Happy Valentine’s Day

Will you be mine……….

LOVE

 

Eames Eiffel chairs are red,

The Pascal Tarabay clock says its ten to two.

A very cool bamboo magazine rack,

And a Jonathan Adler pillow just for you!

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!

Image designed by Modmissy

  1. Eames Eiffel Chair http://www.hermanmiller.com
  2. Classic Clock by Pascal Tarabay http://www.redcandy.co.uk
  3. Red Bamboo Magazine Rack http://www.brandalley.co.uk
  4. Red Letter Pillow http://www.jonathanadler.com

The ‘How To’ of Shopping IKEA

Congratulations to Winnipeg, Manitoba (Canada) on the recent arrival of their first IKEA store!

For a city with a population of approximately ¾ million, the people of Winnipeg have been patiently waiting for the opening of their big ‘blue and yellow’ retailer.

Now being a bit of a veteran when it comes to shopping at IKEA I thought I would share my tips and suggestions on how to best tackle (shop) this big store.

(Or for anyone who may be a bit timid when it comes to shopping IKEA read on.)

IKEA logo

Welcome newcomer,                                                                                                        Your first trip to IKEA has finally arrived.                                                                               As a seasoned shopper with valuable tips,                                                                              I will explain how I have survived.

Navigating the big blue and yellow store,                                                                         Initially may seem like no easy feat.                                                                                    But with a few of my simple tips,                                                                                              I promise there will be no sense of defeat.

Most important of all,                                                                                                              Is to wear your most comfortable shoes.                                                                   Because as I have already mentioned,                                                                             IKEA is big and has lots and lots to view.

Don’t worry about ever getting lost,                                                                                     For IKEA has this unnerving dilemma sorted out.                                                             With big arrows on the floor,                                                                                                 An easy way-finding system avoids any sense of doubt.

Before beginning your IKEA journey,                                                                                 With smaller ones in tow,                                                                                                   You might like to use the Småland childcare service,                                                          Its free and yours if you choose so.

Head directly up to the 2nd floor,                                                                                          For this is where you will see.                                                                                         Room settings that will truly inspire,                                                                          Designed with IKEA furniture and accessories.

Now you might need to understand,                                                                                While you are on your shopping mission,                                                                          That IKEA’s roots and origin,                                                                                             Hails from the country of Sweden.

So be prepared to be introduced,                                                                                         To POÄNG, KLIPPAN, LACK and LIATORP.                                                           HEMNES, OPPDAL, MALM,                                                                                 ASPELUND, RYKENE, PAX, and EKTORP!

Now that you are more fluent in Swedish,                                                                        Head to the 1st floor and grab a shopping cart.                                                                    For on this level you will begin to discover,                                                                           All the kitchen ware, bedding, lighting, carpets and art.

Now keep following those arrows,                                                                                      And very soon you will see,                                                                                                 The place that has made IKEA globally known,                                                                      A warehouse full of flat-pack and self-assembly.

And don’t forget to take some time,                                                                                      To nosh on a variety of IKEA treats.                                                                                    For there is lots of fabulous food,                                                                                       Eat-in or take-away that just can’t be beat!

You have now successfully made it to the end,                                                                With the check-out clearly in view.                                                                                     You never got confused or lost,                                                                                          And had a wonderful shopping experience too!

The End!

All words composed by Modmissy

 

 

 

Goodbye Penny

Sadly today we acknowledge the passing of Penny.  (1858 – 2013)

I have fond memories of Penny – at the candy store, the summer fair, bingo.

In Canada, a Penny is a coin worth one cent, or 1⁄100 of a dollar and as of today the Royal Canadian Mint stops distributing pennies to banks and retailers.

Up until 1996 the Penny was composed of ~98% copper thus giving the coin its name ‘Copper’.

Canadian Penny frontCanadian Penny back

Although the Penny has become discontinued currency, copper will still be visible in home décor.

The Copper Shade by Tom Dixon is a bright and shiny way to light a room.

Tom Dixon Copper Shade www.tomdixon.net

Nanocrystalline Copper Chair by Max Lamb.Nanocrystalline Copper Chair by Max Lamb

Copper Freestanding Tub by Elizabethan Classics http://www.vintagetub.comCopper Tub http://www.vintagetub.com

Copper door handles http://www.ashardware.co.ukCopper Door Handles

So….‘Penny for your thoughts” if you see a Penny on the street now will you stop to pick it up?

 

Please….Have a Seat.

I watch TV.

I often don’t have the sound on so I literally ‘watch’ TV.

My desk is in a corner of my family/media room so when I do glance at the TV it is more the set designs and visuals that I take notice of rather than dialogue and conversation (that I don’t hear).

And lately it is the talk show ‘chairs’ that have captured my interest.  The style, colour and size of these chairs often reflect the personality of the talk show host.

On the Ellen Show, Ellen DeGeneres has large, red upholstered club chairs.  The red lends itself to the energy of Ellen and the size allows for balancing on the arms which Ellen often does before she sits down.  (Seen here with Vanessa Williams)

Ellen DeGeneres

 

The newest talk show host appearing on the scene is the petite Katie Couric.  At just over 5 feet tall Katie’s custom fitted chair is built to her personal body specifications and the white upholstery appeals to her feminine side.  Sitting here with Jennifer Lopez on the 2 ends of a modular 5 piece sofa (used when more guests are present) makes for an interesting one-armed chair!?

Katie Couric and Jennifer Lopez

On the Canadian front, talk show host Marilyn Denis in this particular segment is seated with Randy Fenoli of Say Yes to the Dress upon what appears to be high-gloss, plastic white chairs. With thick seat cushions and high backs the chairs appear comfortable but somewhat ‘outdoors’ looking.

Marilyn Denis and Randy Fenoli

Another Canadian talk show host is George Stroumboulopoulos.  George’s iconic contemporary red, leather chairs with chrome legs are as much a part of his show as is his cool and hip demeanor as he interviews many famed celebrities and important figures from around the world.

George Stroumboulopoulos

British comedy chat show host Alan Carr of Alan Carr: Chatty Man interviews his guests in a purple-hued space reminiscent of a disco lounge.  Alan’s curvaceous sofa and chair are upholstered in teal and plum velvet creating a real ‘funky’ vibe that says “Hey, let’s chat!” (Seen here with Lady Gaga)

Alan Carr with Lady Gaga

Rove LA is an Australian talk show, set in Los Angeles and hosted by Rove McManus.  Rove’s guests sit together upon a lounge-like curved off-white sofa with big brown puffy back cushions allowing them to really sink in and get relaxed which often ‘disarms’ guests into being too comfortable and hopefully sharing more than originally intended.  (Plus alcoholic refreshments probably help too!)  Rove perches upon a more upright chair allowing him to be in control.  (See here with Jim Parsons, Chris Hardwick and Pink)

Rove LA

 

 

 

 

 

Happy Thanksgiving

Today I want to wish every American a very…..

 

Image via Modmissy

 

Opposites Attract

On this day, November 16th 1959, The Sound of Music opened on Broadway and on November 16th 2001, the first Harry Potter movie opened.  Both were blockbusters.

Set in 2 completely different eras, one in the mid-20th century and the other in the 21st century.  Maria is governess to 7 children of a widower and Harry is an orphan.  Maria flies around the countryside singing to the mountains, while Harry flies on a broomstick.  If The Sound of Music were to open in theatres today we might find it dated and if Harry Potter had been viewed in the 1950’s it might have been too modern.  Yet Maria finds magic through the sound of music and Harry finds magic through wizardry.

Opposites attract.

Mixing of eras, mixing of styles.  But a connection exists.

And thus in décor the same happens.  The juxtaposition of modern with antique, contemporary with vintage, in some way there is a wonderful partnership.  Pieces that blend and contrast at the same time give interest to a room.

A modern fabric will ‘pop’ new life onto an antique settee.

The warmth of the wood of this antique desk pairs well with a modern chair producing an office space that makes one reflect.

The mixture of chairs all within the same colour palette combined with modern abstract paintings and an antique sideboard creates a cohesive dining room.

I love the mix of ornate old character and clean modern pieces in a contemporary white space.

The boldly patterned wallpaper provides the perfect background for mixing of styles in this entryway.

Whatever your style, whatever your preference – mix it up and create your own ‘blockbuster’.

All decor images via houzz.com

Daylight Savings – Time in Design

This coming Sunday is Daylight Savings Time when we turn back the clocks an hour.  One extra hour added to the weekend – amazing!  In honour of that bonus hour I thought I would share some clocks that show design in time.

This clock I found on www.houzz.com

The 5-Foot French Tower Clock from Restoration Hardware is a classic reproduction that actually doesn’t keep time but does make a ‘timeless’ statement!  www.restorationhardware.com

I photographed this artisan clock at Biltmore Domicile www.bdom.ca  located in the Distillery District.

Seven by Karim Rashid wall clock in brightly painted steel.  Leave it to Karim to alter the standard form – 7 is the new 6!

6 Libero designed by Riccardo Paolino and Matteo Fusi.  Made of wood and stainless steel, the 6 has escaped by bending the bars of the prison.  Don’t just turn back time, take it back!

RND Time designed by RND Lab.  Small cubes may be assembled randomly on the wall. These white cubes pop against this chartreuse wall colour.  Fun!

Souvenir 6 designed by Alberto Sala.  Keep time in 6 international cities – perfect for the jet setter.

Fatti + in là designed by Studio Kuadra.  Telling time while keeping all your birds in a row makes this cuckoo clock an adventure in time.

The designers’ inspiration for the Fatti + in là!!

Burano designed by Eloisa Libera is a cuckoo clock that is reminiscent of the houses of the famous Burano Island in Venice Lagoon.

Burano Island in Venice Lagoon – the designer’s inspiration

So tic toc pick a clock which one would you choose?

Whatever way you keep time in your life have a great weekend and if you are observing Daylight Savings enjoy your extra hour.

Images 4-11 via www.progettishop.it

Coat Hooks

No doubt autumn is here; I awoke this morning to frost on rooftops, cars and my garden!  Sadly (for me) it’s time to pull out the warmer coats.  Now where to hang them?

Thought I would share with you some interesting variations of the coat hook.

First up is the Girotondo Coat Rack by Alessi.  I like the polished chrome.

The Kartell hook made of polycarbonate is available in 4 vivid hues and solid black and white.

The classic Hang It All Coat Rack by Ray and Charles Eames never disappoints.

The Hook Box by Luca Nichetto designed to not only hold a coat but solves the problem of where to put your ‘stuff’.

Another hook that solves the problem of where to put your ‘stuff’, the Cubby coat hook designed by Materious.

The FontanaArte Holder is made from blown transparent glass that provides a spot for bus fare or the dog leash.

The Tabard designed by Denis Santachiara is fitted with 6 hooks on the inside and a lamp to light your clothing.  Generally coat hooks are covered by clothes, whereas the Tabard covers the clothes protecting them from dust.

The Droog Sucker designed by Jan Hoekstra and Leon Ramakers solves the problem of having to drill holes into the walls by ‘sucking’ onto a smooth surface.  And it’s available in 6 different fun colours.

The Quote Hooks by Blend give gentle reminders each day.

Which one would you choose?