ANGLEPOISE 1228 - MODERN TASK LIGHTING FOR ANY OFFICE SPACE

Sad but true, summer is quickly coming to an end. The kids are back at school and that feeling of productivity and regeneration is settling in. The idea of productivity got me thinking about the iconic task lighting company, Anglepoise. This UK company has been in production since the 1930's... if you think about it, that's a lot of task lighting that has inspired a lot of productivity!

The first Anglepoise task lamp was produced in 1931 by the companies founder George Carwardin, an automotive engineer. He developed a mechanism by which opposed springs combined could affect a unidirectional constant force on a pivoted lever counteracting the pull of gravitation. In other words, when the lever moves, it will stay exactly in place. This seamless mechanism is still used in all of the Anglepoise collections today.

A personal favourite collection of mine would be the Kenneth Grange 'Type 1228' series (available in both a desk lamp and floor lamp). Kenneth Grange is responsible for some of Britain's most iconic designs, such as the Kodak Instamatic and the London Taxi. The Type 1228 (developed in 2003) has all of the functions of a traditional Anglepoise but the design itself is far more contemporary. The translucent colourful plastic shades create ambient lighting and inject an electrifying shot of colour into any workspace. Easy to maneuver, these lamps can be turned any which way for optimal use. Available in mid green, granite grey, ice white, minerva blue, carmine red and daffodil yellow. These task lamps are sure to help launch you into productivity mode this fall.

For more information, please visit our website www.providehome.com or email us at www.providehome.com

Posted by Megan

ANGLEPOISE COLLABORATES WITH BRITISH FASHION DESIGNER PAUL SMITH

British fashion designer Paul Smith and Anglepoise have teamed up to create a quirky and colourful version of the class Type 75 table lamp. Paul Smith is best known for his well-made, simple cut fashions that often include a splash of vibrant colour, a floral print or his signature multi-coloured stripes.

The new special edition Type 75 lamp combines the unmistakable form and function of an Anglepoise with the unique handprint of Britain's foremost designer, Paul Smith. Warm grey-olive tones are contrasted with sharp accents of fuchsia and lime, with cornflower and clay added for a stunning effect. The modernist form has become the designer's palette, injecting new life into a classic design. Mechanical functionality is highlighted by Smith's playful colour-by-component approach.

These lamps are the perfect collectors item for the fashionista design lover. For more information send us an email at info@providehome.com or call us at 604-632-0095.

Posted by Megan

THE NEW CRYSTALLINE SERIES BY NICHE MODERN

Niche Modern recently launched the latest addition to their line up, the 'Crystalline' series. Veering away from their otherwise more muted colour choices, this collection introduces bright bold colour and new shapes that are centred on the idea of sharp angles and edges.

Each pendant is hand made carefully, slowly and with a lot of love. The angular forms can be difficult to achieve with molten glass so molds are required to help the process of achieving clean cut shapes. The line's four pieces include the Axia, Condesa, Delinea and the Trove, all inspired by the idea of crystal structures and how they produce different layers and angles that mesh together in perfect harmony.

Available in nine different colours, including clementine, tulip, rose, chartreuse and turquoise. These pendants are beautiful on their own or grouped together to create a striking impact in any space.

For more information, please send us and email at info@providehome.com or give us a call at 604.632.0095

Posted by Megan

PROVIDE DESIGNS A FIRST HOME FOR A CHARISMATIC FAMILY

Provide is thrilled to share with you one of our recently completed design interiors project for a wonderfully cool and stylish couple and their (now over 1 year old) beautiful boy. Located in downtown Vancouver, this town home features beautiful natural light (it faces a lush park) and an open living/dining/kitchen area that easily accommodates the couples' family and friends for social gatherings, allows them to work freely (via laptops), and promotes calm, relaxed living when on their own.

The base palette for the home is neutral, white ash was used in the custom wood dining table, coffee table and storage cabinets (all by Christian Woo) – the sectional sofa (also custom) and carpet (by Salari) are in two different shades of grey. Pops of colour come from the Saarinen Womb Chair in chartreuse, the turquoise wool poof (Salari), the Charalene Mullen cushions of their collection of masks (acquired on their travels) is given pride of place in the built-in shelving unit. Over the dining table, we used a trio of Niche Modern solitaire glass pendants in grey that provides elegant lighting for dinner parties and a dramatic focal point for the room.

Upstairs, the main bedroom acts as a calming retreat with it's serene and muted hues. The Bensen bed cleverly lifts up offering much needed storage for the owner's materials and crafts. The bed is upholstered in a light turquoise fabric and is accented with artistic cushions from Eskayel. Lighting is from Anglepoise and various accessories such as the Loyal Loot log bowl and the cast iron owls provide whimsical touches.

A warm, relaxed home for a cool, vibrant family – a perfect combination!

Photography by Janis Nicolay.
Posted by David.

BEAUTIFUL BLOSSOMS INSPIRE AN ELEGANT LIVING ROOM

As designers, we are always looking for inspiration in anything and everything in life. When we came across this beautiful Missoni cushion (shown above), it was hard not to be stimulated by its elegant hues and luxurious luster.

Dreaming of a possible living room setting, we've put this cushion with a few items that we felt reflected the cushion's elegance and sophistication. These accessories, paired with a simple modern couch and crisp white walls would create a classy living room we'd all love to sit back and relax in.

1. Missoni Orly Cushion
2. Niche Modern Bell Jar Pendant in Smoke 
3. AKMD Brass Bowls
4. Martha Sturdy Brass Wire Sphere Lamp
5. Rina Menardi Giara N.1 in Green Lagoon
6. Pacific Connections Breakfast Tray 

Posted by Megan

JUNE IS JUST FOR DADS, FATHERS DAY GIFT IDEAS

Show Dad just how much you care this Fathers Day with these great gift ideas:

1. Anglepoise Original 1227 table lamp in chrome, $410.00
2. Missoni Giacomo bath towel, $69.00
3. Triumph & Disaster rock and roll suicide face scrub, $36.00
4. Saikai brass bottle opener, $73.00
5. Oscar Maschera blue/black leather square tray, $285.00
6. Triumph & Disaster gameface moisturizer, $52.00

Happy Fathers Day!

For more information on these and other products please visit our website www.providehome.com

Posted by Megan

A THRILLING TRIP TO NEW YORK FOR ICFF AND DESIGN WEEK

ICFF and New York Design Week takes place every year in mid May and this year I had the pleasure of once again attending this inspiring and event filled week.

ICFF is the premier furniture and home decor show in North America where the latest from the world of design is presented. Of course it is always great to meet with our suppliers and have the opportunity to see first hand their latest offerings as well as discover new products to add to our edited mix.

At the show, Eskayel's (top photograph) booth was filled with beautiful textiles and designer Shannon Campanaro shared with me her thoughts and inspirations on their new "Lora" collection. We at Provide will be placing an order next week and look forward to receiving items from this unique collection soon.

Next I saw Caleb Siemon and Carmen Salazar, the glass artists and designers behind Siemon & Salazar (second photograph). This year they showcased stunning new lighting including pendants, table lights, a chandelier and a sophisticated brass fixture that features hand-crafted brass chain from which multiple glass pendants hang. In a word, amazing!

Teixidors (third photograph), whom we often get to see in Paris and Barcelona made the trip over to North America to display their luxurious pillows, throws and blankets made from 100% ecological merino wool, cashmere and linen. This collection has been a great success for us and we will be restocking our offering over the coming weeks.

During my stay in New York, I did my best to make a small dent in what else was going on around the city – some of the highlights were: Punk – Chaos to Couture, a fashion exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum; the Jeff Koons show at the Gagosian gallery in Chelsea and the exhibit of Doug Johnston's (last photograph) coiled lighting sculptures at the Mondo Cane gallery in Tribeca. Doug Johnston is a Brooklyn based artist and designer that makes baskets and bags from cotton and nylon cord and creates handmade and "one-off" lighting that are truly works of art. Look for a selection of Doug's baskets and bags to arrive in June at Provide.

I'm back at Provide and am looking forward to a hot summer filled with cool design!

Posted by David.

ANGLEPOISE LAUNCHES NEW COLOURS FOR THE GIANT 1227 AT MAISON ET OBJET

While attending Maison et Objet in Paris last week, we had the pleasure of reconnecting with Anglepoise, one of our favourite home ware brands.

Based in the UK, Anglepoise has been producing iconic lighting in a wide range of styles for over 80 years. Their Original 1227 lamp is recognized as classic British design and was the brain child of automotive engineer, George Carwardine who pioneered its perfect balance mechanism.

The Giant 1227 floor lamp was first produced as a one-off commission for the Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre, due to public demand it went into volume production in 2004. Now with a palette of 10 colours, including the "Tranquil" range which launched at the show (pictured above), this lamp makes a statement in any room.

For more information on the Giant 1227 floor lamp and and other Anglepoise lighting, please visit our website at www.providehome.com or email us at info@providehome.com.

Posted by David.

BLACK AND GOLD, A REFINED DUO

A few weeks ago Robert and David returned from Spain and re-merchandised Provide. When I walked in the next day I immediately noticed the beautiful gold and black display wall which David had put together, instantly I fell in love with the elegance and warmth of the gold Martha Sturdy pieces and Judy Ross cushions paired together with the bold ebony blacks of the Pacific Connections lacquer trays and whimsical personality of 'The Black Guest' by Lladro. Grouped together you get an instant luxurious and sophisticated combination.

Images listed clockwise from left:
Caleb Siemon metals series vertical wrap vase
Caleb Siemon black cumulo barrel vase
Niche Modern bella pendant light in amber
Lladro's 'The Black Guest' 
Judy Ross tabla cushion
Charlene Mullen handlebar cushion
Cire Trudon candle
Saikai brass trivet
Shereen De Rousseau wrap bracelet 
Martha Sturdy square vase in new gold/clear
Pacific Connections black lacquer tray 

Posted by Megan

MARTHA STURDY SPHERES IN RESIN AND STEEL

The Fall event at Provide is just one day away and we are almost all set-up for what promises to be a stimulating evening on design featuring Martha Sturdy, one of Canada's most talented artists and designers. On view will be her new white marble resin and steel sphere lighting as well as her gorgeous darkened steel spheres and furniture pieces (photography by Raeff Miles). We look forward to seeing everyone there!

The Martha Sturdy event takes place at Provide (529 Beatty Street in Vancouver) on Wednesday, September 26 from 6pm until 9pm.

NICHE MODERN MULTI-PENDANT LIGHTING

Since Provide opened, we have represented Niche Modern lighting – in fact we designed our showroom utilizing three trios of their Solitaire Modern Pendant Lights. Five years on, Niche Modern stands the test of time – still looking as fresh and current as the day we opened our doors.

Niche Modern is hand-blown glass pendant lighting that comes in a spectrum of translucent hues and exposed filament bulbs. The pendants are offered in a variety of shapes and sizes, all work in modern to more traditional environments with ease. Multi-pendant chandeliers that utilize a sleek metal canopy create beautiful and dramatic focal points for rooms. Provide's Design Services just used a grouping of three Solitare Pendants (shown at the top) for a client's dinning area and the outcome was absolutely stunning. The middle image shows the Pharos Pendant in Effervescent in a grouping of six while the bottom image is a customizable Quill Chandelier with the Pharos turned to face the ceiling.

For more information on Niche Modern lighting, please visit www.providehome.com

ANGLEPOISE TYPE 1228 NOW AVAILABLE AT PROVIDE

Designed by Kenneth Grange (one of the UK's most distinguished industrial and product designers), the Anglepoise Type 1228 is as functional as it is stylish. The two toned polycarbonate shade is available in a range of hues (all versions are white on the inside) that provide subtle colour and a pleasant ambience in any room. With two options: a wall mounted light and a table lamp, the Type 1228 does double duty in modern interiors.

MARTHA STURDY NEW YORK GIFT SHOW PREVIEW

Just before leaving for Maison et Objet in Paris, we visited the Martha Sturdy showroom while they were preparing for the New York Gift Show happening later this month. We were lucky enough to get a preview of some beautiful designs in their new charcoal marble colour We immediately placed an order for several items (look for them to arrive later this week) and we have our eye on this fabulous new lamp – it will look very stylish behind the cash desk at Provide!

MODERN CLASSICS IN GREAT COLOURS FROM ANGLEPOISE

Provide has just received the Original 1227 light from Anglepoise in red, blue and chrome. The Original 1227 is exclusive to Provide and has been a huge hit with clients as well as the press with features in such magazines as Western Living and BC Home (visit our press page for details).

The Original range reissues some of Anglepoise's classics. These products were designed and manufactured more than 70 years ago and work wonderfully in todays interiors.

In addition, Provide has restocked the Type75 light in white, silver and black. The Type range was created in 2003 by designer Kenneth Grange to bring a modern aesthetic to the original Anglepoise designs. It contains products which have become classics in their own right such as the Type75 (pictured at top).

Visit providehome.com to view more from Anglepoise.

DESIGNER FOCUS: CALEB SIEMON

ICFF starts today in New York City and although Provide will not be attending this years event, we are up-to-date with what some of our suppliers are showcasing. Caleb Siemon and Carmen Salazar without a doubt will have one the most stunning collections on view at the show. New work featured are handblown pendants shaped in lead free crystal, all designed and made by this creative and highly skilled team in California.

The Chaos pendants (middle picture) use a chaos wrap over clear or metallic crystal. Differences in melting temperatures are exploited to create a textural and bulbous surface. The wraps create unique and dynamic shadows on the surrounding environment. The Silver pendants (bottom) will patina over time creating a beautifully textured surface.

Although, Caleb Siemon does have an extensive collection, Provide is currently working with them on several special commissions in both lighting and vessels. At Provide, we are able to suggest and arrange special one-off pieces with many of the designers we work with to create truly unique installations.

Look for more of Caleb Siemon's beautiful glassblown work arriving soon at Provide.

ANGLEPOISE LIGHTING FEATURED IN WESTERN LIVING MAGAZINE

Provide is thrilled to announce that Anglepoise (available at Provide) is featured in the beautiful new issue of Western Living Magazine. The Anglepoise Original 1227 task light is profiled in the "timeless design" section of the May issue with a quick look on how it originated over 75 years ago. Thank you to Michael Harris and Anicka Quin for this as well as featuring another timeless collection available at Provide by Nadia Pignatone in "the goods home & design section. Drop by Provide to pick-up a copy of Western Living Magazine.

DAVID WEEKS LIGHTING AT PROVIDE

Provide has just received some beautiful lighting from Brooklyn based designer, David Weeks. While unpacking the desk lights, three where immediately sold to devoted admires of the David Weeks Studio Collection.

The Leda desk lamp (pictured at top), casts a bright, focused and adjustable light ideal for reading and writing. A custom-made shade paired with a subtlety curved stem make for an elegant and unified composition. The Leda is available in Black and Ivory at Provide and in Orange and Pewter by special order. A similar shade is also available in a one arm and two arm sconce (in Black or Ivory) by special order.

Provide is very proud to offer the David Weeks Studio Lighting Collection – for more styles visit the David Weeks Studio website and for more information call Provide at 604.632.0095. We are happy to work with you to quote on specific styles and for shipping and delivery to Canada.

ANGLEPOISE LIGHTING HAS ARRIVED AT PROVIDE

The UK's Anglepoise has taken the world of desk lighting to greater heights – offering lighting solutions that combine classic design with unmatched performance and Provide is excited to be the only retailer in Canada to represent this unique collection. The "Original 1227" (top two pictures) was recently reissued to celebrate its 75th Anniversary. This classic lamp is made with aluminum arms and a heavily weighted base for extra stability and is available in Chrome, Black and Cream. We are also stocking the "Type 75" (bottom picture) in White, Black and Silver. This version comes complete with table base and is perfect for an office or a reading light. The Black "Type 75" is also available with a floor stand. Look for this great new addition to our lighting collection at the store and soon on our website.