Hot Buys: October 2014

Each month, we scour the West for our favourite new products for the home. Here’s this month’s dazzling dozen.

1. Precious MetalCalgary interior designer Amanda Hamilton (named One to Watch in our 2013 Designers of the Year competition) launches her new home accessories line with a bang: the Alloy collection celebrates the metallic trend (okay, obsession) with pretty pieces like bronze ombré throw pillows ($195). Amanda Hamilton Home Accessories, online, amandahamiltondesign.com2. Makeover MagicDesigner Paul Smith makes his mark on a limited-edition run of Hans J. Wegner’s iconic Shell chair ($4,670)—bold, striped fabric gives the modern classic a fresh new look. Gabriel 
Ross, Victoria, grshop.com; Inform Interiors, Vancouver, informinteriors.com; Kit, Calgary, kitinteriorobjects.com3. Rock SteadyWe love a good mashup. The Drea side table ($1,200), an oversized golden geode from Arteriors, mixes two of our favourite design trends—metallic and geometrics—into something greater than the sum of its parts. Chintz and Co., Victoria, chintz.com; The Cross Decor and Design, Vancouver, thecrossdesign.com; Domaine Fine Furnishings and Design, Calgary, domainefurnishings.com; Atmosphere Design Lounge, Saskatoon, atmosphereid.ca; Alford’s, Regina, alfords.ca; Bella Moda Home Furnishings, Winnipeg, bellamodahome.com4. Block Party This stylish, sturdy beechwood Hay block tape dispenser ($26) will make gift-wrapping a pleasure, not a chore, once we hit the holidays. (Looking for something to wrap when the time comes? May we suggest giving everyone you know the Hay block tape dispenser?) Vancouver Special, Vancouver, vanspecial.com; Kit, Calgary, kitinteriorobjects.com5. Raise a GlassChill a bottle of bubbly in the Bark wine bucket ($77)—the rustic-glam design is reason enough to celebrate. Metric Design, Saskatoon, metricdesign.ca6. Nature CallsNo elephants were harmed in the making of the Bernhardt Livingston console (price on request)—the tusks holding the flat-edged glass top aloft are made of resin. GA Interiors, Saskatoon, gardenarchitecture.ca7. Winter is ComingInspired by the colours of winter—stark whites and soft greys, and the blush pink of cheeks flush from the cold—Tina Frey’s modern resin dishware (from $50) is an expert execution of playful imperfection. Creative Home Furnishings, Vancouver, creativehome.ca8. The MultitaskerMenu’s Flip Around chair ($219) promises to work double duty—flip over the stool seat and it becomes a catch-all tray—but, in reality, the piece is a triple threat, with the smooth ash-wood surface working just as well as a smart side table, too. Pomp and Circumstance, Calgary, pompandcircumstance.ca9. Kate the GreatThe perfect way to celebrate the new Kate Spade shop (Western Canada’s first!) at West Edmonton Mall is obviously by investing in something versatile and autumnal, like the plaid Lia crossbody bag ($398). Kate Spade at West Edmonton Mall, Edmonton, katespade.com10. Shades of GreyThough Designer’s Guild is usually known for splashy hues, the lustrous Jindai graphite rug (from $1,500), decked out with oversized silhouettes of Chinese botanicals, is a showstopper even in a muted grey palette. Crocus and Ivy, Regina, crocusandivy.com11. Stand-Up Work It’s an impressive optical illusion Christine Sheu and Kevin Helm have crafted in their Shawnigan Lake studio: powder-coated steel legs on the walnut Stella nightstand ($895) appear twisted and sprawling from one angle, vertical and sturdy from another, and beautifully designed from any viewpoint. 2Point54, online, 2point54.com12. Corner Market Maximize your storage square footage with the Ikea PS corner cabinet ($99), which fits perfectly into that awkward entryway (and, just as importantly, adds a pop of sugary pink). Ikea, across the West, ikea.ca