Home Decor

EMPTY NESTERS
Find these luminous glass bowls by Mexico City–based Nouvel Studio (starting at $22), plus pillows by Judy Ross Textile and candlesticks by Roost, at Provide, 529 Beatty St., 604-632-0095

PREVIOUSLY HIGHLIGHTED

AT HOME
At Home stocks paint and damask wallpaper by England’s Farrow & Ball. If that’s not reason enough to shop here for your home (it should be), there’s also a well-chosen selection of candelabra, beautifully refinished antique dressers and sweet Karen Wilson vintage-inspired handbags (from $220). 1530 Marine Dr., West Van, 604-922-3282

BASIC STOCK
The newly renovated Basic Stock cook shop carries Saeco’s latest dream machine: the Talea Ring Plus is a fully automated espresso maker designed by BMW. For summer, have fun with Danica’s colourful and graphic patio dishware (starting at $6), or Cuisinart’s commercial ice cream maker ($299). 2294 W. Fourth Ave., Kitsilano, 604-736-1412

BED
Warning: Thread count is a moot point when you’re talking cotton muslin, which is what they use at Bed. So don’t bother with the numbers game. Anyone who has used the hand-dyed sheets can stand by the store’s claim: these are top tier luxury hotel-soft, and get better with every wash. The colours range from fuschias and oranges to dark dyes and neutrals, plus there’s a smaller selection of graphic prints. Colour pairing is a dead-serious skill for shop clerks; take advantage of their imagination and they’ll marry two colours that you likely wouldn’t have thought of on your own. 2151 W. Fourth Ave., Kitsilano, 604-736-3482

BLUE TERRA DESIGNS
The exotic furniture and handicrafts at Blue Terra Designs is a miniature Silk Road that detours through South Asia. Indonesian armoires of recycled teak mingle with goatskin lamps from Morocco, Turkish chenille throws with music motifs, nifty fish traps, snake baskets and other finds from afar. The only things missing are the caravans and camels. 1146 Commercial Dr., 604-253-1711

BO CONCEPT
Move over Ikea—this Danish furniture chain makes modern furniture accessible to more people with affordable price points and custom shapes and finishes. Home furnishing software let’s you map out exactly what will work in your space (and within your budget). Home accessories and textiles are designed to match the furniture; now that’s a concept. 1275 W. Sixth Ave., Fairview, 604-730-8111

BRAVURA ALTO AND BRAVURA INTERIORS
Think Gastown condo. The look here is bold and contemporary, and the tailored silhouettes of the European-sourced pieces are ideally suited to living spaces short on square footage. Reproductions of modern classics like the Noguchi coffee table and Bertoia diamond chair are not-to-be missed. Bravura Interiors: 534 W. Pender St., Downtown, 604-872-4880; Bravura Alto: 505 Hamilton St., Downtown, 604-872-4880; 534 W. Pender, 604-872-4880

CANADIAN TIRE
Debbie Travis’ collection for Canadian Tire began with house paint and recently expanded to include everything from vases to tableware to curtain panels, all grouped by “mood” (what the rest of us call “style”). Standouts include the Denby-inspired Tantric Red dinnerware ($99.99 for a 16-piece set) and the gourd-shaped ceramic lamp in cream ($79.99). 1625 Chestnut St., Kitsilano, 604-257-6559; 2220 Kingsway, Kensington-Cedar Cottage, 604-257-6510; 8729 Heather St., Marine, 604-257-6487; 1460 E. Hastings St., Commercial, 604-257-6383; 2290 Cambie St., South Cambie, 604-707-2290 and 14 other locations in the Lower Mainland

DESIGN HOUSE
Replace your scratched-up, hand-me-down Tupperware with a candy-coloured acrylic bowl from Italian plastics masters Guzzini. The smaller bowls ($30) hold a whole bag of Miss Vickie’s chips, while the larger size ($42) will house a giant-size bag of Cheetos. Yes, we checked. 1110 Mainland St., Yaletown, 604-681-2800

DREAM DESIGNS
Dream Designs promotes the West Coast lifestyle with contemporary furniture, housewares and its own line of yoga mats, blocks and cushions. Organic fabrics, made with pesticide-free cottons that never see bleach or dyes, come in sheets, duvet covers and a line of baby futons, crib pads and bedding. Smaller items like handmade soap and soya wax candles are not to be missed. 956 Commercial Dr., 604-254-5012

EIGHTEEN KARAT
All natural textiles, table top items, décor and lifestyle products are modern, but infused with inspirations of nature (think rich shades of brown, green and gold). The company sources product from factories and cottage industry producers that maintain ethical business practices (the owners travel to each and every one of their suppliers), but best of all are the prices, which are more than reasonable. 3039 Granville St., South Granville, 604-742-1880

ELEMENTS
At Shelley Cameron’s beautifully curated store, find floor-to-ceiling shelves displaying internationally sourced antiques, ceramics and artwork; the back of the store is home to Cameron’s burgeoning interior design firm. Lacquered orange vases by Oly are hard to miss ($90-120), as are the locally made brass-framed mirrors ($900). “Pod” vases by U.K. ceramicist Sophie Cook are less dramatic, though equally striking ($285-$345). Open by appointment only. 6023 West Blvd., Kerrisdale, 604-733-0021

EQ3
Think Ikea without the trip to the ’burbs (though they have stores there too). The ever-expanding Winnipeg-based chain stocks modern furnishings and accessories that are both trendy and affordable. Think graphic print bed linens, white dishes, brightly coloured square-armed sofas—all perfect for young professionals tired of the post-student postered-wall-and-futon-couch aesthetic. 1039 Hamilton St., Yaletown, 604-681-5155; 2301 Granville St., South Granville, 604-681-5155 and two other locations in the Lower Mainland

ENTRENOUS INTERIORS
A selective mix of contemporary home décor, upholstery, dining room sets, bedroom furniture, cocktail tables, shelving, drapery, ottomans and more. Curtain Wall glass dividers are too cool; have a work logo or custom design embossed. A home design service is available. 1088 Homer St., Yaletown, 604-688-4424

FARROW AND BALL
Visit Farrow and Ball, makers of pigment-rich paints and sumptuous wallpapers, at their shop adjacent to Kerrisdale Lumber Co. (also worth a visit for their great selection of barbecues). 6131 W. Boulevard, 604-261-4274.

GABRIELROSS.COM
If you’re one of those luddites who hasn’t bought furniture online yet this site will convert you. The Victoria-based company is an authorized dealer for Alessi, Herman Miller, Vitra, Modernica, Knoll, and Alvar Aalto among many others. Prices are typically 10 to 15 percent less than what you’d pay in a traditional showroom and shipping is free across Canada. Don’t trust on-screen colours? They’ll send you complimentary swatches. Online: Gabrielross.com

HOMEWERX
The home decor nag-azines trumpet the virtues of bold, patterned accent walls with a neo-Parisian flair—a trend that might result in a room fit only for a MuchMusic interview with Hilary Duff. For something that reeks less of design desperation, Montréal-based Pierre Belvédère offers a range of storage boxes, office organizers and even a cute-as-a-button garbage can upholstered in a classic yet delightful black and white toile ($14.99-39.99). 1055 Davie St., West End, 604-682-2204

INFORM INTERIORS
Shopping here is like strolling through the modernist movement’s greatest hits (in fact, many of the pieces sit in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York). Our favourites: Hans Wegner’s elegant Shell and Wishbone chairs (from $2932and $779, respectively), Eero Saarinen’s Womb Chair ($2,924), and Warren Platner’s steel-wire coffee table ($1,846). Future classics by local designers hold their own. Brent Comber’s popular alder wood tables ($1,160-2,770) pair beautifully with owner Niels Bendtsen’s own furniture collection. Good taste and deep pockets recommended. 50 Water St., Gastown, 604-682-3868

K INTERIORS
Formerly J Interiors, K Interiors was purchased by Calgary designer Kathy Love. Chandeliers and glittering things still figure prominently as do rare woods and luxurious fabrics. Still a tasteful mix of old-world craftsmanship and more modern classics, K Interiors proves that impeccable taste can weather any storm. 2213 Granville St., South Granville, 604-733-9823

KERRISDALE HERITAGE PAINT AND PAPER
Your next redecorating project starts here—a charming little shop that's an official supplier of Farrow & Ball paints and wallpapers. Their 100-plus colours (from $65 a gallon) are used to redo Britain’s National Trust Homes, so they represent true classic colours in deep flat tones that today’s paints can’t replicate. Many buyers go for Mouse’s Back (brown) and Cord (beige), though we’d be tempted to branch out just for the clever names like Rectory Red or Hague Blue. 6131 W. Boulevard, Kerrisdale, 604-266-0022

KOOLHAUS
Find this Global Views Flame Mirror ($750) at the spacious new brick-and-beam Koolhaus location at
1 Water St., Gastown, 604-875-9004

LIBERTY
Liberty is less a store than an imagined lifestyle—where summers are spent abroad, shortbread cookies are served off sterling silver trays and living rooms have connecting sitting rooms. In 2006, the flagship store moved to a 13,500-square-foot space in South Granville and became the exclusive Vancouver distributor of Sarah Richardson furniture and the Liberty line of bath products, which are handmade on the Sunshine Coast. Other must-haves: crystal stemware from Royal Doulton, a sleek silver art deco lamp and mercury glass tea light holders. Where else can you find a stone dove or mermaid candlestick? We dunno, but we want ’em. Sale items on the lower level are not to be missed. A new Victoria location opens soon. 1635 W. Broadway, South Granville, 604-682-7499, and two other locations in the Lower Mainland

LIGHTFORM
Reminiscent of the Austrian crystal chandeliers at New York’s Lincoln Centre, but with a decidedly industrial twist, these stunning chrome-plated, blown crystal and hand-worked Murano glass hanging lamps are created by acclaimed lighting designer Manuel Giuliano. 1060 Homer St., Yaletown, 604-688-7022

LIVINGSPACE
A fabulous selection of contemporary European lines, modern classics, and the latest pieces from Italian-design heavyweights Ceccotti, Flou Italia, Minotti and many others. At the back of the 10,000-square-foot space find accessories that are well ahead of the trends. Whimsical dish racks and ironing boards by Magis turn household chores into performance art. 188 Kingsway, South Main, 604-683-1116

THE MAIN PLANT STORE
Do you manage to murder even the hardiest of geraniums? Enter The Main Plant Store. Husband-and-wife team Shlomo and Lauren Booklin will give dead-plant pots an extreme makeover—all for the cost of just the plants themselves. 3491 Main St., South Main, 604-709-8550

ME AND JO
Occupying a corner of the sprawling Full House consignment shop, Me and Jo is a great source—perhaps the only source—for restored mid-century metal. Vintage filing cabinets, desks, salvaged medical cabinets and chrome starburst coat racks would make funky, if hefty, additions to your home office. Fair prices. c/o Full House Consignment, 1445 W. Eighth Ave., South Granville, 604-733-7789 or 778-895-1565

METROPOLITAN HOME
Vintage furnishings from the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s are the lifeblood of Mary Watson’s fabulous little store. Each piece sports a label clearly stating its age, name, where it’s been and any previous damage. Selection changes often, so come prepared to buy. 217 W. Hastings St., Downtown, 604-681-2313

THE NATURAL TEXTILE COMPANY
Like the name suggests, this store specializes in natural fabrics (hand-loomed cottons, linens, silks and hemps) for custom-made furnishings, slipcovers, drapery. But don’t think for a second that natural implies boho or shabby-chic. These luxurious fabrics are specifically sourced by the owners who unabashedly admit a bias towards clean, contemporary, European design. 301-990 W. Seventh Ave., Fairview, 604-736-2101

PEKING LOUNGE
Vancouverites Michael Bennette and Daniel Poulin have seen to it that their store, Peking Lounge, is an accurate tribute to Chinese history, art and culture. They’ve also learned to accurately depict Vancouver style, mixing contemporary ideas with the Asian aesthetic they came to appreciate while travelling in the East for years. Look for the Mandarin Orange line of jewelry, handmade lanterns and stunning elm armoires. 83 E. Pender St., Gastown, 604-844-1559

PERIDOT
If Parisienne-pretty is your style, look no further than Peridot for scented candles, tasselled pillows, sparkling chandeliers and semiprecious stone jewellery made by local interior decorator Amanda Vogler. 1512 W. 14th Ave., South Granville, 604-736-4499

POTTERY BARN
Like the haircuts that launched a thousand ships (and drove stylists to the brink of insanity), we once again have Friends to thank for another cult phenomenon. Pottery Barn sells those casual-classic home furnishings that draw people like bees to the hive. Then again, we can't help but adore the plush bath towels and oversized alarm clocks. 2600 Granville St., South Granville, 604-678-9897

PROVIDE
Blink and you might miss it—this lifestyle and home decor shop proves good things come in small packages. The tiny shop packs a punch with pieces from Rina Menardi, Klein Reid, Heath Ceramics, Alessi, Martha Sturdy, Terence Conran by Royal Doulton, and much more. 529 Beatty St., 604-632-0095

REAL CANADIAN SUPERSTORE
Joseph Mimran of Club Monaco and Caban fame is the man behind the cheap and cheerful President's Choice Home Collection. His penchant for clean lines is evident in simple bathroom accessories, linens, and neutral dinnerware. Check out the summery four-section server and coordinating tray ($7.99-9.99). Made from light melamine, it’s perfect for the patio, as are the tatami-like placements and matching cotton napkin rings ($9.99 for four place settings). 350 S.E. Marine Dr., Marpole; 3185 Grandview Highway, Commercial (note: no phone numbers)

SMALL MEDIUM LARGE
What does a low-slung coffee table, a tea set and a dog’s dish have in common? If they display forward thinking design and are made locally, they make the cut at this modernist design boutique. 334 W. Cordova St., Gastown, 604-696-5211

STEPBACK
Co-owners Robin Muxlow and Chris Switzer source most of their antiques and vintage finds from relatives and private collections and produce their own line of distressed pine furniture; the child-sized chairs ($45) and tables ($100) are top-sellers, as is the darling Cicely shelving unit ($590), which is named after the couple’s three-year-old daughter. We love the collection of Bobbsey Twins books ($8 each) and colourful Danica pillows ($16 for small; $20 for large). 3026 W. Broadway, Kitsilano, 604-731-7525

STILL LIFE INTERIORS
All the sleek, clean-lined wood furnishings carried at Still Life are locally built using traditional joinery techniques. Check out the Barlow Tyrie line of outdoor furniture built of solid teak ($500-$5000). You’ll also find a great selection of Artemide and Isamu Noguchi lamps and hot-selling Jonathan Adler pottery ($50-500). 2349 Granville St., South Granville, 604-730-5770

U LIFE ACCESSORY STORE
Unity Whittaker travels the globe to source exclusive pieces of jewellery and home decor for her U Life Accessory Store. We adore New York-based Cec Lepage’s cubist lucite vases in colours like chocolate, grape and French blue (starting at $285). Italian glass beads lined with 24-karat-gold flake make for eye-popping accessories. 2028 Vine St., Kitsilano, 604-879-9135

WOW INTERIORS
The selection at this mid-century/60s mod shop is a little hit-and-miss at times. One week: a horrifying velour sofa in blood-orange; the next, a beautiful teak dining table in pristine condition priced to sell at $595. The unexpected is exactly what vintage shopping is all about, fair shopper. 350 W. Pender St., Downtown, 604-729-5957

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