Like Marcel Duchamp, the Castiglioni brothers used ready-made objects to create whimsical, strange and beautiful objects.  Luminator by Flos,  is magnificent.

Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni 1954

  It is industrial and sparse,  delicate and insect like (praying mantas).  Like sculpture, it provoke a response from the viewer.  It refuses to  sit quietly.  Italian mid-century design  seems to have a passion, or an enthusiasm, that life, and design, is best lived LARGE, and with a sense of humour.  NO HOLDS BARRED.

Lofty open concept space … how I love thee, but I just need a LITTLE bit of structure in my life!  Though kitchen running into living room running into bedroom running into bath… er… (ok that’s going too far) is wonderful and can make a space look bigger and more open, sometimes a room divider is just want one needs  to subtly define a space in lieu of a wall, or create a little bit of privacy under the sheets.  Thankfully screen dividers are no longer limited to the solid, opaque, hinged, vertical folding devices we are used to… Much gratitude to Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec for a modern screen that is innovative, flexible, modular, and demands creativity of its owner for installation.

Algue by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec

Algue, designed by the super-talented duo in 2004 for Vitra embodies the idea of space division sans the traditional limitations.  “Lego for Adults” is a description we’re fond of here in the showroom as the small modular pieces can be joined together in a million different ways in a million different settings.

Algue Hallway

Not only does it make a stunning free-hanging room divider, it can also be a headboard, wall hanging, ceiling suspension, window covering, or free form sculpture in space.  It can be thick and heavy or light and airy depending on how many pieces are used and how they’re layered, but it always remains beautiful and captivating in any application.

Algue Screen

Algue can divide and define space in your home but preserve an open concept feel as its components are linked together with wee dowels and skinny stems; a perfect pairing of structure and play.

Teeny tiny is always cuter.  OK, not always, but these Taika mini mugs by Iittala are absolutely adorable. 

The Taika illustrations by Klaus Haapaniemi have a wonderful whimsy about them and seem as though they are telling you a story of fantastic creatures in a land of decorative colourful collage. 

Taika means “magic” in Finnish, and these little ornaments will create just that on your tree or as a party favor this holiday season.

Everyone needs a coat hanger right? Why not 4….. in a row? The Eames Hang It All by Herman Miller

It may not be the most durable coat hanger on the market, but it’s definitely the most colourul! An eye catching piece that your guests will be sure to comment on.

4 Hang It Alls in a row

The Origo Bowl, designed in 1999 for Finnish company Iittala by Alfredo Haberli. This is a piece that will fit in any modern or contemporary residence adding a splash of color to the kitchen. It is a great size, perfect for a couple scoops of double chocolate ice cream or your favorite tasty treat. Although Orange is spectacular, it comes in many other amazing colours and can be complimented with its family of tableware. Not only do the Iittala products have a lasting design, but they are built so that you may enjoy them for years to come.

Origo Orange Bowl

Alessi and the Seiko have jointly produced a new collection of Alessi watches.

Watches in the collection derive their designs from the inspirations of distinguished international architects and designers of commercial and industrial products, all well known to Alessi, and Seiko brings those inspirations to fruition in the form of exciting new watches.

The styles and methods of each designer, and the originality of Alessi are combinedly reflected in the distinctive character of each series.

Modern watch "Daytimer" by Alessi

The Modern Twist Silicone Placemats are an enjoyable departure from the norm! Who’s ever heard of coloring on your placemat while waiting for dinner? Washable markers wipe clean for reusable fun at each meal. Modern Twist’s elegant mats and coasters help us stay stylish even when we’re messy. The FDA-grade hand-silk-screened silicone is designed for optimal functionality with an easy-to-clean surface.

Modern Twist Placemats and Coasters

How cute is this!

Eames Elephant, Charles and Ray Eames 1945 by Vitra

Originally designed by Charles and Ray Eames in molded plywood, this adorable child’s stool/table/toy/best friend is now produced by Vitra in several different colours of plastic.   See more about Vitra Elephant by Charles and Ray Eames.

Gabriel Ross has now a superb collection of fresh designs, inspired both by nature and by Italy’s rich tradition of the Renaissance. Signoria di Firenze bedding!

Signoria di Firenze: Founded in the 1930s by the Cappelletti family, Signoria di Firenze was known initially for their hand-crafted Florentine embroideries. In the years since, the company has expanded their line to include a full range of luxury bed linens, each designed, cuts, and sewn in the same artisanal tradition that first set them apart.

Signoria di Firenze represents Italian luxury bedding at it's finest