glitzkrieg

svennst tenn; shop

What a beautiful shop! If you have a passion for pattern, glass, pewter, and especially if you love Josef Frank's work, you'll looove Svennst Tenn. If you're in Sweden, check out their shop on Strandvägen in Stockholm, otherwise have a look at their gorgeous website. Great looking site, easy to navigate; e-commerce done right.

modern classics: dining chair round-up

There are some items that you can get away with buying on the cheap and some you should consider investing in. If you're able to afford it, consider spending some serious coin on designer dining chairs.

A chair is a multi-tasking workhorse. They get moved around, banged up, spilled on and sat on. They have to be comfortable enough to sit through the longest, loveliest, holiday dinners. They should be able to function as seating in alternate locations when need be, and still look great. If you can afford to buy high-end designer chairs, you'll have a family heirloom that will last for generations. One thing; wait until you're in love with a set. Added bonus; designer chairs often have high resale value. To choose something you'll adore for a lifetime you may want to stick to white, black, wood. Also, having a contrast between your tables and chairs is what looks modern, so consider avoiding matchy-matchy.

Here are some of my favorites:

 

Arne Jacobsen's Classic Series 7 Chair by Fritz Hansen is an absolute classic. Many knock-offs exist of this chair, but the real thing will last a lifetime. Lots of colours and woods are available, prices start at +US$500 each. Designed in 1955.

The Hermann Czech chair, by Thonet. Available with or without arms in several finishes; some versions have those lovely bare beech legs. Armless, +US$800, with +1100, each . Designed in 1994. Image comes from Domino magazine, March '09.

Jasper Morrison's Hi-Pad Chair for Cappellini. Lots of colours and fabrics available, stackable, almost US$1000 per chair. Designed in 1999.

Magis' Steelwood Chairs by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec. These chairs are a generous size, ensuring guests will be extra-comfy. Solid beech with steel, available in red/red, black/black, white/white, and beech/white. About US$650 per chair, designed in 2008.

Cappellini's New Antiques by Marcel Wanders. Available in white and black, leather seat, wooden frame,  about US$1300 per chair. Designed in 2005/06.

Standard Chair by Jean Prouve, Vitra. Several colours to choose from! About US$800 per chair, designed in 1934. 

Need another excuse to go big when buying your chairs? There's an ecological aspect to buying high-end: Cheaper items generally have a shorter life. A shorter life means buying something three, four, five or more times over, each time creating garbage, perhaps needlessly. Cheaper items are also made with cheaper materials such as MDF, which is crap on all fronts.

Not quite ready to start a savings account for your desired set? Look locally for something you like that's solid wood or has a steel base. And use your imagination: paint and upholstery can change everything and make them entirely your own.

Happy shopping!

christmas gift guide: 50 gifts under $100

Welcome to glitzkrieg's Christmas extravaganza! 50 excellent, clever and lovely gifts, all under $100! 50 gifts that you can purchase online right now. 50 gifts that even ship to Canada! Please note that there are links to each item at the bottom of this post. And if you see anything you like, just click on it for a closer view. Here goes!

 

1- Steiff’s Mohair Teddy Bear, Big Foot stands 6” tall and is fully jointed. $US89. 2- The Balloon USB Speaker by Yuen’to Design plugs into your mp3 or phone and delivers hours of music, US$45. Also available in pink and red. 3- Rosenthal’s Copper Reflections Tectonic dish would be a very luxe destination for keys and change; porcelain, 6.25”Ø, US$95. 4- Muji stamps, clockwise: Arc de Triomphe,  Empire State Building, Eiffel Tower, all US$5.75,  other buildings available. 5- Paper Pot by Ai Collection is a super cute tissue or toilet paper  holder, US$40; available in glossy blue, green, pink, orange, white and matte black. 6- Artecnica’s Sustainable Cork Cases; made from cork lined with recycled billboards, sm: 3.25 x 5.75”, medium: 5 x 9.1“, lg: 8.6 x 11.9”, priced at US$18, $27, $36. 7- Lulu Guinness Red Snakeskin Lips Key Ring, 7cm in length, £45, ±US$75. 8- Kate Spade’s Hand in Hand Color-Block Mittens, 100% wool, hand knit in Bosnia through Kate Spade’s Hand in Hand program which works with war survivors, US$95. Also available in pink/orange and green/blue. 9- Fair Trade Pirate Pillow by Oeuf, hand-knit in Bolivia from 100% alpaca, 14 x 10”, US$58. 10- Slowcooker by Royal VKB, terracotta and silicone, 21.5cm x 15.4cm, €40, ±US$60.

 

11- Hot Water Bottle with Wool Cover, soft merino/alpaca wools, US$70 12- Orla Kiely’s Apples and  Pears Mug, also available in red,  bone china, US$16. 13- Donna Wilson’s  Felt Coasters, 100% Wool, US$22. 14- Jonathan Adler’s Apple Trivet;  stoneware, 7 x 8”, US$38. 15- Super-cute Rhino Orange ID Tag by Dwell Studios,  3 1/8”H, US$10. Also available as a dove grey elephant or pink birdy. 16- Original Duncan Yo-Yo, US$10. 17- Eames Sea Things classic tray by Vitra, 2 x 46 x 35.5cm, €50, ±US$75. 18- Orla Kiely Stem Jacquard towels: face cloth  12x12”, US$6, hand towel 20x36”, $20, bath  towel 28x50”, $38. Shown here in the mandarin and green colorways. 19- Anything Desk Accessories by Michael Sodeau; tape dispenser, scissors, and stapler, US$39, clock $69. Available in orange, yellow,  white, and black. 20- The very brilliant Coffee Cuff by Contexture Design. Made from architectural veneer castoffs and available in several wood combos such as  Black Walnut with Anegre or Birdseye Maple with Black  Walnut. CAD$68.

 

21- Alice Supply Co wood print dustpan and brush, US$18 & $16; other patterns available. 22- Dwell Studios set of 4 Woodblock Lane Napkins are a  keepsake they’ll have for decades; 100%  linen, US$64. 23- Cuisipro’s chic Grinder Brush sweeps grounds away and is pretty enough to leave out on the counter, US$13. 24- Jean Pelle’s pair of Billie Decorative Wooden Candle Holders have a gorgeous ebonized finish, 4.5 x 3” Ø, US$80 for the pair. 25- Leave it to  Jonathan Adler. You may just want to use these quirky Snail Napkin Rings with every meal; US$18 each. Bunny, fish and owl versions also available. 26- Marimekko Kissanminttu tea towel, set of 2, CAN$25; 27-  100% cotton Cocoricocette Shopping Bag,  €24, ±US$36. 28- Bodum Chocolatière; a great gift for the chocoholic in your  life, US$50. 29- Anthropologie smocked Night Fall half Apron, US$28 and 30- Chalet Measuring Set US$24.

 

31- Moby Bath Spout Cover by Skip*Hop protects baby’s head in the tub, US$13. 32- Imm Living’s Totem Cups; set of 4 porcelain, stackable cups, US$65.50. 33- Lechuza’s Delta 20 windowsill planter has  a great shape and its irrigation system & water-level  indicator make plant-raising virtually foolproof. US$34.95, available in several colours. 34- Griffin Elan Form Chilewich case for iPhone makes for one handsome cover; US$39.95; darker version also available. 35- Suck UK’s now iconic Sun Jar, designed by Toby Wong. This regular-looking mason jar has the power to harness the sun and will keep glowing for hours, US$55. 36- Trust me, this is a face you’ll be seeing a lot of: Welcome Quatchi, one of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games’ official mascots. The other two are gosh-darn adorable too. 16.5” tall, utterly squishable, CAN$40. 37- Tiffany Blue and Pink Playing Cards, US$30. 38- Cocobohème’s Pig Animal Bib, US$22. Also available in a lobster and frog version. 39- Smythson’s Panama Wish List notebook in a gorgeous fuchsia colour with signature blue, lined paper and silver-toned trim, US$75. 40- Alessi’s Mr Suicide bath stop floats so he’s easy to find amidst all the bubbles; US$28. Available in pink, yellow, and blue.

41- Mistletoe Hair Clip by Kate Spade, set of two, US$30. 42- The dreamy Wonderland Candleholder by Artecnica, cast resin, US$45. Other versions and colours available. 43- The Ropeball Doorstop is a fun design element for anyone who’d rather be at sea. 8”Ø, 4+lbs, US$98. 44- Window-Mounted Birdfeeder; a great gift for city dwellers that love animals. Easily installed onto any window, US$18. 45- Diamantini & Domenico Nature Wall Clock, 15 x 15cm, US$77. 46- You wont find anything better suited for the young Tim Burton fan in your life than Sigikid’s super-fun Green Misery Bag, 15.6 x 11.7 x 5x5”, US$60. 47- Orrefor’s stunning Confetti Light Shadows Bulb- here against a black background. 12cmØ, sand-blasted glass, €34, ±US$50; €77 should you want the cord too. Other very lovely patterns available. 48- Ikea’s best design ever! The PS Spraka spice mill in solid birch, 15” tall, US$20. Blonde unpainted wood version also available. 49- Tiffany’s Greetings from Andy Warhol Christmas at Tiffany’s book in hardcover, US$25. 50- Jar Tops by Royal VKB; an ingenious collection of 5 different screw-on caps that fit common-sized jars, €14.95, ±US$23.

Purchasing info

To locate a list of potential retailers- where available- just click on the manufacturer's name. Should the object of your desire be available locally and you decide to pick it up, think about calling the retailer first to ensure the item you're looking for is actually on the shelves. Every item on the Christmas Gift Guide is linked to an ecommerce site that ships to Canada and the US; click on the name of the item to be linked though. While everything is listed as in stock today, December 3rd, some quantities may be limited and may sell out at the stores I've linked to.

*Note to Canadians

All of the online shops detailed here ship to Canada. Some, unfortunately, have rather high minimum shipping costs for international orders. If you're so inclined, ordering several items at once will help to allay the costs. Also, please note that all shipments arriving via FedEx, UPS, DHL, are subject to duties and brokerage fees unless the retailer takes care of them upfront. In that case, they usually have a note up that lets you know.

Happy Shopping!!!

1. Steiff's Mohair Teddy Bear Big Foot, US$89
2- Balloon USB Speaker by Yuen’to Design US$45
3- Rosenthal’s Copper Reflections Tectonic dish, US$95
4- Muji, City Stamps  US$5.75
5- Paper Pot by Ai Collection US$40.
6- Artecnica’s Sustainable Cork Cases- sm/md/lg: US$18, US$27, US$36
7- Lulu Guinness, Red Snakeskin Lips Key Ring £45- apx US$75.
8- Kate Spade’s Hand in Hand Color-Block Mittens, US$95.
9- Pirate Pillow by Oeuf, US$58
10- Slowcooker by Royal VKB €40- apx US$60.
11- Hot Water Bottle with Wool Cover US$70
12- Orla Kiely’s Apples and Pears Mug US$16
13- Donna Wilson’s Felt Coasters, US$22.
14- Jonathan Adler’s Apple Trivet; US$38.
15- Rhino Orange ID Tag by Dwell Studios, US$10.
16- Original Duncan Yo-Yo, $10
17- Eames Sea Things classic tray by Vitra, €50, apx US$75
18- Orla Kiely Stem Jacquard towels: US$6- $38.
19- Anything Desk Accessories by Michael Sodeau. US$39- $69
20- Coffee Cuff by Contexture Design. CAD$68.
21- Alice Supply Co wood print dustpan and brush US$18 & $16.
22- Dwell Studios set of 4 Woodblock Lane Napkins, US$64.
23- Cuisipro’s Grinder Brush, $14. *Canadians, through here.
24- Jean Pelle’s Billie Decorative Wooden Candle Holders US$80
25- Jonathan Adler's Snail Napkin Rings US$18 each.
26- Marimekko Kissanminttu tea towels, CAN$25;
27- Cocoricocette Shopping Bag, €24, apx US$36,
28- Bodum Chocolatière  US$50; *Canadians can buy here.
29- Anthropologie Night Fall half Apron, US$28
30- Anthropologie Chalet Measuring Set, US$24.30
31- Moby Bath Spout Cover by Skip*Hop, US$13. *Canadians, through here.
32- Imm Living’s Totem Cups, US$65.50
33- Lechuza’s Delta 20 windowsill planter, US $34.95
34- Griffin Elan Form Chilewich case for iPhone US$39.95. *Canadians, through here.
35- Suck UK’s Sun Jar, US$55
36- Quatchi, one of the three Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games’ official mascots, CAN$40.
37- Tiffany Blue and Pink Playing Cards, US$30. *Canadians, through here .
38- Cocobohème’s Pig Animal Bib, US$22.
39- Smythson’s Panama Wish List notebook, US$75.
40- Alessi’s Mr Suicide bath stop, US$28.
41- Mistletoe Hair Clip by Kate Spade US$30.
42- Wonderland Candleholder by Artecnica, US$45.
43- Ropeball Doorstop, US$98.
44- Pascal Charmolu & Born in Sweden's Window-Mounted Birdfeeder, US$18.
45- Diamantini & Domenico Nature Wall Clock, US$77.
46- Sigikid’s Green Misery Bag, US$60.
47- Orrefor’s Confetti Light Shadows Bulb- €34
48- Ikea’s PS Spraka spice mill, US$20. *Canadians, through here.
49- Tiffany’s Greetings from Andy Warhol Chrismas at Tiffany’s book, US$25. *Canadians, through here.
50- Jar Tops by Royal VKB, €14.95, apx US$23

 

marcel wanders for target; merry christmas to all!

Get thee to a Target post haste. Get me there too!

Lovely Marcel Wanders has designed a glorious, extensive collection for the retailer at hyper-affordable prices. Marcel fans rejoice! There's a gorgeous 314 page catalog on the designer's website for you to enjoy; here's a preview. Please note that the catalog also features pieces Wanders has designed for other manufactures, so not everything you see can be purchased without breaking the budget. Click on the image to get a better view of the explanatory small print.

 

Some Marcel Wanders for Target items are already available online (sorry US delivery only) and no doubt more will arrive in Target stores as Christmas approaches.

On my list? The dishes and flatware, wrapping paper, and perhaps that lil' teddybear too.

 

what it would take

I often find myself thinking that with the perfect desk slash work area surface I would become an efficient and stealth-like worker, in a German automobile sort of way. Traditionally, I find I eye rather large Parsons-type tables made of oiled walnut and imagine how I'd crank out quality work at an unimaginable pace. Just think all that could be done with the counter space on one of those babies. But wait! Look at these elegant, hyper-organized, slim 'n trim beauties. Not a stitch of superfluousness to any of them! All the special details are very much needed by me: drawers, aids for cord control, a lamp! With these, perhaps, I'd be a racehorse of some kind. 

 

 

 

From the top, the Yves Writing Desk by Pinch Design. Very handsome, yes. Also, it's made of walnut and green leather, which would be sure to make me feel all grown up. And two drawers too! Next up is Herman Miller's Aria desk. So easy to sing its praises. Walnut. Cork lined drawers. C-o-r-k. Nothing will roll into a corner! And, a thoughtful cable management system to spare us from a mess of ugly wires. Designed by Kaiju Studios. And lastly, we have the loverly Split desk from Ligne Roset by Meike Rüssler. This one's a convertible! Black-lacquered steel and walnut, again. I suppose there's little chance that this is a coincidence. The Split desk includes two storage niches which replace drawers as well as a good looking lamp -which means you need not find space for whatever is on your desk now. Alternately, it means you will finally be able to see your desk. Plugs are incorporated into the desk to aid with computer-type work. And the black-lacquered panel you see can be raised or lowered, giving you more options for your work area. Yes yes yes!