{ Archive for June, 2009 }

lunch at tiffany`s

There`s something about Fridays that makes me want to shop. But of course, I`m so busy at work there`s no time for shopping (but for a few stolen moments on my lunch break, of course!) And then there`s the issue of funds. But sometimes, a dose of window-shopping can be just as much fun and just as satisfying — you get the high of browsing but the satisfaction of the fact that your money`s still safe in your bank account! Here`s what I peeked at during today`s window-shopping session, online at tiffany.ca:

tiffany2 lunch at tiffany`s1 Black shoulder coffee pot
$1,500

2 Tiffany Sierra votive
$70

3 Audobon cheese serving set
$410

4 Tiffany blue box, porcelain
$100

5 Tiffany summer mug set
$230, set of four

For more great decorating and design ideas, follow me on Twitter!

brett’s adventures in ikealand – part three

Sometimes a picture just speaks for itself.

rhododendron bretts adventures in ikealand part three

A brilliant azure sky, soft pink rhododendrons (they grow like weeds throughout Copenhagen!), and the vivid cyan of a tarnished bronze statue conspire to form a lasting impression in the King’s Gardens at the heart of Copenhagen.

The King’s Gardens, Copenhagen

brett’s adventures in ikealand – part two

nyhaven1 bretts adventures in ikealand part two

I don’t think anything could prepare me for the experience of dining at a waterside cafe in Nyhavn. A harbour canal in Copenhagen (the name “Nyhavn” literally translates into “New Harbour”) that’s dotted with moored old sailing ships, it’s possibly the most atmospheric place in the Danish capital. It’s along this canal that world-famous fairytale writer, Hans Christian Anderson, lived for a time; but now it’s packed with posh eateries and antique shops.

nyhaven2 bretts adventures in ikealand part two

Most of the houses along the canal are more than 300 years old, and have been restored in breathtaking colours (some of which actually reminded me of the new Hacienda Style palette from Pittsburgh Paints that I mentioned last week). A feast for the eyes! 

nyhaven3 bretts adventures in ikealand part two

One of the sweetest surprises of dining on the canal? Once the evening chill sets in, restaurant staff provided us with blankets so that we could remain outdoors. Naturally, they were IKEA. icon wink bretts adventures in ikealand part two

What a thoughtful idea for your next al fresco soiree! 

Here I am modeling the latest in Nyhavn evening wraps with the fab Olivia Stren. (Thanks to Canadian Living’s Karen Kirk for providing the shot!)

irmathrows bretts adventures in ikealand part two

imra bretts adventures in ikealand part twoIrma 67-by-51″ fleece throw blanket, $4, IKEA

pistachio stationery

epistachio pistachio stationery
It`s been a while since I blogged about one of my favourite things — pretty paper. Today`s selection is from Pistachio. They`ve got a small but beautiful collection of paper products (cards, wrapping paper and invitations) and gorgeous gifts and apothecary items. Best of all, the products are made with an effort to preserve the planet.

Their mission: “The story of Pistachio began with a simple idea — being generous, environmentally sensitive and engaged with life is good for us and good for the planet.

Pistachio is about creating, using, and reusing things intelligently, about wasting less, and about putting good things into and onto our bodies.

We embrace the idea that being environmentally caring doesn`t mean denying, abandoning or refusing the things we love, but rather designing, developing and using products in more informed, eco-friendly ways.”

Love these gorgeous cards and wrapping paper. Check out epistachio.com for more information.

For more great decorating and design ideas, follow me on Twitter!

dark side of the moon

pinkfloyd dark side of the moon
Don’t let your computer network be just another brick in the wall (sorry). This ultra rock n’ roll Spectrus hub was designed by Art Lebedev and gives your geekery the cool factor by combining a Pink Floyd-esque design with a vibrant colour scheme. While this is only in the design phase right now, stay tuned for a release date and price info. Oh, Spectrus, wish you were here (I can’t help myself!).

brett’s adventures in ikealand – part one

Hellooooo from sunny Copenhagen! And when I say sunny, I mean INTENSE gorgeousness – it’s reached 27-degrees in a deliciously uncharacteristic turn of the weather here in the Danish capital.

ferryride bretts adventures in ikealand part one

On the ferry from Sweden to Denmark! Breezy but bright!

 

I’m soaking up Scandi-style on a whirwind expedition led by the folks at IKEA Canada, who had a very exciting release in store for us at the Swedish town of Almhult.

Almhult was the birthplace of Ingvar Kamprad (now 83 years old!), who founded the Swedish style powerhouse back in 1958. The town is also the site of the very first IKEA store, and remains the hub of many of IKEA’s worldwide operations.

almhultstore2 bretts adventures in ikealand part one

The Almhult IKEA location – the first IKEA store in the world!

 

We actually got to stay in an IKEA-run hotel just opposite the Almhult IKEA, called IKEA Vardshuset. It was really sweet – decorated entirely in IKEA furnishings and accessories! (The closest I’ll ever come to realizing my secret fantasy of spending the night in an IKEA showroom!)

vardhusetroom bretts adventures in ikealand part one

My room!

 

vardhusetexterior bretts adventures in ikealand part one

The exterior of Vardhuset Hotel & Restaurant. Simple and spare, but so sweet!

 

So what is this big news from IKEA?

Unfortunately, I’m sworn to secrecy for a little while yet – the product has yet to reach Canadian shores! What I can share is the ultrasecret little bunker where they took us to reveal a fantastic new collection… Piqued your interest yet? lol

bunker bretts adventures in ikealand part oneThe mysterious “bunker”…

 

I’ll be back with more over the next few days! Be well!

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