Anne Pearson is a recovering architect. She used to work downtown at a big firm with the best of them, but that was no fun. So she has created a haven for design junkies to get inspired and shop.
Her store, Vancouver Special, appeals not just to the nerdy architect looking for the latest coffee table book on the Eames chair, but to everyone who can appreciate functional AND beautiful housewares, high-quality audio equipment, a great cookbook, and a nice cup of tea.
I love everything in the store, says Pearson. She opened in 2008 on a very dangerous stretch on Main Street if youre on a budget. Pearson loves that many of her neighbours in Mount Pleasant, such as Eugene Choo or Smoking Lily, are long-standing independent retailers that are making it. With a recent expansion that doubles the size of the shop, Vancouver Special seems to be making it, too.
It really is a dream to have more space to showcase the furniture, she says.
Entering the bright, lofty showroom, its easy for customers to see how to incorporate design elements into their own homes. A Dot Cushion by Hay can add a much needed splash of colour. That wool upholstered coffee table by Bingo unfolds into a spare bed.
Offering guests a seat in an Acapulco chair, just in from sunny Mexico, or a Mountain Beanbag, an insanely comfy line of beanbags from Sweden that represent the worlds tallest mountains, is fun!
Vancouver Special invites in those who browse with open arms and well-displayed shelves. Although not crowded by any means, every pass around the store reveals a new surprise.
Favourites such as the Yanagi kettle from Japan, Weck canning jars from Germany or the UKs Rega line of turntables, broaden horizons beyond IKEA to see what the talent of the world really has to offer. And there are even a few talents closer to home in the magazine world to discover AcQtaste, of Toronto, is a new take on a food, while Uppercase, of Calgary, is for the creative and curious.
The product lines continue to evolve as Pearson scours the globe for all thats hip and happening in design, but also for whats applicable to her.
The latest arrival of wooden toys and childrens books hints at the fact that there is a new bundle of joy in her life.
Since becoming a mother Ive been obsessed with baby products and youre going to be seeing more of them around the store, she shares with a smile.
That is one lucky kid.
VanSpecial.com | 3612 Main
