Thursday, October 16, 2008

Welcome West Elm!

Not only did Crate and Barrel recently open it's first Canadian outpost in Yorkdale a few weeks ago, but West Elm also joined the Great White North last night with a pre-opening reception at it's brand-spanking new Liberty Village location.

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The industrial-turned-yuppy district is now home to the contemporary cheap-and-chic vendor, known for its modern accessories and affordable furnishings. I could not wait to check it out with my own eyes after browsing the website for months and serendipitously my boss sent me there to scope it out in her absence.

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There to welcome West Elm to Toronto were a plethora of HGTV personalities - including the Designer Guys, Peter Fallico and my beloved Tommy Smythe from Design Inc. - a host of fashion editors, including Ceri Marsh and Susie Sheffman, and other well-heeled design-enthusiasts and journalists. Custom cocktails with blackberry and rosemary garnish flowed from the bar and DJ Gani was spinning as my fellow guests and I scoped out the metallic vases and candles, super plush organic towels, bath accessories, autumnal decor and more.

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A stylists dream, there are a plethora of accessories to dress a home or set available at West Elm. New condo dwellers looking to fill their spaces should stop by for everything from floor coverings and wall art, to dishes and storage for a combo of stylish form and function for cheap. (Generally most of the prices of accessories and small furniture items are consistent with the American website, while most bigger items are pricier)

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The Gallery Frames and Art Insets are a genius way to customize a blank wall with interesting images.

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Kitschy Acorn Wood Boxes and ceramic squirrels were just some of the seasonal decor being offered up.

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The Faceted Mirror Side Table, $219 and Tree Stump, $219 are two great side tables waiting to be tucked by your sofa. Not pictured is a stunning Capiz Drum Table that was very glam and even more affordable at just $159!

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Thin Box Frames in a sexy metallic hue are a nice change from the IKEA Ribba frames.

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I liked the glam Round Leather Ottoman, $549 and the Parsons Console, $359 has its own cult following.

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The Natural Sheepskin Rug, $149-249 is like lying on a fluffy marshmallow of softness.

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The Rolling Storage (3 x 4), $599 is a more costly alternative to IKEA's EXPEDIT series but I like that it's portable with wheels for easy manoeuvring as my IKEA version was always on the verge of collapse whenever I tried to move it.

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This White Bamboo/Cashmere Throw, $79 is ridiculously soft and would make a perfect holiday gift for a loved one!

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The Round Back Club Chair with Nailheads, $699 was comfy and sophisticated looking.

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I loved the spare-looking small round white vase, $16 but was also drawn to the shiny gilded pieces below (Metallic flecked $12, Metallic ribbed with white lining $29)

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Other West Elm faves include:

sheepskin pillow cover

Sheepskin Pillows

radian floor lamp

Radian Floor Lamp

manzanita candelabra + mini taper candles

manzanita candelabra + mini taper candles

Visit West Elm for yourself at  109 Atlantic Ave.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

yay! so glad it's finally open. I'll have to head there soon to check it out in person! great post.