I always like going to design shows. Despite the blandness of most convention halls, I normally come out feeling re-energized in some way. At this year’s IDS in Toronto, I admit I was more impressed with some of the opening night outfits than the exhibits. I know, I know, that’s harsh. I’m impressed with anyone that can pull off a decent booth – I give total credit for that. But I was hoping to find a bit more. I don’t know what exactly, but just a bit more.
There were definitely a few pieces that caught my eye. Bauhaus had a great set of sliding doors on display, as pictured below.
Lema s.p.a. got me quite jazzed about doing the closets in our new house.
Atelier LC2 displayed a lovely walnut desk, called the Veto. The picture doesn’t do it justice, but the wood had heft and you could lift a slat to reveal a hidden drawer. I thought it was quite beautiful.
I also thought Light Form had some really cool lamps. Check out the Fork Floor Lamp by Foscarini.
Studio EyeSpy had a fabulous Studioilse lamp tucked away in the corner (available at DWR).
Klaus by Neinkamper also displayed some amazing pendants.
But really, the booth that got me to stop cold in my tracks was IKEA. Yes, IKEA. I could not believe the kitchen they had on display – I even loved their chairs.
Come to think of it, I should take back my initial comments. Turns out there were quite a few inspirational pieces after all. Plus, I didn’t even make it to the Jaime Hayon discussion. I wish I’d made it to that one.
So, there you have it – a slow start with a strong finish. I do feel re-energized after all. Sorry about that.
Is it just me or are yellow design accents popping up everywhere? Maybe it’s the winter blahs that are drawing me to one of the happiest colours around. But I’m kind-of-into all the yellow I’ve been seeing.
The first set of chairs I noticed was from Laplace & Co architecture and design. You could get very lost at this site. Stunning. These chairs are from their Place St. Georges project.
Then I spotted these cheery yellow chairs care of stylist Elodie Rambaud
I was flipping through the latest LivingEtc. and saw this yellow kitchen. It’s a bit too bold for me, but then again, so is living in a concrete house. But you’ve got to give architect Greg Katz and wife Caryn credit – it really works for this space.
A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of being introduced to Frank Viva by a mutual friend. Frank has it all going on with modesty to match. He’s built an amazing branding and design agency called Viva & Co. He created Whigby – you must check out their poster and stationery line. His first kid’s book is pending with HarperCollins. And, now, yes, Frank has hit the illustration jackpot. Deservedly so. He’s illustrated the latest cover of The New Yorker. The New Yorker. Let me say that again. Ok, I won’t, but you get the picture. I adore Frank’s illustration style. Its modern and distinct and gaining serious momentum.
I have a heap of old New Yorker covers that I’ve been collecting over the years. What a fabulous addition the January 18, 2010 issue will be.
New Year’s was pretty quiet this year. We had just returned from our holiday trip. Babysitter-less and exhausted, we opted to stay home. We did enjoy some delicious lobster and had a lovely time. But if there’s a party I could have gone to, I think it would have been the one I just read about in Food&Wine.
Forget the amazing food for a moment – I’d love to check out the Chemosphere house in Los Angeles. I mean, really. Art-book publisher Benedikt Taschen and his wife, Lauren, had a killer setting to ring in the New Year. They also brought two of the best-rated new chefs in 2009 (Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo) to cater the meal. Now, I admit, I’d never heard of Jon or Vinny before reading the article. But I imagine they’re pretty damn good.
Plus, guests got to take a “hillavator” or tram to reach the party. It is 2010 after all.
I’m always on the lookout for great paper products. How glad am I to have found Rifle Paper Co? Designer Anna Bond has created a whimsical line that is original and personal. Some designs are hand illustrated and custom creations are also available. The collection makes me want to throw a post-holiday party. Well, maybe not, but I do love their invites.
Happy New Year everyone. What a lovely vacation I just had. We took a last minute trip to Arizona. It was wonderful to get away. The weather was cooler than expected, but still crisp and fresh. Now we’re back, dealing with snow and below zero temperatures. Eek. I’m dreaming of sunnier days. It’s also my daughter’s birthday next week. I’m not sure where the past two years have gone, but I think my little girl is ready for a set of wheels. Well, this might be premature and the weather is not particularly conducive to this gift, but I have my eye on a LikeaBike. I love the simple design. I love the concept of avoiding training wheels. I’m not so sure I love the price tag, but I did spot a less expensive version by Tyke Rider (thanks coolmompicks!). Both will win me big points, I think, from my daughter who is itching for independence.
I’m Katherine Yaphe, the founder and designer behind Oliver Yaphe, Inc. This business was an idea in my mind for a long time. I knew that I wanted to build something, I just didn’t know how. I worked in the corporate world dreaming of what to do next. Then one day I decided to just start. I launched with rugs. Branched off to artwork. Paper came next. We’ll see what’s to come. What I do know, is there will be more.
Oliver Yaphe Blog
I love being inspired to create. It doesn’t matter how big or small the undertaking, it’s more about this feeling that drives so much of what I do. This blog is my space to instill a bit of that energy to my readers. It’s a lofty goal. I might fail horribly. But every once in a while, something might click (or at least I hope so).
