new at IKEA

From time to time around here I share my picks from the newest crop of goods being offered up at IKEA. I'm not sponsored by IKEA in any way. I'm just a fan. My duties take me to IKEA frequently. So frequently that I'm now able to distinguish the new SKUs from the throng of product. Of course, IKEA makes it easy to id the new products on its web site by categorizing them under a section cleverly called "new". But that's just so obvious. Anyhoo, here are my top 4.

This is the Storsele rattan chair, $99. I have a serious case of the wants for a pair of these. I searched high and low for chairs like this for our little cottage in PEI, but had no luck finding some in time for the mag photo shoot. Sigh. As a backup, we coordinated a quick makeover for a pair of pretty little faux bamboo tub chairs we already owned. They look great, but are utterly uncomfortable. So tragic. I REALLY want to swap them out for a pair of these. The complicating factor of course, is the logistics of getting a pair of chairs from PEI to Ontario and getting these from Ontario to PEI. Fun times, but I guess that's what we signed up for. OK, back to the chair. Here's what I REALLY love about it. The guiding principle in the design of this thing was to ensure it was comfortable without any cushions. That's a stroke of brilliance for a piece of rattan furniture. Do you think they do that at McGuire? Hmmm, not sure.

This is the Sigurd dining chair, $69.99. To me this is elegant simplicity. However, I'm already imaging a million ways to hack this thing. It's a blank canvas waiting for interpretation. Off the top of my head, I'd love to add some padding and upholstery to try to boost its comfort factor. Would love to see it in a Joseph Frank fabric.

I think Mr. A would have a canniption fit if I came home with this. The current count of cream throws chez nous is in the neighbourhood of 5 or 6. But, as I have argued before, I am a stylist, and a stylist can never have enough cream throws. This one is all cabley and soft cotton perfection. The Ursula for $39.99.

it's white, it's an amazing shape. It's the Tisdag work lamp. It's $69.99 and it will be finding a new home at my office soon. Oh, and PS. it's LED so uses 80% less power than a standard work light.

That's it for now. Have a great week and if I don't talk to you again before the big day, have a wonderful Holiday.

forgotten furniture: secretary

Oh I love a secretary. I file them under the heading of forgotten furniture because you just don't see them used very much. Pity. I don't think a more multi-functional piece of furniture exists on the planet. Take for instance the Hallings Secretary (above), designed by the delightful Thomas O'Brien. That beauty could hold silverware, serving pieces and table linens -- or even out of season sweaters -- in the drawers, while the fold down desk part could host a day's work, the writing of thank you notes or a complete bar setup, as needed. I love that a secretary doesn't give away all its charms in one glance. It invites interaction -- the opening and closing of drawers and compartments. Such a showcase for the cabinetmaker's art. I spied so many lovelies today on my brief search. All hail the secretary.

c. 1900 petite French ladies secretary, Antiques on Old Plank Road, 1st dibs

the Ethan Allen Newport. Repro but still very attractive.

the American Artisan Audrey also from Ethan Allen with a beach house feel.

simple and white Alve, with the option of having a top cabinet or not from your friends at IKEA.

the Eastman from Ballard Designs. Love the grey interior. Dang I wish they'd ship to Canada.

secretary no. sixty three from the next big thing in furniture, The New Traditionalists. visited the showroom recently for the Rue Issue #3 launch party. Incredible space in soho, gorgeous furniture and great party.

another 1st dibs classic. this one a Sheraton mahogany from Schwenke.

french bulldog tea light holders

I am kind of a crazy dog lady, but I really try hard not to cross the line. You know the line I mean. The line between having dog stuff that's tasteful and in a quantity that keeps me off Hoarders and, well, the other side of that line. I think the other side begins with mugs and custom Ts and totes and ends in a downward spiral of figurines, needlepoint pillows other other affronts to good taste. But opinions on the line vary. So how's a girl to know? Me, I do a bit of a gut check. When I see an item like these little French bulldog tealight holders I spark up an inner dialogue that goes something like this:

Me: "Oh, little Frenchies, aren't they so cute!?"

Me again: "Hmmm, not sure, the front legs are weird and I kinda don't get the design concept behind putting a tealight on a wee doggy's back. The form is not enhancing the light quality in any way (as the lovely crosshatched design of the cups is)."

Me: "But I love the chalky white finish and the classic grumpy bulldog expression on their faces. So fun."

Me again: "But does the world need another tealight holder? Remember Margot, you pretty much resolved a few years ago that the IKEA Galej or a similar versions in mercury glass fulfill the form and style requirements for the category of tea light holders, rendering all others redundant. Do not buy these." 

Me: "You're right self, I don't need these. I don't want these. Plus, when's the last time I lit a tea light? I prefer poured scented candles or tapers anyway."

I feel I have made the sane style decision by not buying them, but I only got there by talking to myself...but I assure you it wasn't out loud. 

bertie bulldog candle holders, graham & green