Jack do a lot of unusual upholstery projects for me over the years but that is the fabulous thing about re-covering furniture. Innovation and invention! But once again Jack retired. Doctor’s orders. I felt as if I was sent adrift in the ‘without upholsterer’ atmosphere once again. But as luck would have it I recently found myself another upholsterer. This one is a truly a gem. David is a young gentleman from Paris that speaks English with a wonderful French accent. Of course the first project I gave him was a challenge. But David pulled through with shining colours. He went the extra distance and put some unique details on the piece that I had not thought of. So to the upholsterers of the past, the present and the upholsterers of the future I say thank you for helping me ‘material-ize’ my vision.
Is it fabric or architecture??
Image via Modmissy
Gifts under $25
Happy Friday! If you happen to be out this weekend doing a little retail exercising or with the wonders of technology shopping on-line I have gathered a selection of gift ideas for the home that are under $25. First up from Restoration Hardware www.restorationhardware.com are the Cast Metal Letters. Made of heavy cast aluminum in a choice of 2 finishes these letters are perfecting for adding to a bookshelf or hanging on a wall. Everyone loves to see their own initial.
Next are West Elm Square Lacquer Trays. www.westelm.com . These 12” trays in a choice of many bold colours are perfect for serving drinks to organizing a dresser. I love the pop of colour on a coffee table too.
The Pottery Barn www.potterybarn.com 12” square pillow printed in metallic gold on natural linen/cotton is a wonderful addition to any room’s décor. And who couldn’t use a little more peace in their life.
You can never have too many décor books and who better than Jonathan Adler, potter, designer, television personality and author. Known for his penchant for colour, Adler’s 132 page hardcover book Happy Chic Accessorizing details how “your home should make you happy”. And one can never have too much ‘happy’ in their life.
No holiday is complete without the flicker of a candle. The Brixton Hurricane from Crate and Barrel www.crateandbarrel.com is a colourful departure from the usual. The golden-yellow base made of solid sustainable shesham wood with a handmade glass pillar stands 11” high and 7” wide.
Enjoy your weekend!
Tis the Season
Well….December is finally here. And with it come lots of festivities. Whether you celebrate Hanukkah, Ashura, Kwanzaa, Las Posadas, Bodhi Day, Santa Lucia Day or Christmas, I wish you all the best for your celebration. I myself celebrate Christmas and so during the month of December I may write about some of the traditions of this holiday. But pretty things, sparkly items, twinkling lights, flickering candles and gifts pertain to everyone whether you are celebrating or not. No better time than now does “Home for the Holidays” ring true. Getting your ‘nest’ ready to celebrate can be lots of fun with so many choices for style and décor. Parties, Open Houses, so much to do, taking the time to attend them and enjoy them all is key. Tis the season, so let the decorating celebrations begin!
The photo below is me, Modmissy, ~3 years old on Christmas morning, holding my new doll. Notice in the background the artificial tree with mounds of tinsel, wood paneling (see post https://modmissy.com/2011/09/29/new-interpretation-of-70s-paneling/) and a kid size folding chair (see post https://modmissy.com/2011/10/12/folding-chairs/). Considering the times of which this photo was taken check out the gift of a toy gun (inside red circle) and ‘The Happy Puppy’ record (inside red square), the LP released in 1962 by Bent Fabric, well-known for the famous ‘Alley Cat’ song. Truly a blast from the past!
Hermès Blanket – high vs. low
I am sure you have seen in many magazines the column titled High vs. Low. Technology magazines, automotive magazines, home design magazines etc., etc. all have some sort of article written on product comparison based on cost. Similar product, different price point. Armed with this information readers can often make their purchases based on their individual budget. In home design magazines I like the challenge of whether I can correctly determine which product is the high priced vs. which product is the low priced. My stats are pretty good. So I thought from time to time I would write about some high vs. low priced products. My first items on the list are throw blankets. Taking the title of ‘high priced’ is the Hermès Avalon blanket as seen under my ‘Modmissy Wish List’. The Hermès signature ‘H’ blanket is made of 85% wool/15% cashmere and measures 55” X 69”. It feels wonderful!! And the price point?…….$1,225.00 U.S.!! Ouch. But when it comes to designer label throws Hermès does rule supreme. You can always count on seeing this blanket draped over a sofa in any of the design magazines. Although the cost of this blanket can cost as much as a sofa! I have coveted this blanket for some time but it is not to be as budget rules for me. Under the title of ‘low priced’ would be my own blanket, my Hermès substitute. I thought it was a good substitute because it also has bold letters on it similar to the Hermes ‘H’. It is a cotton/cashmere mix and measures 54” X 62”. And the price point?…..under $100. This blanket was more in my budget and I am persuading myself that it feels and looks just as good as the ‘high’ priced. But it still remains on my wish list!
Hermes Avalon Blanket – High Priced
My Blanket – Low Price
The Edible Focal Point
When it comes to food, presentation is about 75% of the taste. If food looks good I believe it tastes better. We eat with our eyes first; our eyes are our first senses that are stimulated. Similarly in home décor, a room’s focal point is the first thing we see as we ‘taste’ the room. The room’s focal point will draw the eye and hold it there giving the eyes a place to rest making the room feel more inviting. A focal point may be an architectural feature such as a fireplace, built-in bookcase, a picture window or a detailed wall. If the room has no distinguishing architectural feature the focal point may be a piece of art, a mirror, or a piece of furniture. Sometimes a focal point can even be very small but if in the right location will immediately attract your eye. A room’s focal point is key and no more than when staging a home do those words ring true. I once had a client whose home I was staging for real estate sale where the house had been renovated top to bottom except for the kitchen. The homeowner had run out of time and money but had decided to sell anyway. My challenge was to make buyers overlook the fact that the kitchen was stuck in the early ‘80’s. So working with what I had, I ‘diffused’ the situation by creating a focal point that potential buyer eyes were immediately drawn to. On the kitchen counter I created a vignette of a black/white ‘barista’ centre complete with biscotti. Knowing that the strong contrasting colours would draw the buyers’ eyes to this focal point first, the barista vignette of the coffee cup/cream and sugar/white linen/bowl of biscotti etc. offered a sense of ‘welcome’, a feeling of ‘retreat’. My intent was to create a space that appealed to the buyers’ heart. Well that bowl of biscotti did the trick, the un-renovated kitchen was overlooked and the house was sold. The real estate agent told me afterwards that the buyer fell in love with the house when she walked in to the kitchen and visualized herself drinking her coffee in her new space. A true story! So if you are wondering where to start on decorating a room, start with the focal point. Below are some photos of another kitchen before/after photos.
Images via Modmissy
MODMISSY 