OPENING NIGHT AT IDS WEST 2010

Last night we attended the opening event for IDS West at the new Vancouver Convention Centre. The new location is the perfect backdrop and really elevates this event to something on par with Toronto or New York. The exhibitors all did an impressive job with their presentations – the overall effect was stylish and very sophisticated.

Some of the great designers showcasing their work also have their product available at Provide, including Christian Woo, Martha Sturdy, John Ross Designs, MTH Woodworks and Catherine Regehr who collaborated with Brent Comber. It was great to see some new designs from them and we hope to have them in our store soon.

It was also and opportunity for us to talk and reconnect with people in the industry that we don't normally see. For instance, we stopped in at the Cross's booth and where blown away by their creativity, warmth and good humour. Great job guys!

MANY OF PROVIDE'S LOCAL SUPPLIERS WILL BE AT IDS WEST

IDS West begins this week (October 14th – 17th at the Vancouver Convention Centre) and many of Provide's local suppliers will be showcasing their work including Martha Sturdy (above), Christian Woo, John Ross Designs and MTH Woodworks. In addition, there will be some great friends of Provide exhibiting, including Brent Comber, Fluff, Good Space and False Creek Design Group just to name a few. We will be attending the opening party and will post some of our thoughts this coming friday.

A VISIT TO PEKING LOUNGE

I just payed a visit to one of Vancouver's most unique retail destinations – Peking Lounge. Owned by Daniel Poulin and Michael Bennet, the store contains a great mix of classic Chinese antiques and Asian inspired contemporary design. The two have a great eye for buying as well as creative presentation – I loved the beautiful over-sized mugs (pictured above). Peking Lounge is located in historic Chinatown (just around the corner from Provide) on East Pender Street. The street is going through an amazing change with a new cafe, hair salon and Bob Rennie's gallery all right in a row. We will have to drop by more often.

A NEW TABLE DESIGN FROM MTH WOODWORKS

MTH WOODWORKS have expanded their Bloom collection with the creation of this new coffee table. Salvaged from Vancouver Island, this massive tree base has found a second life as functional art. The top is cast in solid resin made from Peanuts and soybeans and is fused with the wood trunk to create a seamless surface revealing the beauty of the natural wood. This table measures 44 inches (polar triangle), for custom sizes and colours please enquire at 604.632.0095.

www.providehome.com

BRASS BOTTLE OPENERS DESIGNED BY OJI MASANORI

Saikai from Japan is now offering brass bottle openers designed by Oji Masanori. These beautifuly hand-crafted objects make the simple task of opening a bottle elegant. Provide is stocking the Crescent (left) and Frame (top) and think they are a fresh idea for gift giving.