Art

Toronto Designer Spotlight: Anu Raina

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Anu Raina logo

I recently had the pleasure of “meeting” (via blogging and email) Toronto-based textile designer Anu Raina. Flipping through her portfolio, I was quickly drawn to the diverse detailing in her creations (silk-screened prints, burnt holes in silk, staples). Although for the most part her work extends beyond my four-colour rule, she did manage to hook me in with her hand-crafted Salad Recipe apron and tea towel set.

Anu Raina's pigment-printed Salad Recipe apron, $70

Anu Raina's attention to detail

Only the best: Leather strings on Anu Raina's Salad Recipe apron

Anu Raina's Salad Recipe t-towel, $48 set of two

Anu Raina's T-towel: Pretty enough to frame

It just goes to show you – no matter how detail-oriented and colourful a person might be, there’s always room for white! Thoughts?

P.S. Anu Raina will be exhibiting her work this month at The Clothing Show in Toronto (Sept 24-26) so if you’re in the area, you can meet her at Booth #558. Anu Raina will also be featured on Fashion in Motion this month so stay tuned.

All images courtesy of Anu Raina.

The Friday Five: Antler Art

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Admittedly, I’m not a big fan of animal heads as wall art but these modern takes on a traditional look have peeked my interest.

Oh, Deer art scultpure, $75, ArtMind at Etsy

Oh, Deer art scultpure, $75, ArtMind at Etsy

Erich Ginder Ghost Antler Coat Rack, $230 CAD, at Design Public

Acrylic trophy deer head, $485, designed by Tristan Zimmermann available at A + R

Deer head by Cody Foster, $54.95, at The Well Dressed Home

Atelier Antler, $249 set of 5, Suzanne Kasler at Ballard Designs

Thanks to Glenn for inspiring this post.

Photos courtesy of A+R, ArtMind, Ballard Designs, Design Public, The Well Dressed Home.

Arcade Fire & Chris Milk: The Wilderness Downtown

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Well – it seems like it’s all about music these days on White Cabana! Chris Milk’s interactive film, The Wilderness Downtown, featuring Arcade Fire‘s We Used to Wait, seems to be making the rounds online and it’s just too cool not to share. Try it out here!

The Wilderness Downtown: An interactive film

What do you think?

Image courtesy of Arcade Fire – The Wilderness Downtown.

Wallpaper Impact

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This blown-up rose wallpaper in two shades is one of my favourite tricks for delineating spaces. Wallpaper and image from Scandinavian Wallpaper Decor.

Last week I took you on an imaginary trip aboard a mobile white cabana lined with beautiful wallpaper from Scandinavian Wallpaper Decor.

This week I’m back on the job looking at the impact of wallpaper in everyday spaces. Let’s explore what wallpaper and the use of white can do to proportions, furniture, atmosphere, and our creativity.

Repetition is the name of the wallpaper game. Stacked tables meet the curves of the pedestal chair in this Wave wallpaper a la '60s.

A geo use of white in the background gives definition to the room, tying the interior together and making the plush furniture float.

A genius use of white gives shape to an otherwise square space.

More angles: colour and positioning of this wallpaper transforms a rectangular corridor into a lofty room with upward reach.

Intensity reigns in this room thanks to this powerful wallpaper...

... While here, the same room is serenely anticipating a docking ship.

Have a seat and relax in our waiting room.

White lace wallpaper has a barely-there, texturizing effect in the bedroom, and it's subtle enough to play nice with bold jewel tones.

White is never, ever boring. Here, it's the star of the show and packs a punch to this regal purple. Careful disorder adds life to otherwise studied symmetry.

Silver adds shine to this white think tank.

Inspiration can come from anywhere. Why not from business suit staples?

White on white is the ticket for clean and airy spaces. This white wallpaper dress embodies the swirl of design possibilities.

Images courtesy of Scandinavian Wallpaper Decor.

Special thanks to my sister Stephanie for inspiring me; her wallpaper boudoir transformation is at home among these model spaces.

House on Wheels: The Supertramp by Lehman B

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How’s this for small living? Lehman B’s Supertramp project is definitely a conversation piece.

House on wheels: The Supertramp caravan

I’ve been meaning to post this for a long while now (thanks to Claudine for sending me the link) and I think it now ties in especially well with Johanne’s recent cabana-to-go post.

The Supertramp is Lehman B’s (or shall I say Jacob Strand’s) statement project promoting social awareness and inspiring “leaner, more liveable life forms”.

The Supertramp is ready to roll

Lehman B's Supertramp: Big enough for two?

Supertramp's interior - it even has a fireplace!

The Supertramp explores the practicality of microsized living

Parking the Supertramp

From what I can tell, the Supertramp went missing at some point this summer. I guess there’s at least one other person who enjoys living in tight spaces.

What do you think?

More information and photos here and here.

Photos courtesy of CubeMe and DesignBoom.

Travel: Galerie Denise René in Paris

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While strolling along the Boulevard St. Germain on the Left Bank (Rive Gauche), I came across the Galerie Denise René. The current exhibit is Anne Blanchet‘s light drawings all in white and I was instantly attracted.

Galerie Denise René

Works by Anne Blanchet

image courtesy of Denise René

For more information about the Anne Blanchet exhibit click here and here.

For more information about Galerie Denise René click here.

Photos by Jordana.

Travel: Paris Statues in the Jardin de Tuileries

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This week, I am happy to share some of the photos I took while I was in Paris last week. Paris continues to be a vibrant, engaging and impressive city and I am always happy to return.

I hope all our White Cabana readers enjoy this week in Paris!

Let’s begin with a few classic statues from the Jardin de Tuileries.

L'ete (summer)

Julius Cesar

Nymphe

For more information about the Jardin de Tuileries, click here.

For an extensive description of all the statues in the Jardin de Tuileries, click here.

All photos by Jordana.

Online Source for Art: UGallery

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Ready to add some new artwork to your home? I recently read about UGallery in the July issue of Better Homes & Gardens and I’m hooked. This online source lets you browse through hundreds of works of art by colour, genre, medium, price, artist and size.  

I got click-happy in the “white” section – no surprise there, right?

Birdcage, Sarah Diaz, $125

Untitled, Robert Darabos, $200 Steel Peak, Mike Lindwasser, $100

Sword Fight, Matthew Traub, $600

Answering the Phone, J. Nicholas Corich, $240

Touch 1, David Tarafa, $500

Twirl, Jesse Osbourne, $75

Images courtesy of UGallery.

Home Decor Trend: The Juju Hat

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Is it just my impression or are Juju hats now all the rage?

Juju hat via This is Glamorous

I love the look of this unique wall art and one hot spot to buy one (in a variety of colours) is at Table Tonic.

Bamileke feather Juju hat, $599 AUD, Table Tonic

Bamileke feather Juju hat, $599 AUD, Table Tonic

Images courtesy of Table Tonic and This is Glamorous.

White in the Canary Islands

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The Canary Islands, although actually part of Spain, are located only about 10km off the coast of Morocco. This archipelago is made up of several islands including: Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro. Very cool.

El Auditorio, Tenerife

A few years ago, my friend Shannon and I had the most fabulous vacation in the Canary Islands. In our too-short holiday, we managed to tour Tenerife and Gran Canaria with our friend (and local Gran Canarian), Ignacio. We ate great food, met many nice people, and enjoyed visiting small towns, driving around in our little rental car, and brushing up on our Spanish. We also managed to jump our way across the two islands – at the Dunes at Maspalomas, Parque Nacional Teide, in Mogan, and at one of our gorgeous hotels, the Reina Isabel in Las Palmas. One of our favourite photo shoots was at El Auditorio, the Tenerife Opera House.

  

Shannon & Jordana Jump for Joy at El Auditorio

Shutters

Symmetry at El Auditorio, Tenerife

9 dots, El Auditorio, Tenerife

El Auditorio from another perspective

Perfect point, El Auditorio, Tenerife

 

If you’re looking for a beautiful vacation destination chock-full of adventure, I would encourage you to consider the Canary Islands. They don’t disappoint.

All photos by me.

Nesting in Ottawa

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On my most recent trip to Ottawa, I was so happy to have stumbled upon Nest, the sweetest children’s toy store located on the ever-evolving (and increasingly popular) Dalhousie Street. I was quickly attracted to the brightness of the space and the colourful (yes, I said colourful) wooden objects. The blocks, mobiles, and soft woollen toys reminded me of my travels in Switzerland and I knew I just had to have a peek inside. Let me tell you, Nest is a delight!

Sweet faces, Papoum Papoum

Lisa, the friendly owner, took me on a tour and spoke of her fondness for beautiful, organic, and eco-friendly toys and textiles.  Although most of Nest’s inventory is full of colour, I was so happy to see such a lovely selection of white toys and clothes. I’m thrilled to feature some of her products here but I urge you to have a wander down to Dalhousie if you’re in Ottawa or have a look on Nest’s website for more European and locally-made goodies for the kids in your life!

Dolls, Papoum Papoum

Dolls, Papoum Papoum

Whale, Papoum Papoum

Wool-stuffed animals

Wool-stuffed horse

Guardian Angel

Baby clothes made from natural cotton, Color Grown Clothing Company

Lisa & the down-filled Bisous Baby Sleepsack

 Many thanks to Lisa for taking the time out of her busy day for showing me around Nest.

Some of the featured products are from: Bisous Baby, Colorgrown Clothing Company & Papoum Papoum.

All photos by me.

 

J is for Jumpology

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I would love to be in Manhattan right now so I could go check out the Philippe Halsman Jump exhibit in person. These photos are full of joy and easily put a smile on my face!

Philippe Halsman and Marilyn Monroe, 1954

Sophia Loren, 1959

Janet Leigh, 1951

Grace Kelly, 1959

Dick Clark, 1952

Audrey Hepburn, 1955

The Philippe Halsman: Jump exhibit continues through Friday May 28th at the Laurence Miller Gallery, 20 West 57th Street, Manhattan. You can read more about this exhibit here and here.

Photos courtesy of the Laurence Miller Gallery.

Many thanks to Jeff for bringing this exhibit to my attention – I do love to jump! 

Z Gallerie's White Goodness

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While in Denver, I popped into Z Gallerie at the Cherry Creek Mall. I had only ever been to the one in NYC so I was delighted to see it at a Denver mall. There is a gorgeous selection of white ceramics at Z Gallerie this season. Have a peek:

Chrysanthemum Plaque, $29.95

All Swirls

Buddha bust, $59.95

Palmer Stool, $129

All photos by Jordana.

Denver Delights in White

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Last week I had the fortunate pleasure of discovering Denver, Colorado. To tell you the truth, this city surprised me…I was completely impressed with all that it had to offer. Great restaurants, so pedestrian-friendly and a museum chock full of interesting artefacts. It was easy to get around on foot and by public transportation. Around almost every corner, there was an interesting outdoor sculpture. Although a tad on the chilly side, it was sunny each day which made for some really great days.

Here’s a look at some of Denver’s white beauties:

Colorado Convention Center

Ceiling art, Colorado Convention Center

Civic Center

Denver Art Museum

Walkway at the Denver Art Museum

The Violin by Roy Lichtenstein, Denver Art Museum

Game Hunter by Victor Higgins, Denver Art Museum

The Big Sweep (in b&w), Denver Art Museum

State Capitol, Denver

Me & the tulips, in Boulder, Colorado

All photos by Jordana.

Antique Lights at Caviar 20

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Caviar 20 continues to offer an incredible selection of artwork, antique furniture and beautiful sculptures. I am particularly smitten with their unique white light fixtures. Each one tells a story of an era gone by.

First up is a white lamp circa 1970 designed by the well-known Venitian glass-makers, Vistosi.

Vistosi "Phantom" lamp

 Next we have the Danish disc chandelier. I love the sculptural sophistication of this piece.

Danish disc chandelier

A third favourite is this unique French art deco octagon chandelier. It adds instant glamour to any room.

French Octagon chandelier

If you would like more information about these and other exceptional pieces, go have a peek at Caviar 20. It’s a feast for the eyes!

Images courtesy of Caviar 20. 

Paper Craft: Simon Schubert

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No matter how many times I look at this art, I am completely amazed. Artist Simon Schubert transforms a plain piece of white paper into these amazing pictures by folding the paper. That’s right, these pictures are created by masterfully folding a piece of paper. Definitely takes the art of paper folding to whole new level, wouldn’t you say?

Paper Folds: Stairs

Paper Folds: A Grand Entrance

Paper Folds: Herringbone Rug

Paper Folds: Stairs

Paper Folds: Repetitive Squares

Paper Folds: House

Photos Simon Schubert via Design Fetish.

ModCloth's Colouring Book

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Are we ever too old for colouring books? I think not. This one from ModCloth would occupy me for hours. Or, if I felt too lazy, I would just frame the prints just as they are. How cute would the giraffe look in a kid’s room?

Between the Lines, $19.99, ModCloth

Ready for colour, $19.99, ModCloth

Starting with some black & white, $19.99, ModCloth

 Photos courtesy of ModCloth.

What Type Are You?

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This is not your typical “type” quiz. It doesn’t ask you about how you like to spend your weekend, your ideal vacation spot, the books you read or your favourite meal. This quiz is all about typography. What font best describes you? Click here, then type in your name, press enter and enjoy the experience!

What Type Are You?

 What type am I? Pistilli Roman. I am emotional, assertive, traditional and disciplined. 

What type are you?

Photo courtesy of What Type Are You?

The Friday Five: Easter Goodies

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This week’s Friday Five is egg-citing! Although pastel colours are taking over the stores at this time of year, there are still plenty of white items to get you in the spirit of Easter celebrations. 

Ostrich Egg, 7x8 art print, $25, Sharon Montrose at Etsy

Salt, pepper & spice shakers, $18, Rou Designs at Etsy

Ukrainian Eggs (pre-dye) via Design Sponge

 

Egg Platter, $19.95, Crate & Barrel

Egg photography, House & Home

Photos courtesy of Crate & Barrel, Design Sponge, House & Home, Rou Designs, Sharon Montrose.

Floating on Air

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No, it’s not my birthday. This picture by Pia Ulin is too good to hang onto until July (my actual birthday month!).

It's all about the balloons

Or, if I just installed this balloon lamp, it could feel like my birthday year-round!

Kyouei Design balloon lamp

Balloon Lamp How-To

Balloon Clusters

Photo courtesy of Emmas Design Blogg, Minimalissimo.

Art Installation: Room 211

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Come Up to My Room is an alternative design event held annually at the Gladstone Hotel in Toronto. This year it showcased the incredible talents of over 50 designers. Room 211 had three things I love: white, white and more white.

Bed in Room 211

Mirror images

Flowers and plenty of them

Bright whites

Artists: Lisa Keophila | Fiona Lim Tung | Kristen Lim Tung | Jon Margono

 

Many thanks to White Cabana reader Shannon for sharing her love of white.

Photos courtesy of Come Up to My Room.

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