Gaile G.'s Profile

A sophisticated furniture showroom that highlights the modern Asian craftsmanship of quality designed furniture, art and accessories. In my recent introduction of meeting owners Kyo Sada and Don Zwarych, a pleasant surprise to have them join Vancouver's high end furniture community.  

Timeless and sophisticated Asian imports that emphasize the quality craftsmanship that is missing from most big box import retailers.

Taking over Martha's location on south Granville, 18KARAT opens their first retail store. Initially a wholesaler to the design community, they now offer a great opportunity for the local community to have access to limited editions of modern organic accessories. Traveling to New York to source product, it is refreshing to see a local retail concept like 18KARAT to represent themselves in the market similar in caliber to high-end showrooms in Manhattan. Excellent value for unique statement pieces to compliment an interior. Where presentation is carefully thought out right through from the details of products, to the "statement" merchandising and of course - amazing personable service. I am truly impressed by this great new addition to the South Granville design shop ... NEXT REQUEST - when will we have a a retailer that specializes in international modern minimal accessories?

The only disappointment I have is seeing 18Karat products sold everywhere including less sophisticated retailers which unfortunately reflects a less high end branding image for their products.  Although this decision makes sense in the business $$$ sense, it's unfortunate that what once was exclusive to designers is now sold at many different retailers where some don't necessarily showcase their product in the best light.  Perhaps selecting certain collections exclusive to the showroom versus what is sold to other competing retailers would reflect a better concept of value.  

Accessories are the key element to completing an interior, they don't necessarily have to be expensive, its how they are grouped and paired with existing furniture, colour scheme and interior placement.  It just means that in key areas where there is a focal point the process of selection is different.  

Despite this one negative point mentioned, overall I give top positive points to 18 Karat, it's been amazing to see how they have grown over the years as a company and Canadian retailer.  The art direction, photography, styling, purchasing, merchandising, branding & marketing campaign are all successfully executed.

I'm excited to learn about the recent introduction of a furniture collaboration with one of my favorite local BC architects Peter Cardew, simple, timeless pieces that work well for the modern west coast interior.  18 Karat has a great selection of large scaled planters and outdoor accessories as well, excellent for any modern outdoor spaces.

It is interesting to see a retailer from overseas open several showrooms in a time where the economy and residential development has slowed down.  An interesting addition to see this showroom open up on Water Street in our local Gastown.

Nood offers buyers an alternative to the classic modern furniture designs at a price point that is affordable. Nood products I recommend are the home accessories: vases, flatware, kitchen accessories, great pencil sets, home organizers.  

One disappointment is that most of the furniture are not original trademarks rather replicas made in China. On a positive note in comparison to furniture showrooms like Yaletown Sofa or outlet stores in the suburbs these imitation pieces are higher quality.  

The perception of "made in China" is changing, there are a handful of excellent manufacturers from China that can produce some of the highest quality manufacturing which is already being seen by some European brand names who are now opening factories in China due to cost and meeting demand of the changing consumer.

The furniture industry is changing quickly where mass production and accessibility to the general public is changing the perception of quality design.  Working in the design industry, knowing the process and the years of investing into testing and  producing good design, purchasing a "knock off" is a difficult decision - how is it fair to the companies or the designers that have worked hard to bring a design into fruition?

With that being said, if you are on a budget there are many good alternatives to selecting furniture that will be both timeless and provide you with the lasting quality.  Consider a local manufacturer or do your homework ... there are plenty of amazing alternatives to the "polycarbonate " chair original designed and made Italy  that would be a great option and under $300

It would be so much more refreshing if new retailers were to take on new design and be more innovative with a collection of furniture that is original ... unfortunately when I see a design knocked off and mass produced everywhere, the novelty ends and "the trend" is exactly opposite of what I want to bring into a well designed interior.

The key is being selective and realistic with both your budget and aesthetic values.  I've ranted enough and although what I've shared may seem negative ... it's pretty simple - if I can't afford the real thing then I stay true to being a more responsible consumer and purchase something I can afford that still brings good value

I don't buy knock off "gucci or prada" purses rather I invest in good design right here made in Canada like M0851

Although I can buy imitation design furniture from Nood at affordable prices, I prefer to purchase the home accessories and decorative items that offer value without design compromise.  Nood is a good source for decorative items and gifts.

6 years ago when I first purchased furniture from Once a Tree, it was a perfect showroom to source furnishings for display suites when it came to styling a country casual interior. Changes of relocating to a new showroom on Marine Drive combined with clever merchandising, the showroom and style of the store has transformed this furniture showroom into a good option for a "contemporary west coast" furniture source.  
Recent visits to the new showroom makes for a pleasant surprise, to see what I would of considered a more traditional store to now transform into more contemporary alternative for the traditional home.  
The combination of over scaled accessories with solid wood detailing and construction all at affordable pricing makes for good alternatives to mass produced off shore product.

For the Shaughnessy home or classic modern west coast feel, I recommend this showroom to clients as a great option to furnishing homes for a growing family or for those who want the traditional craftsmanship with less fuss.  The new space highlights the furniture collections so much better.  Through out various room settings, clever merchandising showcases some of the larger 18 Karat  accessories within context and compliments a contemporary approach to traditional furniture.  The staff are extremely helpful and welcoming with each visit, another good reason to make time for a visit.

A recent relocation to Gastown, Koolhaus has joined our local community of transforming Gastown into a destination shopping location.  Although, the concept of shopping for furniture in Gastown is yet to be discovered by the "main stream" shoppers, for those who appreciate modern design Koolhaus is a great alternative to finding furniture options that are affordable.  Owner Stephen Sutch and manager Gary Christianson are great to work with when needing to find the perfect alternative when your in a time crunch and need to meet a budget.

My picks from Koolhaus are product collections made in Canada that Stephen tries to support as well some of the accessories if needing a mid century modern or art deco piece.  The style of the showroom has changed into a more eclectic design approach however if you visit often enough, there are reasonable prices for Canadian made goods.  

Now if only the landlord of their new building would support this new neighborly retailer by upgrading the building facade.  It's a shame that with all the new developments and facelifts of neighboring buildings that this one building makes it difficult to reflect a good retailer joining the neighborhood.

In appreciation of Koolhaus being one of Vancouver's modern furniture retailers, pricing ranges depending on what you are looking for. Typically Koolhaus would be on the shopping list when looking for quality outdoor furniture & umbrellas.  Having worked with Koolhaus for a number of years, it is exciting to have them join the gastown neighborhood and be a part of the motion in process of transforming the perception of the neighborhood as a destination community to not just the tourists but as well the locals.

A great concept of bringing good design to the everyday home where for those of us who appreciated design however can't always afford the high end furniture we adore, Vancouver Special offers a great modern design alternative that is more approachable.   Good design at good value on design brands from Japan and Europe from modern wool area rugs, home accessories to modular upholstery, and one of my favorite great buys: merino wool cube ottomans.  Another favorite is the beautiful glassware collection designed by my  favorite local designers MOLO DESIGN.

Owner Anne Pearson a recent grad from UBC shares an appreciation for modern design with the everyday shopper.  The attention of detail in the designing of her retail showroom is a perfect example of the positive outcome of collaborating with one of Vancouver's leaders in modern architecture.  Anne worked with Battersby Howatt to design this simple modern interior.  Combining a well designed interior to feature well designed product makes for a shopping experience you'll want to come back to.  It is retailers like Vancouver Special that have helped transform Main Street into the destination shopping experience that all of us design lovers are looking for.

One of my 3 top MODERN furniture showrooms in Vancouver. I've worked with Livingspace for a number of years for all various scales of projects.  The Livingspace family's years of experience in the furniture business offers clients an in depth knowledge of the various high end European furniture collections.  The interior of the showroom is a beautiful white box that highlights the furniture well, designed by one of my favorite architects Battersby Howatt, the shopping experience is immediate upon entry of this this showroom.  
Furniture favorites are MDF ITALIA, MINOTTI, LIGNE ROSET, ARPER, e15, and of course PAOLA LENTI to name a few.  Livingspace recently launched their ecommerce website which highlights their most popular product lines.  Owner Ross Bonetti brings his own appreciation of good quality design through the collections of furniture he represents.  If you ever need a help with furniture feel free to ask for Johanna, Victoria, Mark - they have an extensive knowledge of the product lines and are always so helpful to helping you find the right piece.

Having worked with Inform for a number of years for various scaled projects, Inform Interiors is a must see showroom for anyone who is looking for modern design.   Inform Interiors re-opened their showroom designed by one of my favorite local architects and industrial designers Omar Arbel.  The first retailer in Vancouver to build a geothermal building with a green roof - environmental details in addition to re-using, rebuilding and recreating an amazing interior space, Inform Interiors is a destination retail space and experience that every modern design enthusiast must see when visiting Vancouver.  For modern minimalists like myself, architectural features to take note of - a few of my favorites are the corian work stations, concrete staircase and the single linear frameless window of butt jointed glass on the second floor facing the alley - speechless!  The space frames room settings that highlight a few of my favorite lines of furniture - for the less mainstream - PORRO ITALY, FLEXFORM ITALY, ZANOTTA, LIVING DIVANI, and local manufacturer BENSEN to the new addition of POLIFORM wardrobes.  Most of the lines of furniture are considered high end however with a good design eye, there are collections that offer good value and care comparable in pricing.  One thing to take note of are lead times for custom orders ranging from 12-16 weeks.

Later launching in the fall of 2008 a new flagship B&B Italia and Boffi showroom at their previous location.  Gastown is the first neighborhood in Vancouver that has given us a sense of home and community.  It is exciting to see Water Street transform into a destination spot for unique fashion, furniture, food - thanks to the Inform family for helping transform what once was known as a tourist spot now the modern destination like Soho is in New York ... is it businesses like Inform that help build & transform communities into destinations versus places we just pass by.  Vancouver is changing every day and for the most part, it is exciting to see this transformation.

When you think high-end furniture most people are intimidated by the attitude and typical stereo types of what "high end" means.  It's simple, when you combine good quality with innovative design that is timeless, you get what you pay for.  As consumers who need to be more responsible for all their purchases, investing in good quality furniture that keep up with daily use is important.

Spencer Interiors is one of my ** must see** furniture showrooms featuring a collection of my favorite modern furniture suppliers: the timeless designs of luxury comfort from MERIDIANI ITALY,  to the wood craftsmanship of CECCHINI ITALY or unique chair designs by CASPRINI ITALY, sleek minimal designs of VICCARBE SPAIN to the elegance of CASA MILANO ITALY.  Spencer Interiors features mostly European brands where quality and design bring furniture to a new level.  Less of the usual suspect "trendy" furniture - you will find unique brand names that I love for their simplicity and timeless aesthetics.  If you are a smart shopper and compare pricing with other retailers, you will find that this showroom is fairly priced and competitive.  

As an interior designer, I appreciate the customer service and follow-up that comes with purchasing an investment piece - Stephen Spencer and Ichi Chen are fabulous to work with, they are detailed and always sincerely concerned about helping my clients make the right decision versus just selling another product.  When you have a retailer believe in their products as well stand behind the quality - furniture shopping becomes a much more enjoyable experience for both clients and myself.  

Furniture favorites:  Pianca people stacking drawers - excellent value for storage solutions for both media and bedside storage.  Anta Germany is one of my favorite European lighting companies, excellent value and lead time is less than most.  Casprini - caprice and tiffany chairs - excellent price and extremely durable ... if you are ever in the search of something new, check out their website, everything is conveniently listed with details, dimensions, stock availability and pricing making furniture sourcing all the more efficient.

Immediately from street scape PROVIDE HOME caught my eye.  A sophisticated white interior complimented with local fir paneling and a unique custom line of fir furniture.   A modern interior that features unique home accessories from some of my favorites:  beautiful modern pottery from Rina Menardi to hand blown glass light fixtures from Niche Modern, to glass candle holders from Laurence Brabant, Paris, or the glass collection from  Anna Torfs or Lawrence.  For those who appreciate the art of Pottery, each of the pieces produced by Rina Menardi are sculptural pieces, seeing them in context with modern furniture will give you a good sense of how they compliment modern interiors, even the family at Inform Interiors showcases them in their B&B Italia room settings.  I first came across the beautiful hand blown light fixtures in New York when I attended ICFF (International Contemporary Furniture Fair) and was in awe of their modern translation of the traditional exposed bulb, what a pleasant surprise to see that Provide Home introduced this New York design company to Vancouver by providing a couple of my favorite restaurants Chambar & Medina Cafe with their accent lighting.  

In contrast to a previous negative comment about this retail space being "pretentious?" - it does take a sophisticated eye to appreciate good design.  There are no knock offs or cheap representations here, only fine investment pieces that are all about quality.  What I love about this  neighborhood boutique is that the Owners Robert Quinnell and David Keeler feature a number of local designers and artists as well.  Too often our local talents are missed, Provide Home provides a platform to showcase the local creative community.  Check out the jewelry designed by Shereen de Rousseau or the resin vases of Martha Sturdy or the stationary designs of The Pink Door.

As an interior designer constantly sourcing unique product for clients, what a pleasant surprise to see this lovely modern interior become my  lifestyle specialty boutique right here in Vancouver.  

Provide Home carries a selection of unique home accessories that exclusive to their showroom - some of my favorites to add to my list above ADONDE, TICHELARR ceramics, DAFF FELT, CALEB SIEMEN, MAISON ET OBJET to EX VETO, ENO, MUUTO to JUDY ROSS textiles.