With Italian Day hitting Commercial Drive this Sunday (June 14), I was inspired to bring a little Italian flavour to the décor. This week’s Five Finds highlights my top picks for Italian-made (or inspired) home accessories from some of my go-to places to shop around the city.
1. Italy Cheeseboard
Available from Love My Local, $106.
The concept behind Love My Local and its geographically inspired serving boards came from the life experience of founder Leah McIntyre. The nostalgia of growing up in a carpenter’s home and appreciating hand-craftsmanship, combined with world travel and recognizing the importance of what gathering and truly sharing a meal is all about, were some of the driving factors that inspired her to create unique crafted pieces to serve and share food with. Each board is locally made from FSC Certified, rapidly renewable bamboo and then finished with Balmbu nourishing balm. Available in versions for each province as well as various countries, the Italy board is a perfect fit for entertaining Italian-style.
2. Italian Herringbone Throw Blankets
Available from The Cross Décor & Design, 1198 Homer St. $135.
Throw blankets are one of the key items designers use to achieve a well-layered, finished design. Adding smaller layering pieces that offer a tactile experience and an opportunity to introduce pattern or colour in a subtle way allows a room to feel balanced and inviting without becoming overwhelming. The Herringbone Throw is ideal as the cotton/acrylic construction gives a cashmere-soft feel but keeps a modest price point. The pattern is gentle with just enough visual interest to catch your eye but still able to work in combination with other prints. Available in a full roster of colourways, there is an option for every design.
3. Venice coffee table books
Available at The Cross Décor & Design, 1198 Homer St. Prices vary.
Books are one of my major weaknesses. Not only are beautiful books a must-have for any space from a visual standpoint, but I also love the experience of browsing for, selecting and enjoying the read. For those with the travel bug or a memory created in Venice – or even those who just love the city – these books make for stunning tabletop décor. The covers and spines are visually striking, offering a chic graphic appeal to any room, while the content gives insight to the personality of who enjoys the space with pages of imagery and inspiration from the iconic Venice experience.
4. Neon Letter Heart
Available at Mint Interiors, 1880 Fir St. $99.
The use of neon light tubes for décor has seen a huge surge in popularity in the past few years. No longer just for exterior design, neon has been made accessible and super cool for interior décor. These Italian-made neon letters and shapes can be used solo for initials or in multiples to create personalized names or quotes for wall décor. They replace a traditional art piece within a room and offer a fun twist on accent lighting. My fave is the heart, whether as a cute piece for a kids room or part of a playful take on grown up décor. The pieces are easy to hang (just like any other art piece) and plug in with the use of a small transformer, also available in store.
5. Rina Menardi Ceramics
Available at Provide Home, 529 Beatty St. Prices vary.
The work of Italian-based ceramicist Rina Menardi is renowned for its neatness of shape, offering simple, organic silhouettes and palettes inspired by nature. Rina has been experimenting with ceramics since 1980 and has developed a signature look and feel to her collections that have gained her international exposure. The softness with which she designs her pieces allow them versatility in end use – from functional to aesthetic – and offers a refined and naturally minimalistic addition to décor. Believing that each piece should connect the user to the designer to the material, Rina works with finishing techniques dating back to the origins of ceramics.
