RSS

Tag Archive | "Design Classics"

Collectors Find Outlet with Moderncraze

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

4 Comments

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.

Full post and comments...

It’s Worth the Drive to Dunnville

Monday, July 18, 2011

3 Comments

It's not easy to get to but after a road trip to tiny Dunnville, Ontario, on Saturday I can say without question, it's worth the drive to Time Capsule. Jammed from front to back with mid-century furniture, lighting and accessories, the shop lives up to its name, and then some. Owner/operator Jay Clarke was essentially born into the business; his parents were vintage card dealers and dragged him to shows and garage sales as far back as he can remember. Then as a college student he began kitting-out his own place with the only furniture he could afford, 1960s and '70s thrift store finds. His collecting lead to research and before long, a new vocation. Jay opened Time Capsule about five years ago and has never looked back. He sells online and to visiting dealers and collectors who come in from Toronto or upstate New York.

Full post and comments...

Tear Down: Another One Bites the Dust

Monday, July 4, 2011

16 Comments

Tear-down syndrome might have abated in the U.S. due the housing collapse but it's as prevalent as ever here in Toronto. This beautiful, 1960s Deck House on a large, lush lot backing onto parkland is destined for demolition once the sale closes in early August. I say the house is beautiful and it truly is . . . inside and from the back. From the front it's beyond nondescript showing itself to the world as a low-slung Ranch with nary a window, just a gated courtyard to break up the dull expanse of brick. From the back it's a whole other story, a gorgeous, three-tiered facade defined by walls of glass and the decks that give the house its name.

Full post and comments...

So Long, Louis

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

7 Comments

I loved my Louis XV sofa, I really did. But it was more a reflection of my former partner’s taste than my own. Sure, I had a hand in choosing it but I always saw it as a beautiful bridge, one that spanned his taste for English country and my preference for a cleaner, more modern line. The Louis’s curves and cabriole legs appealed to him and its unadorned back and single bench cushion appealed to me — it was a lovely compromise. But now that I’m on my own there’s no need to bend, I can make my space a true reflection of my taste, at least to the extent that my budget permits. And earlier this month Craigslist presented me with an opportunity to change things up courtesy of the mid-century daybed/sofa.

Full post and comments...

Another Satisfied Customer

Saturday, June 4, 2011

0 Comments

I love, love, love it when someone writes to share a story about something they discovered on styleNorth. Reader Andrea was delighted to learn about Ontario's Toyls of Labur, which she compared to Britain's Labour and Wait in her comment on my post. After scouring the Canadian retailer's website, Andrea placed an order for some Einbecker Blaudruck table linens totaling just over $200, which meant she received free shipping. "The packaging was lovely," she reports, "and included a great card with info on the company, handwritten, as well as a PDF that they emailed me showing the manufacturing process of my items. I am thrilled with my purchase from Toyls of Labur."

Full post and comments...
« Previous Entries
Next Entries »