Photo by Erin Weiss
Canadian prairie girl Cathy Terepocki makes each one of these charming ceramics by hand. Playfully decorated mugs, vases and bowls (pictured) are a great way to express individual interests. Fan of fowl? Eat your cereal from a bird-adorned bowl. Water baby at heart? Let your imagination drift while sipping from a sailboat cup. Purchase your new addition to the kitchen at Walrus.—Jennifer Patterson
Kitchen tools at West Elm Market
Christmas came early for decor divas in Vancouver when furniture favourite West Elm opened in September. Now there’s an extra reason to be jolly this season with the arrival of nearby sister store West Elm Market. The space, modelled after a general store, is chock-a-block with home accessories ranging from colourful garden hoses to retro laundry bags. We love the selection of kitchen tools (pictured), which make for fun—and useful—stocking stuffers.—Kristina Urquhart
Bins by Studio Brovhn
Small, modern-day apartments require plenty of extra storage, something not easily found in 500-sq-ft condos. Studio Brovhn, a buzz-worthy local label, offers a solution with bins (pictured), boxes and bags that collapse to the thickness of a magazine but are ready to hold items both big and small. The deets: offered in various sizes and colours (orange, white or grey), they’re both tear- and water-resistant, made from innovative material that’s finer than hair and fully recyclable, plus they weigh less than paper. Provide, on the edge of Gastown, carries these small-space must-haves, so there’s no longer an excuse for runaway piles.—Jennifer Patterson
Potter’s Workshop Bean dishware at West Elm
The USA’s beloved West Elm finally sets up shop on the West Coast on Sep. 12. What better excuse for a total home makeover? The chic location is teeming with everything from silver-rimmed glassware and organic bedding to stylish tchotchkes and hand-painted dishware (including Potter’s Workshop Bean, pictured). Rotating collaborations with global artists make for unique finds, and the We Heart Handmade Art events bring local artisans in-house to sell their wares.—Jennifer Patterson
Log Bowls at Kit Interiors. Photo: Adele Brunnhofer.
These lovely log bowls are designed by Doha Chebib of the Alberta-based Loyal Loot co-operative. Interior accessory gems, they’re made of real Alberta wood and come in a variety of colours and sizes, retailing between $68 – $204. A fantastic accent for any home, the bowls are available at Kit Interior Objects in Calgary’s SODO Design District.
Kit Interiors, 725, 11 Ave SW.
Tables lined with a treasure trove of new and vintage finds at Stepback. Photo by KK Law
A visit to Vancouver’s west side wouldn’t be complete without a pop by Stepback. Here, the best of old-school furnishings mix with modern pieces to create a space chock-full of covetable goodies for the home. Spruce up kitchen cupboards and counters with retro-styled accessories; practise perfect penmanship on nostalgia-laced stationery; chart a course for home on an old map; or pack a snap-and-go suitcase before heading out of town. Just-released design books tempt, while bowls of letters inspire even the most uncreative wordsmith. Think of it as finding a one-stop shop where the best garage sale finds and flea market scores have congregated. Custom furniture, ranging from hutches to dressers to tables to benches, is also available to order.—Jennifer Patterson
These chic feetless wine glasses from Waterwinewine are a popular buy at Ma Cuisine.
For anyone who knows their way around a kitchen, Ma Cuisine is a must. Located in the ByWard Market, this spacious shop carries more than 12,000 products. Take time to browse the latest and greatest items on the market for cooking and baking, as well as kitchen accessories. Some popular pieces you’ll find in store? Try the Corkcicle, an icicle that’s inserted into a wine bottle to keep white wine chilled without diluting it, or “feetless” wine glasses from Waterwinewine (featured) that are part art, part drink holder. 269 Dalhousie St., 613-789-9225.
Crate and Barrel's younger sibling, CB2, has arrived in Vancouver
Condo dwellers and homeowners alike are flocking to the newly opened CB2 on Robson Street, its second location in Canada. This younger sibling to the United States’ popular Crate and Barrel stores stocks unique yet affordable home furnishings that brighten your home without emptying your wallet. If you’re looking for just the right yellow filing cabinet, or orange bird-shaped candle holder, or blue bar cart, then this is the place for you. —Sheri Radford
Mariner lamps by Vancouver-based Fleet Objects
Artist Zoe Garred sure keeps herself busy. Through her Vancouver-based design studio, Fleet Objects, she’s released a collection of ceramic tableware, braided jewellery and shell lamps. But it’s her mariner lamps (pictured) that really catch the eye. Each one is hand-cast in porcelain and available at www.fleetobjects.com.—Jennifer Patterson
Vase photo courtesy Moooi
Liven up your lovely abode with a piece of cheeky home decor. The eye-catching blow-away vase by Moooi (pictured) makes for a humourous twist on the classic royal blue Delft print. Looking for something larger in scale? Purchase the much-ballyhooed 2.4-m- (7.8-ft-) tall Moooi horse lamp—literally a lampshade on a horse statue. Both are available at Livingspace.—Jennifer Patterson
Not just for kids: the Contexture Designs mobile
Celebrate the annual fall salmon run in British Columbia with an eye-catching redfish mobile by Contexture Designs. Run by two Vancouverites, this local company was recently awarded Western Living’s 2011 Eco Designer of the Year award. Purchase this mesmerizing ode to the sockeye salmon, made from recycled paper and salvaged maps, at Vancouver Special or online at www.contexture.ca.—Jennifer Patterson
More information:
Vancouver Special, 3612 Main St. 604-568-3673.
www.vanspecial.com
Stylish stores and cool eateries line the 11th to 15th Avenue stretch of this upscale neighbourhood
By Jennifer Patterson & Amanda Peters
Pottery Barn Kids
Serious Fashion
Rich colours set the tone at Boboli, a high-end shop with clothes from designers such as Giambattista Valli and Issey Miyake. Head next door for more fancy dress at the attached Max Mara. Hit up Anthropologie for the coveted clothing, accessories and whimsical home decor. Fashionable femmes pop by Violet for items both cute and comfortable.
Artistic Flair
Catch a performance by some of Vancouver’s best thespians at the Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage. Fans of the static arts visit Winsor Gallery to see pieces by Emily Carr University graduates along with works by established North American artists. Bau-Xi Gallery is the perfect place to peruse contemporary fine art by internationally acclaimed Canadian artists including Joseph Plaskett and Anthony Redpath.
A Taste of the Town
Join the throng of locals at Vij’s and indulge in mouth-watering Indian cuisine. This always-busy restaurant doesn’t take reservations but it’s worth the wait. If you’re tight on cash and time, grab a table next door at sister spot
Smoked sablefish at West. Photo by Tracey Kusiewicz
Rangoli for a more casual take on the same fabulous flavours. Award-winning West caters to theatregoers with a special pre-theatre dinner menu available nightly until 6 p.m. Spice up the day with Cajun and Creole cuisine at Ouisi Bistro. With its relaxed atmosphere and private patio, there’s no better place to enjoy the comforting flavours of the Louisiana bayous.
Happy Homes
Buy colourful quilts, accessories and gadgets galore for your favourite tot at Pottery Barn Kids. Whether a veteran of the kitchen or a novice at the oven, you’ll find everything you need to make that perfect dish at Williams-Sonoma.