After two and a half days at the furniture market, we had to get out in the city and see some of the permanent design destinations. No, not the Forum Shops at Caesar’s, but The Arts District near Fremont Street and modern-design mecca Unica Home. More on that shortly.
Attending the Vegas market was an eye-opening experience. To the casual observer, the retail experience is just about one store and its product. However, there is so much more that goes on in order to make it possible. The buying process isn’t just about choosing product, it’s also about finding good value, determining trends but staying true to your concept, forging relationships with reps and exhibitors and taking the time to travel to places like the World Market Center. Even more reason to support your local business owners—they put in a lot of work for you!
One of the highlights of the trip, for me, was meeting Bobby Berk of Bobby Berk Home. We were in the same showroom when I glanced at his name tag, and so I had to introduce myself. Berk lives in New York, where his first store opened (he is now in four states), and his company doesn’t seem to be slowing down! He couldn’t be nicer, and I will continue to read his blog and search the new products on his site for inspiration!
On the local front, we ran into Amir Radwan, owner of Couch (1230 Western Ave., 206-633-6108). He was there looking for some accessories to go into his store. We will look forward to those, and meanwhile, go check him out!
Here are some photos from our trip to Unica Home—any modern-design lover would go crazy:
Alessi display
We also sought out the Arts District, and found a fabulous, funky vintage shop called Retro Vegas. Here are some photos:
Orange sofa from a neighborhood model home from the ’50s.
An entirely salvaged pink retro kitchen!
I love the chrome bamboo and lucite-base coffee tables.
Only in Vegas!
Other highlights from the Arts District were The Funk House, The Attic and Brett Wesley gallery.
Well, Vegas was fun, but I’m glad to be back in the Northwest. Although I saw some great places for design, I don’t think it compares to the fabulous talent we have here in the Emerald City!
February 5th, 2010
On Design Dish, we work to bring you the latest design news and goings-on in our fair city. We also love the hard-working designers and retailers that contribute to elevating design in Seattle. Click on the logos and catch up or get acquainted with these local store and furniture-designer blogs:
From iacoli & mcallister:
From Ladies & Gentleman Home:
From BoConcept:
From Grain Design:
From Trammell-Gagné:
From Capers:
From Velocity Art & Design:
From Lit Shades:
From Inform Interiors:
and 
From Revival Home & Garden:
From Piano Nobile:
From Rosanna:
From Scavenger Home:
From Meyer Wells:
Have we missed any? Let us know!
January 25th, 2010
Calder in his Roxbury icehouse studio at work on Project for Mechanical Ballet (A14999)
for Harrison Kerr, 1934, image courtesy of the Calder Foundation
The exhibition on Mid-Century artist, Alexander Calder—currently showing at the Seattle Art Museum—offers a range of the artist’s work from 1927 through the mid-1970s. Attributed as one of the most influential artists of the 20th century, Calder created works on paper, but is mostly known for his large-scale modern sculptures and wire mobiles.
His sculptures have become icons of Modernism, and we found the perfect way to infuse the look into your home—without the price of buying a masterpiece.
Danish company, Flendsted mobiles, has been producing modern mobiles since 1954, and we think they are a unique addition to any modern home. Many of the designs come in multiple color choices, or have interchangeable parts. They don’t require a lot of hardware, and at prices from under one hundred, to a couple hundred dollars, it’s an inexpensive way to make a large impact.
Here are just some of the mobiles from Flensted’s extensive product line:
from top left: Futura, Circles and Squares, Flowing Rhythm, Life & Thread
And our favorite (and of course, most expensive at $459):
Black Rhythm
Locally, Flensted is carried at KOAP Home in Kirkland, and Velocity Art & Design in Seattle.
Alexander Calder: A Balancing Act is on now through April 10, 2010 at the Seattle Art Museum, 1300 1st. Ave., (206) 654-3100, seattleartmuseum.org.
January 22nd, 2010
It’s 2010, and doesn’t it just feel fabulous? It’s a new decade, year, month and day—we’re already scheming for this year’s projects, and we’d like to approach them with a fresh perspective. White is wonderfully clean looking, so be inspired to create your own new look!
Harriet Lamp, Jayson Home & Garden; Massive Photograph of a Sea Urchin, Seattle’s Galen & Lowe Antiques, via 1stdibs
Niche 3-Drawer Dresser, West Elm; Clyde Mirror, Oly Studio
Staub La Cocotte Set, Anthropologie; 3-Piece Lotus Candleholder, cb2
January 5th, 2010
Question: what do you get for the person who has everything? Answer: if they’re artistic or design-minded, you’ll find it at your local museum store. Not only do they offer cards, art books and jewelry, both the Seattle Art Museum and the Bellevue Arts Museum have a selection of novel home decor items. Right now, the SAM is offering a coupon for 15 percent off on their Web site.
A museum store is a great way to find unique gifts and to support the arts! Take this selection from the gift guide at the MOMA Store for inspiration:
Folding Bird House, Aalto Vase
Millerstripe Tray, Garcon! Wine Opener
Eva Teakettle, Almond Bowl
December 10th, 2009
Far4
We digress from the usual gift guide suggestions today, to encourage you to attend a wonderful event to support the Seattle Art Museum. Porcelain and design boutique, Far4, and its neighbor, stylish living mecca, Watson Kennedy, are offering special shopping days—now through Dec. 6, where 15% of purchases made will be donated to the SAM. Both stores are fabulous places to buy special gifts, so we’re planning to attend the champagne reception that Far4 will be having tonight from 5-7p.m., featuring Theo Chocolate and macaroons from Honore Bakery ((206) 706-4035). Cheers to great gift giving, and to supporting the arts!
Far4
1020 1st. Ave
(206) 621-8831
Watson Kennedy Fine Home
1022 1st. Ave
(206) 652-8350
December 4th, 2009
In 1879, the first successful test of Edison’s filament bulb was carried out, and we couldn’t be more thankful for that event! Now, not only do we rely on lights to illuminate our spaces, we look to them for design inspiration. Here are some of my all-time favorites:
—Stacy Kendall
Atlantis Chandelier, We Are All Made of Stars Chandelier
Tolomeo Lamp, Random Light
Bocci Pendants, Potence Lamp
November 12th, 2009
Bravo to Inform Interiors! For the past 10 years, the showroom has consistently raised the bar for contemporary furniture and design in the city—and that certainly calls for celebration! Just going to the showroom is inspiring, so join us this Thursday for a cocktail reception at their South Lake Union showroom (2032 Eighth Ave., 206-622-1608), 5:30–8 p.m. See new products from Poltrona Frau, Poliform and Cassina—plus Moooi’s "Brave New World" lamp, which we featured in our July/August issue and was just featured in The New York Times.
See you Thursday!
November 10th, 2009
Last week, Seattle’s Far4 (1020 First Ave.) had an event to celebrate their delicious Thé O’Dor loose-leaf teas served avec Theo Chocolate (3400 Phinney Ave. N) and macaroons from Honore Artisan Bakery (1413 N.W. 70th St.)—to die for! We couldn’t help but notice some of the fun things they have in their shop at the moment. Here are some of the things that caught our eye:
Clockwise from top left: Seattle Grocery Style Map Tote (more cities available), Porcelain Pomegranate with Gold, Domestic Wall Sticker Vinyl + Hanger, Klimenkoff Porcelain Key.
November 9th, 2009
Local company Kaarskoker has introduced a fun new design to their line of chic candle sleeves—perfect for some scary and stylish Halloween decor!
on display at Great Jones Home
You can buy them online at the web site, at Nordstrom stores or at the following Seattle boutiques:
G.R. Hedges, Seattle Design Center, Ste. 262, (206) 763-4884
Great Jones Home, 1921 Second Ave., (206) 448-9405
For our readers to the north, you can also find them at:
Mary David Lighting, 402 Morris St., La Conner, (360) 466-3495
October 20th, 2009
Previous Posts
