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Toronto-based artist and design retailer Jamie Cheveldeyoff has brought 30 Canadian artists and designers together under a new initiative called the Koma Designs Collective. Yesterday’s sunny spring day was a good omen for Cheveldeyoff, who welcomed friends, family and customers to an unveiling party at Koma’s 2,000-square foot gallery/showroom in the Parkdale neighbourhood.

I was inspired by the creativity of the displays, many of which emphasize found and recycled materials like Gilbert Vanden Heuvel‘s double coffee table (above, $350) made from recycled bicycle parts. Vanden Heuvel has also created a companion chair and ottoman made with recycled bicycle tires.

Unlike a typical retail situation, the Koma Collective permits the artists to set their own prices. Click through for a sampling of other unique Koma Collective pieces . . .

Brothers Dressler: The Transatlantique chaise, above right, is an homage to the past that would be welcome on my deck where it would encourage hours of relaxation ($1,000); the coat hook, dubbed Last Night ($400), is made of old shoe forms and is whimsical as well as practical.

Judit Gueth: A textile artist I first spotted at this year’s Interior Design Show, Judit’s 5′ x 8′ hand-loomed carpets (below left, $650) are unique and would bring a bright spot of colour and pattern to any home; same goes for her lively accent pillows  (16″ x 16″, $65). Judit also designs wallpaper and has samples available in the store.

Holtzundmetal: Peter Wehrspann’s Post chairs (below right, $599) caught my eye because of their simple metal frames and unique covering – old Canada Post mail bags from the 1920s, a lucky find by Wehrspann. His collaboration with Pietro Gagliano from True False Studio has produced a collection that includes the WTC Lounger (below left, $1297 or $1097 without pattern).

Rick Ivey: I’m always a fan of bookcases and this Bent steel bookcase (below left, $650) would make my art and coffee table books happier than they are in their current place on my living room floor.

Jamie Cheveldeyoff: Although it wouldn’t work in my home, unfortunately, the Cyber Sputnic pendant (below, $500) would look great in a mid-century styled abode.

All photos by Waheeda Harris, Copyright 2009

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