I want to continue talking about some local shops in Vancouver's Main Street area. I had mentioned Vancouver Special a while back, and would like to add another favourite - By Design. This retailer focuses on Danish modern design and carries some beauties from some of the more popular mid-century modern names; Hans J. Wegner, Arne Jacobsen, and Poul Henningsen to name a few. Many pieces are made from rich teaks and Rosewoods or lighter beeches, so the selection of dark and light woods will work with most palettes.

1955 Jacobsen designed The 7 Chair - an elegant bent wood piece.

Hans Wegner's Chinese Chair 1944. I would have this one as a sculpture! so gorgeous, organic, and simple.

1926 one of the most beautiful and utilitarian lamps ever designed PH5. (PH stands for Poul Henningsen). Install the PH in a library, a kitchen, a dining room, even a bedroom or hallway as long as it is a focal point!!

 

Danish Design is thoughtful, elegant, and sophisticated. It is also a lifestyle and part of that lifestyle must include, out of necessity, food and drink. I close with this elegant Danishly designed cocktail.

Gin Junkie
1.5 fl. oz. Gin
.5 fl. oz. Linie Aquavit
.25 fl. oz. St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur
.25 fl. oz. Agave Nectar/Syrup
2 Dashes Orange Bitters
Lemon Peel for Garnish
Combine gin, aquavit, elderflower liqueur, agave syrup, and bitters in a mixing glass filled with ice. Stir to chill and strain into a pre-chilled cocktail glass. Squeeze lemon peel over surface to express oils and drop into the cocktail

(Credit is due to: All the Gin Joints a recipe collection book by Michael Turback. The Gin Junkie recipe was created by Aleko Lilly of Barrio Capitol Hill in Seattle).

 

By Design can be found in the 4500 block on Main St. Vancouver.

Warm and Cozy Wood Inspiration........

Reclaimed wood and wood in general is always very popular when it comes to furniture design and interiors. The innovations out there now are wonderful and owning a piece of any of these is well worth the spending!

I've pulled together some images here that suggest a rustic, natural taste. Nothing feels more homey and comfortable than wood.



This beauty was designed by surfer turned Brazilian designer, Carlos Motta. Available....where else....? California!

Walnut lends itself to a more sophisticated palette. This beautifully crafted dining table is by Hudson Furniture based out of NYC.

One can purchase this rustic piece from designers like yours truly. Made of Mango wood and iron this side table on wheels would be comfortable in almost any home. And there's more in this line - coffee table, console table, book case...

now, if darker or older woods aren't your taste, Oly furniture designs are gorgeous in white.

Light from a wood lamp is always subtle like candle light - so romantic.

This lovely bench is called Saddle by our own Brent Comber, whose work can be seen all over the world. You can see some of his pieces featured in several of our own city's restaurants, retail stores and galleries. Check out his site! www.brentcomber.com

 Artfully carved tree roots to expose bowls!!

Looking like a topographical map this earth bowl by Fluid is made of plywood!! So clever.

To tie up my rustic and wood inspiration brief I think there can't be a drink that suggests rustic moreso than beer. I leave you with this image. From dark to light, beer has as many colours and shapes as wood!! Imbibe!

...February, month of despair...

I don't usually mind the rain so much, nor the cold, but this February has been ridiculously grey, cold and more grey and cold. No one has described this winter month better than Margaret Atwood in her poem "February". She says, it is a "...month of despair,..." and a "Time to eat fat and watch hockey." which I have also done these past 17 days. I know far more about the Canucks than I normally do, and have eaten far more bacon than usual.
For inspiration, instead of looking in the usual spots, like the tropics, I thought I would take a closer look at my gorgeous city, Vancouver!! I love to check out one of the most inspiring areas in town - Main St!!

 Vancouver Special! A favourite amongst

those who love Bauhaus and mid century modern design.



I love these Pinocchio rugs by Hay! and these wonderfully coloured dot blankets! I tend to lean toward all things cozy and warm these days.

Well, this is a start. And since my Canucks app tells me the Canucks aren't playing tonight I best put the skillet on!

What Inspires.....

A good strong coffee  - if you are in need - this is it!

The Arab Strap

......... coffee and rum that is

the recipe

6 oz Strong Black Coffee
2 Cardamom Pods
1 Twist of Orange
2 Demerara Sugar Cubes (2 tsp)
1 oz rum
0.5 oz Molasses

Pinch cardamom pods to slightly break outer hull
Add coffee, sugar, and cardamom to a small sauce pan
Twist orange peel over pan and add to coffee
Heat to boil, then remove from heat, setting aside for a few minutes
Combine rum and molasses, add to a coffee cup
Return coffee in pan to boil, then add hot contents to the coffee mug
No one will begrudge you a dollop of whipped cream and/or some nutmeg

A nice Eastern - Caribbean fusion.

While this is an inspiring segue to move from afternoon to evening, the aromas, colours, texture and images that come to mind with this coffee cocktail seems to me to be a great starting point for design inspiration. Dark, strong, sophisticated and a little spicy!

Black and White! and the dark pendants become a real focal point!

Gorgeous Tangerine with charcoal. Dark and spicy!! A simple palette with hardly any white, but still cheery!!

 Love these black glass decorative pieces for special locations in your home! Very elegant and slightly exotic! Try them with coloured candles and colourful flowers.

Black and White can become a part of almost any interior. These cushions on a blue, orange, or green sofa! Sooooo Spicy!

Designer's February Week-end

Okay, it's a February winter week-end, it's grey and cold out!! Besides huddling up next to a fireplace I suggest finding a nice cozy colour to nestle up with - like tangerine or saffron!

or liven a room with

tropical blue!!

then end the day with one of these!

Saffron lemon grass martini - tropical and exotic!!

Ingredients

2 ounces Saffron Infused Gin
1/4 ounce agave syrup
1/3 ounce lemon juice
Half stick of lemon grass (muddled)

Directions

Add ingredients to a cocktail mixer with ice. Shake well and strain. Serve in a martini glass and garnish with a stick of lemon grass.