I don’t know about you but if I used a suitcase as a decorative storage solution I would probably be depressed. A constant reminder that I’m not on vacation!?
Veneto suitcases, $79.95, Z Gallerie
Thoughts?
p.s. Is anyone else surprised at the price of these storage containers? Do people really pay $80 for storage boxes? A better-for-your-budget option – buy an old suitcase at a thrift store and paint it white! Genius!
I’ve barely had my iPhone for a month and I’ve been loving every minute of using it. One of the first apps I downloaded was Instagram and last week I read about StickyGram, a company that turns Instagram photos into small fridge magnets. Well – I ordered a collection of photo magnets for my brother-in-law’s birthday and decided to order a few for myself.
Here I am with my nephews – a photo of the first time I met each of them.
Me and my nephews (who have all grown since these photos were taken)
I am now reminded of these happy moments each time I look at my fridge.
As far as companies go, I was thoroughly impressed with the ease of uploading, the speedy delivery of my order, and the competitive price ($14.99 for 9 magnets plus free shipping worldwide). I’ll definitely be a repeat customer!
As you know, we’re a big fan of Caviar20 around here. I’m always excited to see what Troy has in store and recently I’ve been drawn to some impressive works of art. The black and white pieces by Canadian artists Harold Town, Charles Pachter and Kent Monkman are of diverse subjects and styles but I think they actually look great together for today’s Friday Five!
Harold Town “Gable & Crawford” Litho, $1400
Harold Town “Yoko Ono” Litho, $1650
Harold Town “Toy Horse” ink drawing, $1500
Charles Pachter “Untitled Portrait”, $3500
Kent Monkman “Study of Apollo & Hyacinthus”, $4500
If colour is more your thing – then be sure to check out Troy’s segment on House & Home TV where he shares his advice for collecting art. Very interesting stuff (even though there’s not much white in the clip)!
Summer is here and so is the “it” shoe of the season.
TOMS white glitter classics, $65
The comfort and looks aren’t even the best part! With every pair of TOMS sold, the company will send a pair to a child in need.
Sounds like the perfect mix to me – help support a good cause while treating yourself!
Images courtesy of TOMS.
If you’re anything like me, then you appreciate a beautiful table setting. I generally prefer tablecloths but I do like placemats for less formal gatherings. This one from Anthropologie is so pretty, don’t you think?
Cyme placemat, $14, Anthropologie
p.s. I also think it would look great framed. Have you ever framed linens or a piece of fabric?
This little guy would fit in perfectly with my existing menagerie. Hmm…something to think about.
Perching owl wall hook, 2 for $12, Urban Outfitters
Note: For all the readers in London, Ontario – did you know that Urban Outfitters is going to open up at the corner of Oxford and Richmond? While I’m not exactly a frequent shopper at Urban Outfitters, I do think it’ll be great for the downtown core. What do you think?
I’m happy to announce that we are starting a new series on the blog today! White Out will be a monthly (for now) post featuring the work and photos by our readers. If you see something white that catches your eye – cool architecture, innovative product, great design in any form – snap a photo and send it our way. Each month we will post our favourite images.
So – let’s kick off the series with a couple of photos that have landed in my email inbox and Twitter feed over the last few weeks. While the subject matter of the photos is so completely different, I love that they have one thing in common – repetition. The repetitive, but very different, forms in each of these photos have definitely caught my eye.
NYC architecture, photo by Alisha H.
antique goblets, photo by Elizabeth L. of Shock the Bourgeois; sent to me by Caroline C. V. of Paloma’s Nest
I am so happy when someone sees white and thinks of White Cabana! Thank you to our first couple of readers for sharing your photos.
Note: You can send your photos of delights in white to me at whitecabana (at) gmail (dot) com.
Collections. Do you have any? Of what?
via From Me to You
via Pinterest
In addition to my small Alessi collection, I also collect white milk glass, Sophie Conran serving pieces, and Eiffel Tower miniatures. Oh – and it seems I’m also slowly building up an animal kingdom. Hmm…maybe I’ve gone a little overboard on my collections.
Looking for inexpensive artwork for your home? Have you checked out Etsy lately? There are some really great paintings and prints. This simple geometric print, for example, could go in so many different spaces, and it’s only $10!
Geometric Art, $10, Fat Eye Design
p.s. Speaking of art, if you have an interest in vintage posters you should definitely watch Troy‘s informative segment on House & Home Online TV.
I was recently asked what inspires me. I feel very fortunate to say that I’m continuously inspired by the places I visit, the new people I meet, and the interactions I have with old friends and family. I am also inspired by the books and magazines that I read, and of course, I find an incredible amount of inspiration online (have you scrolled through my blogroll lately?).
Every so often amazing things find their way into my email inbox! Most recently I received an email all the way from Brazil from RĂ´mulo who was eager to share a video that his company, Telecinese, created to feature the work of Holaria, a porcelain design studio in Brazil.
Isn’t the creative process beautiful? I think this short film does an excellent job of capturing the design process while also making it accessible and informative for the viewer. It is additionally attractive because of its whiteness (obviously)!
Here are some of the products produced by Holaria. Which are you most drawn to?
Holaria – Booh salt & pepper shakers
Holaria – Plissan
Holaria – Pinguim Rei
Holaria – Mathelada
Holaria – Glaciar
Images courtesy of Telecinese. Many thanks to RĂ´mulo Z. for introducing me to the world of Holaria.
Well – I had a very exciting weekend! Let me introduce you to my new toy…
I really don’t know what has taken me so long to get on the iPhone bandwagon. I have been a fan of Apple for quite some time and my MacBook, Apple TV, and iPod have served me well over the last several years. So you can understand how happy I am now that I have added a white iPhone to my collection.
So – I’m curious to know what apps other iPhone users are using. Right now I’m not so much interested in games and such as I am in useful apps. So far I’ve been putting Instagram (follow me at WhiteCabana), Remote, and Viber to good use. What else should I be using?
Photos by Jordana.
I just recently read about Stoppy (the ultimate doorstop) and I’m curious to see if it actually works. The photos online are pretty convincing. Does anyone own it?
Stoppy doorstop, $8, The Container Store
Yes, it’s true, the Hudson’s Bay Company has become quite famous for its stripes. But I actually think this white city tote would be perfect for carrying my stuff to and from the beach (which I plan on doing a lot as soon as the weather cooperates!).
Hudson’s Bay canvas city tote, $50
p.s. I know it’s called a city tote but I’m not going to let the name restrict its possible functions. Call me crazy.
Ginger’s is one of the top places in Toronto to visit if you’re looking for exceptional bathroom fixtures, gorgeous hardware, and beautiful bathroom accessories. My mom and I popped in a couple of weeks ago and we were inspired by all the white and crystal pieces that filled the store.
You can see why I love this place so much, right? White, sparkle, and a little bit of glam – everything a bathroom needs!
Images by Jordana.
Did I ever mention that I’m currently attempting to grow basil, parsley, and tomatoes…in a sunny corner in my apartment (for now)? It’s been fun to watch everything grow from seeds and I really didn’t have much faith that anything would come up.
If I really discover my green thumb this spring, I’d love to try out a greenhouse like this inexpensive version from Ikea. I imagine it would help the plants out right from the initial stages.
Socker greenhouse, $19.99
Have you grown anything indoors before? What’s worked? Do you have a mini greenhouse for your herbs?
Ah…Monday morning. I’m feeling a bit jealous of those people who have an extra day off today!
This weekend I learned that when my mom was growing up in Italy, Easter Monday – la Pasquetta – was a day for packing up the Easter Sunday leftovers and taking them to a space al fresco (outdoors) to have a picnic with family and friends.
I think Lorea Sinclaire’s Tiffin lunch kit would be perfect for a beautiful Easter Monday picnic, don’t you? Mind you – the way Italians tend to feast, we would need quite a few of these!
The Tiffin Lunch Kit by Canadian artist Lorea Sinclaire, photo taken at IDS2012 by Jordana
I would love to continue this tradition but work calls instead. How about you? Do you have the day off today? What are your plans?
p.s. I can’t believe I didn’t know about this Italian tradition before yesterday.
I want one…any one of these turntables by Pro-Ject Audio Systems.
Pro-Ject Art1 turntable by Barbara Mungenast, €980
Pro-Ject 2Xperience Basic+ACRYL, €799
Essential/Phono USB, €299
Images via Pro-Ject Audio Systems.
Some people like bunnies, some people like money, and some people like both…
White Bunny Bank, $19.50, Chapters-Indigo
Sweet egg cups for Easter or for any time of year!
egg cup, $3.12, West Elm
Today I am happy to share two beauties from Canadian favourite GlucksteinHome. Chrome and white are a classic combination and Brian Gluckstein doesn’t let us down with his latest art-deco inspired collection, Regatta.
Regatta bar stool, $89.99, GlucksteinHome
Regatta lamp, $89.99, GlucksteinHome
These products and the entire Regatta collection are available exclusively at Home Outfitters. The GlucksteinHome line of home furnishings is available at the Bay and Home Outfitters in Canada and at Lord & Taylor in the United States.
Images via GlucksteinHome.
They say good things come in three, right?
Vaseline lotion has been a wintertime essential for me (well, who am I kidding, I’ve got a bottle on the go year round). Over the last few weeks I have been using three new products from the Vaseline Total Moisture line. I’m not sure alternating products is really what one is supposed to do when it comes to lotion but that’s been my approach and it’s been working out okay.
The new Vaseline Total Moisture line is just as the name suggests – it’s moisturizing. Like other Vaseline lotions, it absorbs quickly and it feels good for my skin. Three varieties are currently available – Dry Skin, Cocoa Radiant, and Aloe Fresh – so you can be sure that there’s a formula that is right for your skin.
Vaseline Total Moisture lotions, $4-$9, across Canada
Now…I wonder how Vaseline would feel about all-white packaging. Hint, hint.
Many thanks to Erin M. for passing along these products.
Photos by Jordana.
On my most recent trip to IKEA (dinner date with my dad!) I joined the IKEA Family. To tell you the truth, I always considered myself part of the family because I’ve been a life-long fan. But now it’s official. And I have a card to prove it.
IKEA coffee and IKEA Family card, free, photo by Jordana
One of the main benefits of becoming part of the family is the exclusive access to special discounts on products. Members also get a free coffee at the IKEA restaurant…and if you’re anything like me, no trip to IKEA is complete without a coffee break. Oh – and membership is free!
(Please note: I can’t seem to find the IKEA Family website for Canada or the USA. If you have the direct link, please post it in the comments. Thanks!)
When I was little, I was hooked on Hello Kitty and Little Twin Stars. Then it changed to the colourful Lisa Frank line. What are kids’ top choices for stationery these days?
Well – according to my friend Suparna Grade 6 children in Singapore are smitten with the Smiggle collection of binders, notebooks, pens, and organizational products.
While many of the products from Smiggle, an Australian stationery company founded in 2003, come in blue, purple, pink, green, and black, I did find that there are a lot of white and silver versions too. Perfect for a child who has more of a minimalist tendency.
Clockwise: round tin stack, $8.95; DVD box, $7.95; water bottle, $12.95; USB bracelet, $9.95; zip it up lanyard, $2.95
Clockwise: notebook, $9.95; ruler, $2.95; notecard $3.95; stripe pencil, $0.95; glitter notebook, $14.95; maze pen, $1.95
flying pig money bank, $19.95; small trash bin $9.95
Images courtesy of Smiggle. All prices in Australian dollars (AUD).
Many thanks to Suparna for inspiring this post.
Now this is one crazy hair dryer. What do you think?
via Wanelo; was available at PixelSicle
Thanks to Lindsay W. for sending this my way.
I was at The Bay recently and I checked out the latest collection from GlucksteinHome, which is brought to us by Canadian interior designer Brian Gluckstein and his team. The full GlucksteinHome collection includes a good selection of furniture, bedding, bath accessories, and cooking items but at the moment I seem to be most drawn to the smooth lines of these three covered pieces.
GlucksteinHome covered butter dish, $24.99, The Bay
GlucksteinHome cake plate, $99.99, The Bay
GlucksteinHome cheese dome, $49.99, The Bay
I love this lovely poster from Beatrice, a crafty blogger and the owner of the Canadian Etsy shop Chocolat & Cherries. Sometimes simplicity is really the way to go.
poster, $15, Chocolat & Cherries
Happy Valentine’s Day!
JetPens is a web store specializing in high-quality writing instruments. Earlier this year I ordered Kaweco pens for the White Cabana team and I was impressed by the speedy shipping and friendly customer service.
In addition to the amazingly wide selection of pens, JetPens offers plenty of cool supplies to pretty up your office…and maybe make Mondays a little less painful.
leaf ties, $11.50, JetPens
Sun-Star stapleless stapler, $9.50
Saki pen case, $14.50
Midori paper clips, $7.25
Lamy Fountain Pen – Safari Model, $26
Zebra Sharbo pen, $82.50
The Kaweco ballpoint pen – the pen of the White Cabana team (Johanne’s pen review)
Images via JetPens.
Isn’t this such a sweet iPhone cover?
Love Wins iPhone cover, $35, Society6
My collection of gorgeous white vessels has grown in the last couple of months thanks to the generosity of some of my dear friends.
fruit basket, Anthropologie (Thanks Johanne!)
Bjorn Wiinblad for Rosenthal dish (Thanks Troy!)
C. Wonder ring bowl (gift to myself)
sugar canister (Thanks Indigo & Canadian Design Blogger Meetup!)
Sophie Conran large mixing bowl (Thanks Mom & Dad!)
Photos by Jordana.
Always the sucker for pretty stationary, I just adore these simple white cards from Besotted Brand. So lovely.
heart of gold stationary set, $20, Besotted
Did you know that the staple remover, in one form or another, has been around since the 1930s? Today I’m thankful for this handy little gadget. My nails are thankful too.
white staple remover, $2, Poppin
Look at what one of our favourite Canadian stationary shops, Artistry Cards, has in store for Valentine’s day.
Three Red Hearts card, $4
Tweet! card, $4
Finally, here’s a treat for you! Artistry Cards is offering White Cabana readers a 10% discount on all their products. Enter ARTIST (all caps) at checkout. Click here to start shopping.
During the holidays, Troy and I hit up the antique centers in St. Jacob’s. I had never been before so I was completely eager to go. Have you been?
Even though I left St. Jacob’s empty handed, I took plenty of photos of pretty white objects. There was everything from teacups to ceramics to sweet little dresses.
Photos by Jordana.
I’ve been looking at bathroom accessories this week – not really sure why as I don’t need any – and the Luna line from Waterworks has really caught my eye. I love the polished marble and the simple lines. It’s such a classic and timeless design, don’t you think?
Luna soap dish, $45
Luna soap dispenser, $50
Luna tumbler, $45
Luna jar, $63
Luna waste can, $125
Images via Waterworks.
How many colanders do you own? I own three already but I kind of really want this mini white one from West Elm.
mini colander, $12.94CAD, West Elm
I recently came across this lovely white Etsy shop called The White Elephant Stall. The products – and the photos – are simple and pretty.
natural white cotton ball of string, $6
Yes – we all know I’m a sucker for books. I’ve got books in every room in my apartment (and I’ve actually read most of them too!) and I just love them all (if that doesn’t sound like an academic, I don’t know what does). I’ve been browsing the bookstores often lately and there are some really gorgeous, high-quality books currently on the market. Publishers like Taschen and Phaidon produce just beautifully clean books and I always get so much pleasure reading them – and then looking at them stacked up on a table or bookshelf. The five books featured here have easily grabbed my attention – because they’re white, yes – but also because they provide so much inspiration.
Eleven Madison Park: A Cookbook, $36; photo by Paula Forbes
The Family Meal: Home Cooking with Ferran Adria, $23
A Taxonomy of Office Chairs, $45
D & AD 2011, $59.99
Named after a woman on the island of Bequia in the Grenadines, Izola, an American home goods company founded by Neil Rasmus, offers a whimsical collection of bathroom accessories that combines functional every day staples with antiquity. I especially love the no-fuss design of the product line and, yes, the whiteness of it all.
laundry bag, $39
laundry bag, $39
scout soap dish, $20
sport canvas shower curtain, $55
Images courtesy of Izola.
I love this classic car for kids available at Alex & Alexandra.
If the shoe fits (on the tree)…
shoe ornament, $5, Urban Barn
Wow! Christmas is only two weeks away – I can barely believe it! How’s everyone feeling? Are you fully in the Christmas spirit?
Naturally there have and will be plenty of holiday-related posts on White Cabana this next month and I have been eager to share some of the gorgeous hand-crafted holiday items from Paloma’s Nest. I just love artist and designer Caroline Colom Vasque’s sweet creations.
holiday ribbon, $10
Christmas tree, $64
dove ornaments, $38 set of 6
reindeer ornament, $34
Nativity Set, $178
I love this white rollerball pen.
Kaweco classic rollerball pen, $19 (on sale)
Unfortunately it’s only available in black at the moment at Quirk Gallery. Does anyone know where I can get the white version?
Holidays are a-comin’. Is your tree decorated yet? If you’re looking for some extra sparkle & shine, perhaps you might consider some of the ornaments up for grabs at Urban Barn.
feather ornament, $3
horn ornament, $5
silver key curve ornament, $4.50
acrylic bird, $4
It is not often that one can find a child’s gift that is cool enough for an adult to keep. However, A Colouring Book: Drawings by Andy Warhol is a prime exception.
As the title implies, the 24-page book contains Warhol’s whimsical drawings (sans colour) from the late 1950s.
Originally created in 1961 for on of Warhol’s clients (at the time Warhol was working as a commercial illustrator) the book was re-released in 1990…only to go out of print shortly after. Well, as Warhol mania continues in the art market, the colouring book has been made available again.
$17, Amazon
A charming stocking stuffer for the little creative types in your life…or a cheap & chic idea for any Warhol aficionados.
Dear Readers: Do not adjust your computer screens. Troy is taking over White Cabana this week and, as you can see, he’s really shaken things up around here! Enjoy. – Jordana
You’ve seen it 100,000 times. The Noguchi Coffee Table is one of the best-known icons of 20th century design. It has been copied, imitated and become so ubiquitous it approaches design cliche (like the Barcelona chair).
Nevertheless, Isamu Noguchi (1904-1988) is a fascinating and talented artist/furniture designer who deserves recognition beyond this single table. Like many great 20th century furniture designers, their biggest “hits” often overshadow their other accomplishments. So Caviar20’s first Friday Five is dedicated to Noguchi, both his design icons (like the Cyclone Table) and other lesser-known but highly sought after collector’s pieces like his radio and “Chess Table”. Noguchi’s work, mostly in metal, stone and occasionally wood, was realized with a very austere palette including lots of black. For more on Noguchi, we recommend visiting the Noguchi Museum in Long Island City (minutes from Manhattan) or exploring their handsome website. For today’s Friday Five we’ll introduce Noguchi with a selection of his most famous, fantastic and coveted design pieces.
1. Noguchi coffee table, designed in 1948. Manufactured by Herman Miller.
Image: Herman Miller
2. Cyclone Table, designed in 1953. Manufactured by Knoll.
Image: Knoll
3. Noguchi Radio Nurse, designed in 1937. Manufactured by Zenith.
Image: Live Auctioneers
4. Chess table, designed in 1947. Manufactured by Herman Miller.
Image: Noguchi Museum
5. Rudder Table, designed in 1945. Manufactured by Herman Miller.
Image: icollector
Dear Readers: Do not adjust your computer screens. Troy is taking over White Cabana this week and, as you can see, he’s really shaken things up around here! Enjoy. – Jordana
I don’t own a kitchen timer but I definitely think Fred‘s Twisting Sisters would fit perfectly in my kitchen (to match these and this, of course).
Twisting Sisters kitchen timer, $18.99, Mod Cloth
