The Summer 2012 edition of DESIGNLINES is now available.

In this issue ‘Take me to the Mother side’ shows us a two story infill by architect Julia Knazic that does double duty as a private residence and play space for the grankids. Plus ‘All The Stops’ a stylish and fun interior by Doreen Landow for an Avant- garde art collecting couple. We particularly love the glass kitchen back-splash which is a massive map of the London Tube, complete with each station marked by an LED.

This edition also includes the annual guide to the city´s top design districts. A must for all design enthusiasts!

You can pick up a copy at Atomic or at selected boutiques, galleries, and design showrooms throughout the city.

Enjoy!

It is rare that we acquire anything modernist from South America.

During the 1960′s and 1970′s the modernist movement in South America was small but distinctive enough to gain some recognition internationally.

Furniture designers such as Sergio Rodrigues and Percival Lafer became known for producing a style that was unique and luxurious, often using  materials  indigenous to their countries such as Brazilian Rosewood and leather.

Other designers and individual craftspeople produced objects and jewellery in the modernist style but due to a limited market and economic constraints  were restricted in their output and documentation.

This modernist pendant and chain is one such example. Made in Ecuador it is completely hand fabricated in sterling silver. Set with a cabochon Tigers Eye it is almost certainly a product of a small workshop or individual and made as a commission or limited series.

Speculation aside  this pendant speaks volumes on the workmanship and  attention to detail that the South American modernist movement achieved during this time.

Stamped ‘Ecuador 925′ on reverse.

We love the form and function of this ´Op Art´ wall light designed by Bent Karlby for Danish lighting firm Lyfa.

The light which is entitled ´Kavadrille´ is constructed from sheet steel sections. When illuminated the light from each section creates a wonderful ambient effect of contrasting shadow and light.

The form is also reminiscent of the iconic paining ´Homage to the Square´ by modernist painter Joseph Albers.(1888-1976)

Circa 1960.

With original ´Lyfa´ paper label.

The April edition of our Design Selections is now out.

Spring is officially here so there has never been a better time to inject some fresh colour into your interior.

We give a few suggestions to help you get started!

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Just in this stylish Aluminum Group lounge chair designed by Charles & Ray Eames for renowned furniture manufacturer Herman Miller.

First designed in 1958 the Aluminum Group was originally designed for indoor and outdoor residential use. In fact during its development it was often referred to as the ´Leisure Group´.

Ironically this sleek Aluminum series can now be seen in numerous modernist offices  as well as residential interiors throughout the world.

Stamped with Herman Miller logo.

Circa 1960

We are impressed with the sheer vibrancy of this ´Uranium´ technique ´Sommerso´ vase created Antonio Da Ros for renowned Italian glassblowers Cenedese.

In 1959 Antonio Da Ros became the artistic director of Cenedese, a small glass factory based on the island of Murano where he would frequently design pieces using the Sommerso technique, often with ‘Uranium’ green glass which has the unique characteristic of glowing  brightly in ultra violet light!

Circa 1960

Just in this impressive `Rocket` table light designed by Goran Pehrsson for Swedish lighting firm Atelje Lyktan.

We love the louvered aluminium fin diffuser and it´s ´Rocket´ like appearance which looks like it could take off at any moment!

Dated 1978

The March edition of our Design Selections is now out.

With spring just around the corner you may be considering re-arranging or re-editing your space. We suggest a few stylish and unexpected designs to energize your interior!

If you would like to receive this monthly mailing feel free to sign up here, or click the Subscribe button at the top right hand of our website.

We are excited to announce that Moses Znaimer has purchased our Orbit TV for his MZTV Museum of Television! The museum has one of the world’s most comprehensive collection of North American television receivers.

MZTV is currently closed as they are getting ready to move into their new home in Liberty Village.  In the meantime, be sure to visit their online exhibits such as a Timeline of Television History, Television in Quotes, and Marilyn Monroe.

MZTV is scheduled to open again in late fall and we will keep you updated on all the news regarding the museum’s re-opening!

It can be challenging finding a desk chair which is both stylish and comfortable to fit into a residential office.

This minimal desk chair by Canadian furniture designer Walter Nugent certainly ticks all the boxes for us!

Designed in 1962 it is similar in many aspect to the work of Mies van der Rohe and rivals in quality to any office chair that American furniture companies Knoll or Herman Miller would have produced.

The sweeping curve of the one piece sprung steel seat and chromed steel abstract base was something of a signature design for Nugent and can be seen incorporated within some of his other designs. He also produced a series of pedestal coffee tables with the identical base.

We are also impressed with the seat height adjusting mechanism, which is a steel disc concealed underneath the base, when turned incrementally raises or lowers the seat for optimal comfort.

With original metal tag `Walter Nugent Designs Ltd`

Dated 1962

We were very excited to see our sculptural necklace featured in Now Magazine’s Life and Style section this week! To see the full Womenswear Trend Preview, click here.

We have just recently acquired the most beautiful Scandinavian light fixture.

The sculptural form is constructed from a series of complex cut and folded interlocking polymer sheets. The result is a stylish modernist take on the more traditional Japanese paper lantern.

Dated circa 1960 this fixture is certainly Scandinavian  with a high probability of Danish origin.

Due to it´s unique construction, when illuminated the fixture creates a wonderful ambient effect of shadow and light making it the perfect choice for a focal piece above the dining or kitchen table!

The February edition of our Design Selections is now out.

This month we thought that we would suggest some wearable art as a special gift for a loved one this Valentine´s Day.

If you would like to receive this monthly mailing feel free to sign up here, or click the Subscribe button
at the top right hand of our website.

Just in this iconic Aluminium Group coffee table designed by Charles & Ray Eames for Herman Miller.

First designed in 1958 the Aluminium Group was a line of furniture specifically aimed at residential use but over time also became incorporated into offices and executive boardrooms. The sleek minimal profile and signature solid Aluminium base (a unifying factor in all the group) has made this furniture series  a classic choice for any modernist interior.

Table top measures 35¨ in diameter with dove grey laminate finish.

With original Eames Office and Herman Miller labels.

The Spring 2012 edition of DESIGNLINES is now available! One of our favourite features in this issue is “Artists’ Way’, which offers a look into painter Howard Podeswa and textile artist Joy Walker’s home in the Annex. Artwork and textiles mixed in with modern furniture work together to create a lively, bright and airy home for the couple.

And don’t forget the informative city wide Shop Guide! Take a weekend to discover a new area in Toronto.

You can pick up a copy of this latest issue at Atomic or at selected boutiques, galleries, and design showrooms throughout the city.

Enjoy!