52
Escarpment Magazine Fall 2012
When I arrived back in Canada to stacks of mail there was a
catalogue from Restoration Hardware. It looked like the fur-
niture I had just travelled over 6 thousand kilometers to see -
right down to the popular x-back bistro chair currently avail-
able in dozens of colours and presented by three different
companies in Verona. But the catalogue somehowmissed the
mark and that’s where the master of lifestyle concepts steps
in. Lauren adds the luxe and the unexpected. He’s not afraid
to add ruffles to expensive bed linens; native Indian inspired
blankets and patterns along with fine leathers, raw silk and
menswear suiting.
So this summer, at the Toronto Gift and Tableware Show, in
10
by 10 foot booth in building 12 was a company from Bel-
gium offering wonderful decor items, lighting and small pieces
of furniture - I almost pinched myself. Simple china dishes
adorned with vintage brown transfer-ware-like skis, sledges or
ski poles; cast metal lamps with small standing rabbits and
crumbled canvas shades; mercury glass used for all types of
items from lamps to candle sticks; dozens of different French
wire wall hooks and loads of the humanizing whimsy missed
by mass marketers like Restoration Hardware.
Still there is no need to be a minion to any one designer or
style. If a sectional sofa functions best in the space by all means
use one. Any decor can use a hit of black or a thoroughly mod-
ern something and a modern decor can benefit from the juxta-
position of a great antique or vintage piece. If you have a
favourite family heirloom then get it out and remember to tell
the story behind it - especially to the next generation.
In my opinion there should only be two rules in design. Form
should follow function and it should reflect the lifestyle and per-
sonality of the owners.
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DECOR TRENDS
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translating styles
Form should follow function and it
should reflect the lifestyle and personality
of the owners.