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Tag Archive | "Art"

For the Dog Lover on Your List

Monday, December 19, 2011

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Poking around Toronto's W.R. Antiques (179 Queen Street East, 416.504.6900) awhile back I was struck by how much dog art shop owner Winnie Runnquist has accumulated. Bronzes, cast iron sculptures, bookends, ceramics, paintings -- if dogs are your thing or a passion of someone on your Christmas list, then W.R. is a great spot to find something special for under the tree. I wouldn't suggest that Runnquist has every breed covered but her range is impressive and her prices are reasonable; the beautiful cast iron Spaniel is $195 . . .

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Aberfoyle 2: The Best of the Rest

Friday, October 14, 2011

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This is the smiling face of my friend Ingrid with her one and only purchase from our trip to the Aberfoyle Antiques Market last Sunday. Ingrid has a cream and gilt dressing table that was in desperate need of a mirror and this piece is practically a perfect match. The seller wanted $45 for it but Ingrid drives a hard bargain -- they settled for $35. So what else did we see at Aberfoyle? It wasn't a great week for furniture but we scoped some pretty terrific odds and ends . . .

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Client Project: Worth the Wait

Thursday, September 22, 2011

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Magda was/is my first decorating "client." I use parentheses because our relationship has evolved over the course of the two years we've been working together and we have definitely become friends. She introduced herself at the end of a talk I gave at the National Homeshow in fall 2009; she was looking for help rescuing her decor, which was stuck in the '80s . . . the 1880s. Magda didn't know me from Adam when we met, she'd never even seen styleNorth. I have to give her ample credit for agreeing to what sometimes felt like risky purchases but in the end it all came together beautifully.

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Africa on Queen

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

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Kiondo, a Toronto gallery specializing in African art and decor items isn't exactly new but with no storefront signage, the shop has been flying a little under the radar. Business owner Chris Johnson has been importing crafts and art from Africa — mostly from around the Guinea Coast — since 1988, selling privately to dealers and designers before opening Kiondo in 2009. A painter and illustrator, he's something of an accidental retailer having fallen into the business by happenstance. Johnson shares the shop at 323 Queen Street East (416.533.9959) with his wife, jewelry designer Laura Serrafero (Eles Designs).

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Collectors Find Outlet with Moderncraze

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

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I'm not certain how I ended up there but I recently stumbled upon Moderncraze, an online vintage shop based right here in Toronto. The store was established in April by life-long treasure hunter Larysa Fenyn whose living room is pictured. Larysa has been haunting flea markets and auctions all her life and like many collectors, she finally came to the conclusion that she could/should get into the business of flipping her fabulous finds. She has partnered with two similarly inclined friends to keep Moderncraze stocked with decorative arts and jewelry. There's very little furniture but lots of great, well-priced smalls.

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