Tea towels by local label The Tiny Fig
The Tiny Fig, a web-based store, started as a way for the owner to keep busy while not in university. And keep busy she did: she designs and creates every piece herself. This pet project flourished into a sweet little business with too-cute collectibles for sale: tea towels emblazoned with mushrooms, green sprouts (pictured) or elephants, cartoon-looking earrings and colourful, fun tees. Online at www.thetinyfig.com. —Jennifer Patterson
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
Dahlhaus vases photo by Curtis Hildebrand Photography
Spruce up the ol’ abode or brighten a dreary office with colourful ceramics by Vancouver’s Dahlhaus Studio. Artist Heather Dahl draws inspiration from vintage and mid-century modern textiles and wallpapers for her eye-catching designs, found on bowls, jugs, plates and mugs. Pop a daffodil or two in a striped bottle vase (pictured), then brew a hot cuppa in a poppy-patterned teapot. Head to bustling Anthropologie or shop online at www.dahlhausart.com.—Jennifer Patterson
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
Parvez Taj's Birds on a Wire is among the exclusive art pieces available at CB2
After several delays, CB2, the sister store of Crate and Barrel, is finally open at the corner of Queen and Bathurst streets. Known for its aesthetically spare pieces designed for small spaces, this is the chain’s first location outside of the United States. The building’s original masonry has been restored, and large windows showcase the varied offerings inside, including furniture, lighting fixtures, items for the kitchen and dining room, and decor accents such as pillows, vases and artwork. The popular “One of a Finds” collection is also here, with limited-edition pieces made by artisans from around the world. Open daily. 651 Queen St. W., 416-366-2828.
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
Wool blankets by OLEANA, at Urbanity
When the weather outside is frightful, curl up with a super-soft blanket by Norwegian company OLEANA. These bright throws are made of merino wool (pictured) or alpaca and reference both Nordic culture and the Silk Road in their patterns. Stop by Urbanity to find OLEANA blankets, knitwear, silks and coats to perfect your Scandinavian style.—Kristina Urquhart
More information:
URBANITY 2412 Granville St. 604-801-6262. www.urbanity.ca
Get inspired by the decor at Livingspace
Urban Inspiration
The up-and-coming Armoury District, just west of Granville Island, is a go-to spot for hot home shops and even hotter coffee. Livingspace (pictured) thrills decor and design aficionados with its recently opened multi-level location. Mint Interiors stocks cool collectibles and eye-catching light fixtures. And next door’s Café Bica offers an inspired setting to sip frothy lattes and nosh on freshly baked pastries.—Jennifer Patterson
More information:
LIVINGSPACE INTERIORS 1706 W. 1st Ave. 604-683-1116. www.livingspace.com
MINT INTERIORS 1805 Fir Street. 604-568-3430. www.mintinteriors.ca
CAFE BICA $. B/L (M-Sa). 1809 Fir St. 604-733-8818. www.cafebica.com
Bird decorations from Homesense
Cheep Cheep Cheer
Even those who believe the holiday season is for the birds can’t resist adorable felt owls from Homesense ($4.99). Find more seasonal decorations that won’t break the budget at Sears and Christmas Street in The Bay.—Sheri Radford
More information:
HOMESENSE 493 Robson St. 604-683-4406. www.homesense.ca
SEARS Pacific Centre, 701 Granville St. 604-685-7112. www.sears.ca
THE BAY 674 Granville St. at Georgia. 604-681-6211. www.thebay.com
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
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