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The Art of Discovery: Anthropologie

I have a confession to make: I am an Anthro addict. This company seriously has my number. I discovered them years ago now on a trip to visit a friend in Seattle. We were wandering a lovely outdoor shopping mall and – like a moth to the flame – I found myself inexplicably drawn into the space. Once inside it was game over. The details, the artistry and the discovery of the experience had me lost in wonder. An hour flew by like it was 15 minutes. Since then I’ve always made it a point to find the closest Anthropologie store on any trip to the US, knowing that – even if my budget did not allow much take-home shopping – the experience and the eye candy would always be inspiring.

Oakville recently joined the ranks of a small but growing number of Canadian stores opened by Anthropologie. Part of the brilliance of the brand is found in the uniqueness of each of their locations, as there is always something new to discover with each store you visit. This is driven in large part by the artists-in-residence who work with tireless creativity to create a sensory experience that is filled with the joy of discovery at every turn. All of the displays you see are uniquely hand-crafted by these in-house artisans, and I think their work is nothing short of inspiring.

Remember last week’s post about the colour Tangerine Tango? These sail garlands – hand crafted out of reclaimed paper from old books and magazines – were painted in this succulent blood orange colour and then strung from the ceiling to create beautiful light-play with the sunlight pouring in from the massive windows. Wouldn’t this make a delightful installation behind a headboard in a bedroom? I’d forever be dreaming of sailing into the sunset…

One of my favourite displays can be seen right as you walk into the store. Hand-died cotton has been cut into wave patterns and then stitched into this engaging, textured backdrop to showcase the apparel and home furnishings at the front of the store. I feel as if I’m adrift on an azure sea just looking at it!

Wouldn’t this make a beautiful canvas somewhere in your home? I think we’ll have to attempt something like this for an upcoming Make Something Monday.

I just love how this art installation leads the eye to the texture study of this geometric-cut-fabric-backed settee at the front of the store.

This stunning, wood and tiled staircase leads upstairs, drawing you further into the curated bazaar of beautiful things awaiting your discovery.

Tomorrow I will share with you some of the delightfully unexpected furniture pieces I found there on a recent visit. Anthropologie really is a treasure-trove of opportunity and inspiration. Can’t wait to share more tomorrow!

xo
s.

THE ULTIMATE IN UPCYCLING

After a mild but visually drab season of hibernation, it’s time to embrace all the colour and life this new season has to offer. As we watch this joy-filled palette come to life in our gardens, why not bring that joi de vivre inside as well?

New offerings from stylemakers like ELTE Carpets + Home show us that bold colour is de rigeur this season. For the adventurous of spirit, their new Silk Orchid Rug Collection will definitely get your heart pounding with the most jaw-dropping colours and patterns I’ve seen in a long time.

Photos Courtesy of ELTE

The rugs – made by artisans in India – are fashioned from recycled silk sari dresses (the ultimate in upcycling). The saris are unraveled by hand and then woven into new and inspired patterns that are as unique as they are breathtaking. The saturation of colour is like nothing you’ve ever seen, and the 100% silk rugs are also so incredibly soft that you may decide to skip the sofa in favour of a snuggle on the floor. Truly art for the “Fifth Wall” of any room.

Off to snuggle with my own sweet family.

xo
s.