When I was a little kid, a livingroom pillow fort was my own pre-freedom version of today’s studio apartment.  Structure, privacy, colour and particularly spatial planning are some of the major considerations when building a skookum livingroom fort.  Not unlike today’s real estate market, location was also a very important factor… the edge of the sofa always worked well in conjunction with the coffee table, but the back of the sofa (if freestanding) allowed a brilliant “lean to” opportunity.  Of course, a fort is an intimate place for your favorite things, snuggles, safety, private thoughts, and only your most favorite people .  Thankfully, for nostalgic adults with no less need for these things, Vitra has the solution.  Feast your eyes on the Alcove sofa by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec:

Now that’s fort making at its finest.  No roof… but who needs it with towering walls, zippered corners, and a chrome tube surround.  Beautiful from any angle, the alcove brings our childhood efforts to fruition with a perfect elegance.  My thanks to Ronan and Erwan for nurturing a human need for “snuggle space” in a sophisticated and beautiful way.

OMG Christmas is coming! Gift shopping is easy at www.gabrielross.com – awesome, collectible, designer gifts with free shipping. Here’s my gift picks!

George Nelson clocks by Vitra such as the Ball Clock, Block Clock, Sunburst and Asterisk to name just a few. The Alessi Anna G. Corkscrew and the Alessandro Mendini Corkscrew both designed by Alessandro Mendini are so much fun with a choice of colours/patterns. Also, the Alessi toaster is like a piece of art on your countertop – designed by Giovannoni Stefano, it’s a beautiful, sleek, shiny stainless steel appliance with bun warmer! Let’s not forget the coffee fanatics with an Alessi 9090 Espresso Maker designed by Richard Sapper in 1979 . . . choose from different sizes, made of stainless steel, makes wonderful espressos on your stove top in minutes, the Italian way! Another great gift would be the Eames Hang-It-All by Herman Miller designed by Charles and Ray Eames in 1947 is so much fun with it’s different colored balls and versatility. Let’s also add the Alvar Aalto Vases by Iittala made in Finland, ‘wavy’ mouth blown glass is modern and stylish for any home! And one more . . . the Viking Steak Knife sets! A gift box of four stainless steel steak knives, each knife weighted with such an amazing lightness – I love the beauty and feel of these knives! And if you really cannot decide what to get someone, send them a Gift Certificate and let them have fun choosing!!!

Dear Santa . . .

I love the new children’s size ‘modern’, mid-century design furniture pieces that are being manufactured! The Junior Panton’s originally designed by Verner Panton in 1999 and manufactured by Vitra are kid friendly with soft edges, durable material and seven fun colours! Kartell manufactures the Lou Lou Ghost chairs which are so, so adorable in transparent colours or solids. Philippe Starck designed the Louis Ghost chair in 2002 and was an instant furniture fashion hit! Kids and parents will be excited to decorate their homes with these additions!

Junior Panton