modern home

showroom images december 2011

2011-12-26T06:03:00.000-08:00

Attica changes every day in some way, as we like to keep the store a fresh experience for you. New products arrive daily, and furniture and decor items come and go. Here are some photos of our downtown Halifax store.

The Canadian-made Tosca leather sofa in Italian white leather

Large Canadian-made Lind sectional

The white marble tulip table with Calligaris L'eau chairs

The Thymes collection

The Coastal Living Resort bedroom collection shown here in our Vi-Spring mattress gallery

Warmer woods are making a comeback as shown in this beautifully crafted mid-century modern inspired solid maple dining set

holiday decor

Shelter Bay dining table is shown here with the G.Romano Calvin chairs

EQ3 Crush chaises in red

The Canadian made Stella bed

Contemporary design with traditional craftsmanship - the solid maple Quad table with Boomerang chairs

Made in Canada by Lind

Another great leather sofa made by Lind

Canadian made Lind sofa and chair shown with the Favolo spin chair

Say it with a single rose sculpture...they last forever

This Lind sectional easily converts from left to right-hand facing. Shown here with the Calligaris Mascotte table that converts from a coffee table to a dining table, and doubles in size.

The Canadian made round Nest chair and leather bed

Just a few of the lamps available

Canadian made Lind sectional

Elegant home decor...the urchin is a favourite!

The Canadian made down-filled Dublin sectional by G.Romano shown with Silva Denver chairs

Crypton dog beds...William Wegman designs and more...water proof, stain, bacteria and odour reisistant

Chilewich placemats and runners

now! by hulsta wall tv unit

beautiful beds in our Vi-Spring mattress gallery

bath and kitchen accessories

the Canadian-made G.Romano Aria sectional and Hugo chairs

the Caldera dining table made from 100-year old solid walnut railway ties from South America

the beautifully crafted solid walnut Catalina bed; mid-century inspired design

attica wins best furniture store in halifax

2011-11-04T04:36:00.000-07:00

We're so grateful to once again win "Best Furniture Store in Halifax" in The Coast's Readers Annual Survey. Local honours mean most of all, and it's wonderful that as Haligonians we're celebrating locally-owned, independent businesses.

As alumni of the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design, we'd also like to acknowledge the importance of keeping NSCAD independent. If it wasn't for the draw of the reputation of NSCAD, neither of us as owners would have come to Halifax, and so Attica wouldn't exist here. Thank you, NSCAD!

Here's what The Coast had to say about Attica, 'If you outfit your humble abode with sweet finds from Attica, chances are your home might just be cooler than you are. Sleek, futuristic beds, bold couches worth fainting on, coffee tables that double as art, crazy little fireplaces and the most adorable kitchen accessories are just a few of the things that both Attica, and the house of your dreams, have. If you’re planning your *Extreme Home Makeover*, or just in the mood to daydream, peruse these four floors of fine design for your digs. As one reader praises, “Nothing else compares.” '

thomas bina collection at highpoint

2011-10-30T06:43:00.000-07:00

Last week at Highpoint we were thrilled to meet the designer and founder of Bina Furniture, Thomas Bina (pictured in the middle of Christopher Joyce and Suzanne Saul). Thomas Bina is a trendsetter in environmentally conscsious design. His eclectic and versatile furniture line is informed by a unique set of influences, from mid-century modern to old world craftsmanship.

The furniture combines reclaimed demolition hardwoods with steel and black walnut. Each piece is unique, with a patina that speaks of days gone by, with designs of today. Free-floating slabs as well as dovetail and mortise-and-tenon exposed joinery are some of the unique detailing features.

“We’re creating something that will stand the test of time, something that will have lasting value.” – Thomas Bina

dwellstudio furniture coming to attica

2011-10-24T19:01:00.000-07:00

This week we were thrilled to meet DwellStudio founder Christiane Lemieux as we viewed her exciting new furniture collection at Highpoint. We started carrying DwellStudio's contemporary bed linens about ten years ago, and always loved Christiane's contemporary design sensibilities.

No longer does decorating a home consist of buying complete collections; the idea now is to bring home individual pieces that you love, and add tones, oatterns, layers and textures to your interior. DwellStudio ties into this with their mid-century inspired designs.

Check in with Attica in the coming months as we launch DwellStudio furniture!

landscape your bedroom

2011-10-12T06:43:00.000-07:00

Like surveying a serene outdoor vista, the Landscape bed provides a serene visual oasis to your bedroom. The horizontal lines in the leather or wooden headboard and in the stainless steel trim on the bed base reinforce thoughts of repose.
Designed and crafted in Canada, the Landscape collection is destined to be another classic. Choose from a wide variety of leather (pearl, brown or black) and eighteen stain colour options. Available in queen or king. Accent your bed with other pieces from the Landscape collection: select from two nightstands, three chests and two dressers.

leading U.K. sleep expert to give seminar at attica on nov. 2

2011-10-04T10:53:00.000-07:00

With only two venues in Canada, don't miss the Halifax presentation of this North American seminar presented by Vi-Spring luxury beds, "Sleep and Your Well-Being" by renowned sleep expert Dr. Neil Stanley.

In his seminar, “Sleep and Your Well-Being”, Dr. Stanley will define and discuss the stages of sleep, the benefits it provides to living well, the problems caused by lack of sleep, and strategies to sleep better. This is a great opportunity to learn about this important topic from one of the most published authorities.

A light lunch is provided. Seating is limited, so please RSVP by October 31st by contacting us at info@attica.ca.

About Dr. Neil Stanley
Dr. Neil Stanley is a leading U.K. sleep expert who has been involved in sleep research for 29 years, starting his career at the Neurosciences Division of the R.A.F. Institute of Aviation Medicine. In early 1990s he moved to the Human Psycho-pharmacology Research Unit, part of the University of Surrey, where as Director of Sleep Research he created and ran a 24 bed Phase I sleep lab. He is past Chairman of the British Sleep Society (2000-2004) and a member of the European Sleep Research Society; the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the European Society of Sleep Technologists. From 2004 to 2008 he was a member of the Executive Committee of the Assembly of National Sleep societies and through that is co-author of the Guidelines for accreditation of Sleep Medicine Centres and Sleep Medicine Education in Europe. He has published 35 peer-review papers on various aspects of sleep research and psycho-pharmacology and is widely quoted by the media as a leading sleep expert.

artful lighting

2011-09-15T05:34:00.000-07:00

Lamps and pendants provide us with our functional requirement of light, and are a necessity in almost every room that we enter. This utilitarian aspect, however, provides us with the opportunity to artfully accent our space and allow us to express our individuality.

Nowadays there are so many options available to us in such a wide variety of materials and colours. A carefully chosen table lamp can provide a sculptural element to our room.

Cassidy white porcelain table lamp with sheer silk shade:

Kimmel carribean blue table lamp with hand embroidered shade:

Jarrod carved wood pendant with plain mirror interior top:

Gavin natural wood mosaic floor lamp with natural silk shade:

Osborn green ceramic lamp with beige swirl:

Oliver etched gray glass lamp with moss gray silk sheer shade:

Paxton natural iron chain floor lamp with natural linen shade:

Lena natural iron/brass lamp with olive gray shade:

Durango iron chandelier (available in white as shown and rust):

the transparent pasha chair

2011-08-26T16:57:00.000-07:00

The Pasha chair, designed by Claudio Dondoli e Marco Pocci, is described as a "synthesis between tradition and innovation". The classic form of the chair is contrasted by its construction of polycarbonate with a glossy finish.

The Pasha chair, in its quiet elegance, adds a dynamic addition to any setting. Add a Pasha chair to each end of a dining table for punctuation.

Available in a variety of colours: white, black, fumè and transparent, you are bound to find a Pasha chair that works in your setting.

In addition to the home, it is suitable for restaurants, hotels and outdoor settings.

Add comfort and drama to your Pasha chair with an upholstered cushion.

A polycarbonate pouf is also available.

Contact us at Attica for more information on the Pasha chair: info@attica.ca.

omar gandhi: cedar in three textures

2011-08-15T17:48:00.000-07:00

This summer we had the pleasure of meeting Omar Gandhi, a talented young architect, who just two years ago set up practice in Halifax. Our region has experienced a "brain gain" with Omar; while born in Toronto and raised in Brampton, fate has brought him to Halifax.
During his training and work experience, Omar has had the opportunity to work with some of Canada's leading architects, including Bruce Kuwabara,Marianne McKenna, Mitchell Hall, Andrew Dyke, John Peterson, Lucy Timbers, Glenn MacMullin, Paulo Rocha, Kevin Bridgman, Bruce Mau and, most recently here in Halifax, Brian MacKay-Lyons. Recently Omar had the occasion to design an addition for a family in Liverpool, as shown above. In expanding the interior space, the main objective was to open the house on the “private” side towards the south. This orientation brought views of the Mersey River into frame allowing as much sunlight in as possible during the winter months and shade in the summer months. The project aspired to preserve the original house and maintain the existing street presence, while in the contemporary addition on the back of the house they would use local materials and traditional building technologies.
The existing house is re-cladded in local Eastern White cedar shingles. The new portion is cladded in two widths of Eastern White cedar boards. The clients wanted their house to age/silver in the landscape naturally over time, so the cedar is left natural, as is the galvanized steel for the roof.

Inside, the expansion continues the need for material integrity; interior millwork and concrete are left natural, as seen here in the living room, which combines the work space to allow for increased family interaction. The main focus of this room is the great outdoors, framed beautifully in the long row of windows. The furniture shown in this room includes the Canadian designed Baxter sofa and Truss chair, and the German now! by hülsta coffee table, all from Attica.
For more information:
design: Omar Gandhi, 902.222.3886, omargandhi.com
photography: Greg Richardson
contractor: Trunnells and Tenons Construction Ltd.
structural: Andrea Doncaster

celebrating locally-owned for 16 years

2011-07-20T16:58:00.001-07:00

It’s hard to believe that another year has gone by since our 15^th anniversary; we’re now celebrating our Sweet Sixteen! When two NSCAD graduates created Attica, and opened its doors in 1995, it was the only contemporary store in Atlantic Canada; today has grown to be the largest in the region. Attica’s downtown Halifax store on Barrington Street features four floors of design for customers to enjoy. In St. John’s, Attica’s boutique on Freshwater Road is a little out of the way, and a lot out of the ordinary.

We focus on contemporary Canadian design, as well as bring in exciting furniture and accessories from abroad. Because we want to thank our customers for supporting us all of these years, we are offering, until July 23^rd, 16% on all in-stock, regularly priced items, plus more in-store specials. Thank you Atlantic Canada!

keeping it fresh: new arrivals

2011-07-03T03:57:00.000-07:00

Keeping our store fresh and exciting is very important to us, as we always want to show you the latest in decorating trends. At the same time, we provide you with contemporary classic styles that will have your home looking great, not only today, but also in the years to come. Here's just a few of our new arrivals...

On our down-filled Canadian-made Dublin sectional by G.Romano shown above is transformed with bright green and turquoise. The peacock rug is made from 100% hand-dyed, hand piled wool, accented by the lichen pillow in citron and turquoise and the down-filled embroidered peacock pillow.

Here below is a dining table, buffet and wardrobe system from now! by hülsta Our now! furniture simply lasts longer because of the workmanship, the quality of the raw materials used and their thickness. And the timeless design. Mix, match and customize from a wide range of high quality, practical offerings for all rooms in your home.

The Canadian-made Lola chairs in top-grain orange leather look beautiful with the tufted charcoal gray Spencer sectional. The Spencer sectional easily flips from left to right.

The Caldera dining table is made of reclaimed distressed Chilean walnut railway ties with a steel base.

Continuing with sustainable furniture is the Ray dining table made from reclaimed demolition hardwoods and new walnut. While you can't see it here, it features a beautiful pedestal black wanlut base.

The Canadian-made Nest chair lets you and a friend curl up and relax while you read your favourite books or watch a movie.

The G.Romano Aria sectional gets a new look with new Dwell Studio covered pillows and Holly chairs by Silva.

modern bedroom: trip hop

2011-06-22T05:12:00.001-07:00

The Trip Hop bedroom collection is what impeccable style and attention to detail are all about: stylish handles, metal legs, large round mirror, clean, linear chest, etc. Available in custom colour options, it is shown here in a clear and warm wheat finish, which provides a perfect complement to the textured grey fabric headboard.

Focusing on basics of line and shape, the Trip Hop collection features metal legs that give a superb look to the furniture. Its simplicity in detail is an asset to the design, making it easy to blend with elements. A sleek and fresh environment, this is what Trip Hop brings to the home. The strong linear element of this collection is reinforced through the long handles running the length of the drawer; the drawer front devoid of hardware keeps the look simple and clean. The metal legs, seen on both the bed and night stand, give a modern finish to the retro inspired-look of this bedroom set.

designer lighting event on until june 26th

2011-06-13T04:34:00.000-07:00

We're excited to announce the "Designer Lighting Event" on now at Attica until June 26th, 2011. Save 30% on in-stock chandeliers, pendants, desk, table and floor lamps. Complete your room with lighting selections from Attica. Whether you're looking for a modern classic lamp or a new artful design, Attica offers the best selection of quality lights that will let your individual style shine.This sale is on in both Attica locations: at 1566 Barrington Street in Halifax and 2 Freshwater Road in St. John's. Some exceptions apply; see in-store for more details.

devon chair (spitfire and antique whisky)

2011-06-01T01:41:00.001-07:00

Attica brings to you the vintage modern Devon chair. This Retro yet classic occasional chair is inspired by the iconic Swan Chair, originally designed in 1958 by Danish designer Arne Jacobsen who was seen as the exemplar of the 'Danish Modern' style.

In addition to his architectural work he created a number of highly original chairs and other furniture and received several international distinctions and medals. The Devon in Spitfire and Antique Whisky is a statement of sculptural form with the unique feature of aluminium at the back and bottom of seat as well as aluminium studs. The finest in handcrafted leather upholstery is finished with seven stages of staining, sealing, and buffing providing authentic distressing.

the solair chair: it’s back, baby!

2011-05-25T09:32:00.000-07:00

For those of us who are children of the ‘60s and ‘70s, you may remember the Solair chair from your childhood. Bright and vibrant in innovation when first introduced in 1972, the Solair was designed by two Canadians from Montreal: Fabio Fabiano and Michelange Panzini. The two newly minted designers, riding the wave of design energy coming out of Expo 67, and the nationalist fervour of Canada’s Centennial, were recruited by Quebec manufacturer Industries Provinciales to rework the concept of a Canadian-designed, comfortable and stylish, modern indoor and outdoor chair.

To meet the pressure of a pending contract deadline, the chair was designed over the space of one weekend. Using new injection moulding plastic technology and steel framing, the chair has been in continuous production and distribution by its Quebec manufacturer since 1989.

Marketed extensively across Canada and the eastern seaboard of the United States as far south as Florida, the Solair chair was marketed throughout the 1970’s. Since this time, this mid-century modern chair went on to become an iconic fixture of North American roadside motels and pools of the period. The Solair, lightweight and extremely comfortable with its simple lines and solid practicality, exudes an allure that continues to speak to us about its symbolic place in Canadian culture.

Visit Attica for the Solair chair, available in a wide variety of colours for just $124.95.

dwell fabrics fresh for spring

2011-05-22T13:40:00.000-07:00

Fresh for spring, our custom Silva upholstery has arrived in Dwell Studio fabrics. Drawing inspiration from a wide variety of sources, including vintage fabrics, and nature, a lot of the drawings are done by hand. DwellStudio products are made of the highest quality cotton and linen available, and meet all criteria for eco-friendly pigments. The different patterns work beautifully together - mix, don't match!

lounging on the tribeca loft

2011-05-16T04:56:00.000-07:00

I'm reminded of my art college days of hanging out with my friends, with great discussions of painting, photography, politics and life, as we posted our work on the walls for critiques and contemplations. We would have loved the new Tribeca loft sofa design from contemporary Canadian upholsterer G.Romano in Montreal. This down-filled, slip-covered sofa with loose back cushions and arms invites lounging and creative musings. Come visit us and be inspired.

attica launches online virtual warehouse

2011-05-14T12:15:00.000-07:00

We have partnered with a grouping of major suppliers to showcase an exciting and eclectic online selection of furniture and accessories, such as Bina Furniture (shown below). While this by no means represents all of what we carry, it does show you a large number of available items with images, descriptions and pricing. As well, it lets you know if your selections are currently in stock in North America (the items are not necessarily in stock at our store). Please allow 3-8 weeks for delivery.

To access this website, please click here: Attica Online Virtual Warehouse. Username: user. Password: user.

drip dry in style

2011-05-11T05:22:00.000-07:00

The Dishgarden has just arrived in our Halifax store. Even though I have a dishwasher, and try to avoid handwashing dishes at all costs, this new dish rack has me re-thinking my life choices. I want to put this dishrack on my counter just because I want to look at it.
The DishGarden is perfect for small and large dishes, even pots and pans! And it has 2 utensil holders which can be moved around based on the other items drying in the rack. The DishGarden fits perfectly in the sink or can be used on the counter-top. Plus there is a silicone spout which drains the excess water.

Even if you already have a dishwasher, you just might want to give the Dishgarden a try!

dine with gus event on for the month of may

2011-04-30T08:40:00.000-07:00

For the month of May save 20% on all special orders for Gus Modern dining tables, dining chairs, stools, benches, storage and accessories. See in-store at Attica in St. John's and Halifax for more details.

umbra promotion on until may 7th

2011-04-28T03:02:00.000-07:00

Until May 7th, buy one Umbra item and get teh second item of equal or lesser value at 30% off. Just bring in a printed copy of this coupon to redeem.

g.romano new introductions

2011-04-25T19:30:00.000-07:00

At the High Point market this April, Montreal furniture manufacturer G. Romano again had new introductions to delight their retailers. Continuing with their down-filled comfort line is the new Porter sectional. You'll "flip" over this sectional - quickly change the sectional orientation by moving the chaise to the left or right hand side in a matter of seconds!

eco-friendly designs from umbra

2011-04-22T12:00:00.000-07:00

Today is Earth Day! As we each look towards contibuting in various ways towards sustainability, it's time to remember that even small acts count, such as the products that we buy. With this in mind, Umbra has introduced a wide range of eco-friendly products, that still maintain a great sense of style.A winner of numerous design awards , the iconic Garbino garbage can from Umbra is now made with corn-based plastic.

The Etz and Cheeto frames are made with eco-friendly, plantation grown rubberwood.

Made from bamboo, a highly renewable resource, this expandable bathtub caddy has a built in wine glass holder and fold away book support.

Look for these and other great products from Umbra at Attica.

‘Life-changing’ Vi-Spring beds arrive at bridal hotel

2011-04-20T04:38:00.000-07:00

EIGHT handmade beds, costing up to £20,000 each, were yesterday delivered to the hotel where Kate Middleton and her family will spend the night before she marries Prince William. They are individually crafted to fit like a glove and give a ‘life-changing’ sleep according to bed-maker Vi-Spring.

Staff at the five-star Goring Hotel near Buckingham Palace would not reveal if the beds were for Kate’s five-room ‘royal suite’ which is said to have undergone a £150,000 makeover for her stay. But that didn’t stop onlookers speculating. ‘It looks like the hotel is pulling out all the stops to ensure Kate and her family enjoy a comfortable stay during what will
be a very nervous time,’ one said.

Attica carries Vi-Spring beds in Atlantic Canada, with a queen-sized mattress starting at $3000.00.

the new siena bedroom collection

2011-04-17T17:19:00.000-07:00

The Siena bedroom collection, designed and made in Canada, features a contemporary platform bed base with a leather headboard. The scalloped edges on the wood and leather headboard pays homage to the past yet remains elegant and modern. This curved detail is echoed throughout the other pieces in the collection. Customize your bed with either pearl, brown or black leather, and a choice of eighteen stains.

new rug designs by christopher joyce in highpoint

2011-04-13T16:08:00.000-07:00

Twice a year, High Point, North Carolina hosts the home furnishings industry, as over eighty thousand attendees from 106 countries see over 10 million square feet of show space. Exhibiting at High Point this spring was Hellenic Rugs Canada, featuring new rug designs by Attica's own Christopher Joyce. Shown here is Chris with his new wood grain design made from New Zealand wool. Watch for more exciting rugs by Chris and Hellenic Rugs Canada.

keeping it real with the dublin

2011-04-06T15:24:00.000-07:00

As the environment continues to stay top of mind for many consumers, the movement towards natural fills, fibers and materials remains. At Attica, the handmade Dublin sectional by G.Romano is right on trend with its luxurious feather-down fill option, choice of eco-friendly fabrics including natural fibres, recycled cotton, and bamboo, and its wooden frame made from FSC certified wood. Sustainable and fashionable manufacturing for you.

grey and citron

2011-03-26T11:13:00.000-07:00

From fabric to furniture to accessories, grey is the color of the year, and industry experts from Global Views say the color will be the hot neutral for a few years.

The grey neutrals can warm up with overtones of taupe and cool off to steel. Combined with camel and brown, grey takes a traditional path. But pair a cool grey with white and the effect is urbane and sophisticated.

Grey serves as an excellent neutral for every other colour. Saturated colours like chartreuse, turquoise or orange are balanced by grey, and it adds richness and depth to softer color schemes of celadon, pale blue and butter.

Citron, sometimes called yellowy green or chartreuse, is the perfect complement to grey, and is this season’s hot new color. For the past ten years green has been popular, and now we're into the very yellow shade of green. Like many other greens, citron mixes well with almost any color. The combinations make for a vibrant and exciting visual display.

wardrobe systems: endless possibilites with now! flexx

2011-03-02T17:30:00.000-08:00

now! flexx is different. Versatility – inside and out – is part of its genetic code. Two widths, two heights, corner solutions and a choice of sliding and hinged doors offer incredible flexibility. now! flexx is available in seven different finishes, allowing you to match it to your decor.

hinged wardrobe system

now! flexx is provides exciting combinations, such as doors with plain or accent fronts as well as all-round passe-partouts. Shown here in polar white lacquer and walnut:

sliding door wardrobe

The combination with warm walnut beautifully highlights the stunningly simple high-gloss black surface. now! flexx – furniture that perfectly stands up to the demands of modern life without compromise to stylish design. Shown here in black lacquer and walnut:

wardrobe interior fittings

now! flexx offers an incredible choice of functional and design units for wardrobe interiors. Simply use sliding doors and add-on units to create a walk-in wardrobe:

See the now! flexx wardrobe system in action by watching this video:

buying in january

2011-02-03T04:15:00.000-08:00

January is generally one of the slower retail months in the year, but for those of us behind the scenes, it's a very busy time going on buying trips. Industry furniture and gift shows are a great opportunity to see what's new and fresh in home decorating. It's also a great time to renew relationships with suppliers.

One of our suppliers that we look forward to seeing show season is G.Romano, a contemporary Canadian upholstery company that features quality Canadian design. Shown in the photo above is my husband Chris, me (Suzanne), and Natalina Romano and Rick Lovegrove. Rick and Natalina are the second generation of G.Romano, and over the years have been doing a fantastic job running the company and keeping it at the forefront of contemporary design.

Shown here is the Tribeca sofa from G. Romano, which was featured in the Trends Display at the The Canadian Home Furnishings Market. The slip-covered Tribeca is the latest in modern, comfortable, casual living, with a European flair.

Also new at this show are rugs designed by Attica's Christopher Joyce. Arriving just in time (two days before the show opened!), were a few of his new designs:

Visit Attica in Halifax and St. John's to see what's new and fresh for your home or office. There's many more exciting products that will be arriving at the store on a weekly basis.

give and get event on now at attica

2011-01-26T16:17:00.001-08:00

On until January 3oth in both Attica locations in Halifax and St. John's, Attica lets you give a little to get a lot! Bring in a non-perishable food donation, or make a minimum $2 cash donation to the local food bank, and you can save 20% on all in-stock, regularly priced furniture and acessories. It feels good to give! And to get!

now! by hülsta: from germany to nova scotia

2011-01-11T05:05:00.000-08:00

One of the strongest brands in Europe has now come to Atlantic Canada. Attica has just brought in its first shipment of the Now! by Hülsta line from Germany. Hülsta was the first company to launch a high-quality ready to assemble line to the market with their Now! collection. Our Now! furniture simply lasts longer because of the workmanship, the quality of the raw materials used and their thickness. And the timeless design. Watch the movie here:

Come to Attica to get a catalogue for the complete Now! collection, and watch for more updates on this exciting collection.

organizing paper in your home office

2010-12-29T14:17:00.000-08:00

One of the main starting points to making your home look beautiful is to declutter. In home offices, many of us are overwhelmed with piles of paper, which not only takes away from the aesthetic appreciation of the room, but also makes it hard for us to be as productive as we should be.

If, like me, you're organizationally challenged, then you'll appreciate words of wisdom from organization guru Jane Veldhoven. Jane, a certified professional organizer,
is the owner of Get Organized! and offers training, office organizing and design, and one-on-one consulting.

We asked Jane to give us some tips to help us get started on cleaning up our offices for the New Year. Check out http://www.attica.ca/organizing-paper.html to read Jane's article.

attica two-time winner in best of halifax survey

2010-11-05T12:23:00.000-07:00

Attica is thrilled to be selected once again in The Coast Magazine's Best of Halifax annual readership survey. Attica has the honour of being selected as the winner in two categories: Best Furniture Store and Best Home Accessories Store. Says one Coast reader: "They have the greatest variety of cutting edge furniture in the Maritimes, and probably on par with any in the country."

Suzanne Saul, co-owner of Attica, was quoted by The Coast: “With Chris [Joyce] and I being artists, we’re trying to be artful in what we select. We aren’t trying to be mainstream in what we do. We don’t go for one look. We want to satisfy different looks and content in a contemporary context. We’re not following any trends. Hopefully we’ve been setting them.”

For Best Home Accessories Store, Attica is now a Hall of Fame Inductee, because of its continuous mutiple wins. The Coast is now retiring this category from future Best of Halifax surveys.

The owners and staff would like to thank the readers of The Coast for their kind support and acknowledgement. Thanks so much!

meet dawn from update interiors

2010-10-31T13:39:00.000-07:00

Every year in Halifax that it occurs, Attica is involved in a charity fundraiser for the Kids Help Phone, which employs the assistance of the local interior design community to decorate and furnish a home for public display. I remember several years ago, during the 2005 Kids Help Phone Designer Showcase there was a last minute cancellation by one of the decorators who was doing the large ensuite bathroom, and the team had to scramble to find someone to quickly take over and renovate the space.

The clock was ticking; there wasn't many weeks left before the room had to be photographed by Metro Guide Publishing for the magazine. As well, most of the decorators try to avoid taking bathrooms and kitchens for Showcase because they're more labour-intensive and it's difficult to coordinate all of the other suppliers, especially in a short amount of time.

Enter Dawn Munden from Update Interiors. She knew she didn't have much time, but she had a vision and a plan. Many of us who were working in teams at the Showcase house were a little concerned. We weren't familiar with Dawn and Update, and we were wondering if she could pull it off at such a late stage.

We didn't need to worry. Quietly and efficiently, she set to work, and before we knew it she had beautifully transformed the drab bathroom with a bold, contemporary design. On time, on budget and in style. She even took the time to help other decorators with their spaces and forge many lasting friendships.

Over the years we've seen Dawn's friendly face in the store numerous times, working on projects both large and small. She is very sensitive to her clients' needs and to their budgets, and works hard to make sure that her clients have stylish spaces that they are comfortable in and happy with for years to come. Update has built its reputation by decorating exceptional spaces from single family homes, condominiums, and corporate offices, to award winning retail show rooms.

Above: an open concept dining room and living room designed by Update Interiors; furnishings from Attica.
Above: a master bedroom and ensuite sitting room designed by Update Interiors; furnishings from Attica.

Above: an open concept condominium designed by Update Interiors; most furnishings from Attica.

To learn more about how Dawn Munden and Update Interiors can help you with your interiors, please visit: www.update-designs.com.

astonish me

2010-09-28T18:21:00.000-07:00

“Etonnez moi! Astonish me!” These were the words of the French modernist, writer and dramatist, Jean Cocteau that resonate when we look at the new collection from 18 Karat, soon to be on display at Attica on Barrington Street in Halifax. From last season’s whiteness, this fall we’re moving into a burst of oceanic blue and orange accessories, so fresh and alive.

From there we go to the black and white cava vases, which tower a surprising seventy-seven inches tall. Added to this is an expansion of the furniture collection, with more variations in solid wood, marble, stainless steel, leather, wool and linen.

The beauty of the natural forms and the sensitivity to materials let the forms stand the test of time. So, come to Attica and be astonished with something new.

fireland cherry

2010-08-29T14:24:00.000-07:00

Attica is thrilled to bring back the Corteza collection, made from Fireland cherry. Fireland cherry, as it is commercially known, is grown in cold, mountainous terrain. The forests in Chile fall under rigid government control, a measure to ensure the sustainability and continuance of such environmental treasures.

The Corteza collection is particularly striking. The thick, solid top has a beautiful, smooth finish, with the edge showing the natural contours of the tree edge. On the dining table this is contrasted by the dark, rectangle base.

The Corteza buffet, as well, features a dark wooden frame which allows the eye to follow the sensuous, natural edge on the buffet doors.

This is repeated on the Corteza coffee table. The dark, simple block legs allow the viewer to focus on the luxurious edges of the table top.

Visit Attica to learn more about the Corteza and other environmentally friendly pieces of furniture.

live with what you love

2010-08-11T15:58:00.001-07:00

Well, it's been such a busy couple of weeks, but I would be remiss if I didn't talk about what a great seminar we had at the store, "Live With What You Love", presented by Jonathan Legate. We were overwhelmed with the turnout, and Jonathan's topic was quite timely.

Now, more than ever, we look to our home to feel safe, to feel comforted. Home can be a sanctuary, and a place that you love to be in all year around. It's not a place that you decorate for others, but create as a haven for yourself.

Said Jonathan: "Living with what you love means gathering the things around you that mean something to you. It’s a process of gathering and collecting that takes time.

Living with what you love can mean displaying your collections, old photographs, art, grandma’s dining room table or anything else that means something to you. It’s about having the confidence to express your personal style and expose the true you to the world."

To assist the audience members, Jonathan created four mini storyboards of four different rooms: foyer, living room, dining room and bedroom. Each of these featured something that the imaginary owner has collected, and served as inspiration for each room. With an artist's eye, Jonathan explained how each piece selected created visual balance and interest in the room.

Following the seminar was a question and answer period with Jonathan. Audience members weren't shy, and some were quite prepared for the day, and brought in binders of their rooms!

It was a great presentation, and we thank Jonathan Legate for helping us to commemorate Attica's fifteenth anniversary in such a special way with his seminar.

attica's anniversary sale on until august 15th

2010-08-03T20:25:00.000-07:00

Come to Attica for a storewide savings of 15% off all instock, regularly priced items! Plus, there's other markdowns on select items, for a savings of up to 50%.

Check out the 15th anniversary sale at Attica, which is open seven days a week for your shopping convenience. Attica's 15th anniversary sale runs until August 15th!

found objects found in new furniture

2010-07-27T18:47:00.001-07:00

Attica is carrying a new collection of furniture that combines new and old materials. The designer for this line sources materials that can’t be found in the market place such as discarded telephone poles and other flooring that is hundreds of years old, combined with new wood such as American walnut. There’s a beauty in discarded, and this distressed, patina on the wood is even more striking when juxtaposed with the smooth, clean material.

attica celebrates 15th anniversary

2010-07-24T11:02:00.000-07:00

15 years ago two art college graduates, Christopher Joyce and Suzanne Saul, didn't have any money but they had an idea about bringing good design, in all price points, to the good people of Halifax and beyond. They found a really large studio space on the second floor of a building Gottingen Street. The space was over 3000 sq. ft., and it had hardwood floors and track lighting. Chris only needed about 1000 sq. ft. for his furniture workshop, so Suzanne said, "Let's go in with a big idea - let's start a store in the other part of the space."

Chris made accessories and furniture in his workshop (stone, steel and wood end table by Chris is shown above), and the new Attica showroom was filled with work by local craftspeople and artists. It was difficult to get customers to visit this second storey location, and if eight people came over an eight hour period, then that was considered a good day. It was Chris's custom work that paid the bills, and after struggling for two years, Suzanne and Chris realized that if Attica was to survive they would have to move.

In 1997, they took a leap of faith and secured a location in Halifax's downtown core on Granville Street. While the street was quiet, it was street level. With a $5,000 line of credit to buy inventory and renovate the space, combined with a whole lot of sweat equity, Attica opened again to the public. Slowly, as funds would allow, in addition to the handmade items, Attica expanded into contemporary production furniture and accessories.

Attica continued to grow, and be the first to introduce many products, such as the Michael Graves Bird Whistle Kettle, or the Tolomeo Desk Lamp, in addition to featuring the latest in Canadian contemporary design. The store received press locally, nationally, and internationally. In 2000 Attica expanded to Newfoundland and opened the province's first contemporary furniture boutique.

Today, Attica has grown to a four-storey location in a beautiful historic building on Barrington Street for the flagship Halifax store, and a hip boutique location on Freshwater Road in St. John's, Newfoundland. Attica continues to set the trends for home design in Atlantic Canada.

decorating with white

2010-07-15T02:52:00.000-07:00

For years, many thought that white walls looked unfinished. Now, the trend is back to white, but with care to add warmth and texture to the room. This kitchen above, for example, features white; it is kept monochromatic with the white walls, white cupboard and counters, and white marble floor.

It's not, however, by any means boring. Visual excitement is added through a variety of elements. The grey marbling on the floor and wall carries the eye up and across the kitchen. A bold collection of large handmade vases by Eighteen Karat captivates and maintains interest through their commanding use of texture. The stainless steel counter adds the metal element to the room, while still reinforcing the neutral palette. The architectural Mu solid wood stools from Eighteen Karat provide warmth, while the reproduction print "Composing Chaos" from Eighteen Karat at the end of the kitchen lends pattern repetition to stimulate the viewer.

When carefully considered, white is not boring at all, but fresh and exciting.

christopher joyce featured in east coast living magazine

2010-07-12T19:34:00.000-07:00

The newest issue of East Coast Living Magazine features an interview with Attica co-owner and artist Christopher Joyce. Magazine editor Janice Hudson interviews Chris on his diverse art and design interests and inspirations, as well as his latest venture in designing rugs for Hellenic Canada. Shown here is Chris next to an image of a rug based on an aerial map of Toronto, part of a series of map rugs of world fashion capitals, handtufted in India from New Zealand wool. His rug designs were also listed by The Globe and Mail as one of the "funkiest introductions" at this year's Canadian Home Furnishings Market in Toronto.

To read Janice's article on Chris, please visit: http://www.eastcoastlivingmagazine.ca/Home/Libations/tabid/61/Default.aspx.

jonathan legate to give free decorating seminar at attica on july 28th

2010-07-11T18:02:00.000-07:00

"Live With What You Love": this is a free lunchtime decorating seminar by Jonathan Legate, being held at Attica on Wednesday, July 28th, from 11:45 to 1:00 p.m. A light lunch is provided.

His work is both contemporary and traditional, often in a surprising yet seamless integration. He has been featured in various media, and in spring 2009 was Canadian Home and Country’s first Nova Scotian cover in its 20-year history.

Driven not only by clients’ tastes and requirements, but by their personalities, Jonathan creates homes that express the essential natures of their owners. In this seminar, Jonathan will help to give you the confidence to create a personal space that you truly love.

Seating for this seminar at Attica, 1566 Barrington St., downtown Halifax, is limited, so please RSVP early by emailing info@attica.ca.

high polished stainless steel and chrome

2010-07-10T03:04:00.000-07:00

Sometimes in the store I hear someone refer to an item as "chrome and glass" or "chrome and leather". Sometimes they are right in saying this, and sometimes they are not. We also carry products that are made from a high polished stainless steel, which is a much more labour-intensive process, and stainless steel commands a higher price than chromed metal.

While polished stainless steel has the shine of chrome, there are some other differences. Stainless steel resists attack by rust "all the time" while chrome plated steel resists attack by rust only until any flaw or crack appears or is created. It is then vulnerable to attack. A scratch on stainless steel, while unsightly, is not going to open a path for attack by rust.

Which is better? Well, it's not always clear. It depends on how well the chrome plating was done, what grade of stainless is used, and how the stainless was finished, as well as the exposure conditions. Purists, however, will prefer the polished stainless steel. It looks similar to chrome in it's mirror finish, but resonates more color, allowing you to see the true metal without it being covered by plating.

tripod collection: american modern design

2010-07-09T04:17:00.000-07:00

Strong geometric forms combine with solid wood and traditional craftsmanship for a new definition of American modern design. In this collection, the tripod form is famous for its unique strength and efficient use of material. The key to the execution of the Tripod vertical design is the unique joint making that unites the three leg elements in a long tapering joint. This table is available in six different sizes, in several different stains. The chairs are available in an arm and side version in a variety of fabrics. Come to Attica to see more American modern designs.

a mid-century classic

2010-07-07T15:28:00.000-07:00

A mid-century classic, the Bubble Lamp was first designed by George Nelson in 1947 and was produced by Howard Miller starting in the early 1950s and ending in 1979. Our supplier has reissued the Nelson Bubble Lamps to the original specifications, using the original Howard Miller tooling. These famous lamps are part of the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York, and are available at Attica.

candela doesn't blow out in the wind

2010-07-06T14:13:00.000-07:00

Light the night with OXO Candela Glow rechargeable lights. The warm, ambient LED lights can be left unattended and won't blow out in the wind. With 8 hours of run time, these versatile lights create ambiance on the dinner table or bedside, while entertaining or reading alone. Portable and cordless, they are suitable for many uses and occasions. The long-lasting Glow rechargeable LED lights are brighter, safer, cleaner, more durable and easier to use than candles.

The kiddies don't have to feel left out, as this innovative series also has several night lights just for them, but adults will love them, too! Ward off the darkness with OXO Candela Tooli nightlights. Tooli warm, ambient LED lights make great bedside companions. Providing 8 hours of soothing light, there's plenty of time to make sure that even the most restless little ones are off to dreamland. Simple even for children, Tooli lights illuminate automatically when lifted from the charger base or if the electricity goes out. Tooli is intuitive, safe and portable. Best of all, it's perfect for brave trips to the bathroom at midnight.

Visit Attica to see more style of Candela LED lights for adults and kids.

umbra celebrates 30th anniversary

2010-07-04T15:42:00.000-07:00

A directive at Attica has always been to look for good design at all price points, which has led us to companies like Umbra. We began carrying Umbra in the mid-1990's, shortly after we first opened. Umbra was our very first manufacturer; before then, all of the items that we carried were one-of-a-kind. We were drawn to Umbra's innovative design aesthetics, and the fact that the price points made the products accessible to everyone.

Les Mandelbaum and Paul Rowan, two childhood friends in Canada, began Umbra in 1979, and it is now one of the most creative forces in the home furnishings industry. Thirty years later, they have built their business to over one hundred million dollars a year in seventy-five countries around the world.

Perhaps one of Umbra's most famous products is the Garbino, a wastebasket designed by Karim Rashid that revolutionized how people thought about the place to store their trash. I remember how excited we were at Attica when it hit the scene. Today, the Garbino is one of Umbra's best selling products and is a design icon. It's design has been so successful, in fact, that it has earned a spot in the Museum of Modern Art's permanent collection.

Not bad for a product that sells for under $9.00!

contemporary bamboo furniture

2010-06-29T07:25:00.000-07:00

Attica is introducing a new line of bamboo furniture for the home that boasts clean lines and simple forms. There's a full range of items, from dining sets, occasional tables, office and storage items to bedroom sets. Added to the pleasing design is the fact that bamboo is a green material.

Bamboo is one of the earth's fastest growing plants and it is a grass that grows to maturity in 5 years or less. Bamboo is the product derived from the forests of a fully sustainable, environmentally friendly and rapidly growing renewable resource.

The bamboo furniture that we are carrying uses only the maturated Moso bamboo that is at least 5 years old, to ensure hardness and stability. The classic bamboo is 20% harder than oak, and exotic bamboo is 100% harder than red oak.

Visit us to see a range of bamboo furniture items.

organic forms

2010-06-15T02:58:00.001-07:00

Attica is featuring a unique collection of furniture made from found woods such as teak, rosewood and makha. We found this collection on a recent buying trip, and fell in love with the sensual nature of these beautiful, natural forms.

Made by skilled craftsmen from reclaimed wood, each piece of sustainable furniture is one-of-a-kind. These eco-friendly, organic, pieces that will help bring an exotic quality to your space.

stainless and teak outdoor furniture

2010-05-10T05:00:00.000-07:00

Attica is carrying a new line of outdoor furniture - new to us but made by a company that has been producing the highest quality, award-winning products for ninety years.

There are several reasons why choosing this furniture is a great idea. Firstly, the quality of the materials used: the highest grade of teak (tectona grandis), marine-quality solid brass and stainless steel fittings. Secondly, the quality of the designs, always created with careful attention to form and proportion. Thirdly, the quality of the construction, using traditional and tested methods. Lastly, you'll just love it for many years to come!

18K Neighbourhood Store

2010-04-03T13:50:00.000-07:00

Attica is now an 18Karat Neighbourhood store in both Halifax and St. John's, allowing us to exclusively introduce innovative collections for the home and body. The look is modern and simple, with collections that are fashionable yet comfortable to live with.

The products are imported from many countries around the world, and 18Karat is committed to working with factories and cottage industry producers that maintain fair and honourable business ethics. 18Karat's products support the workers in developing countries who rely on their handicrafts to provide the necessities of living for themselves and their families. Most products are hand made.

Based in Vancouver, 18Karat is a design-driven company, introducing over 500 new items annually. Many of the forms take their inspiration from the natural world. The look is often organic, fresh and simple, adding richness and texture to environments.

catalina: stylish and eco-friendly

2010-03-23T03:34:00.000-07:00

Increasingly manufacturers are taking notice of the demand for products that are produced in a more eco-friendly manner. The Catalina collection lets you satisfy your desire to minimize your carbon footprint while at the same time being at the height of contemporary design.

Combining the clean, unadorned lines of the International Modernists with organic and geometric forms, the Catalina Collection is suggestive of the works of America’s Mid-Century Modern designers. All pieces are crafted in solid American black walnut or maple hardwood, made from wood that is harvested from Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified woodlots and FSC certified sawmills. The Catalina bed is low and sleek, designed for a mattress only, and is available in two heights. It is perfectly complemented by a selection of case pieces, including a 3 drawer chest with organizer options for home entertainment equipment and a laptop desk that creates a trim, functional workspace.

The company that produces the Catalina, Copeland, has been awarded the 2009 Sage Award Winner for Environmental Excellence, and the Silver Exemplary Membership Status by the Sustainable Furnishings Council. Says Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) Professor Roseanne Somerson: Copeland Furniture's furniture manufacture includes a strong commitment to the principles of sustainability, durability and quality construction. This approach is more and more rare in American manufacturing, although the environmental issues of our times beg for more companies to think about the ramifications of how and what they manufacture. Copeland is a leader in demonstrating how a strong value system coupled with quality design and manufacturing can make a positive impact for this generation and those that will follow."

artful accents

2009-12-13T12:34:00.000-08:00

Attica has just introduced a new line of beautifully handmade pillows from Brooklyn, New York. These signature down-filled pillows are made from velvet and silk.

The pillows are hand-dyed and painted in small batches. Actual objects and botanicals are used and embossed into the velvet. It's wonderful to run your hands over the pillows and feel the impressions of each nuance. You will feel how each branch, object and blossom is engraved with exquisite detail exactly as they are in nature.

Each of these pillows are each one-of-a-kind creations. No two are alike and each celebrates the objects of nature that inspired them. Come to Attica to see these award-winning pillows that are hand-printed, hand-sewn, silk-lined and backed in silk dupioni.

The way a bed is supposed to be...

2009-11-30T14:59:00.000-08:00

Selling mattresses was a side of the furniture business that we had avoided for our fourteen years of business, because generally we felt that the mattress industry was designed to confuse the customer. Indeed, much of what was out there confused us; the way that mattresses were made and priced just didn't seem to make a whole lot of sense. We started out as furniture designers and makers ourselves, so always want to know that we're offering value to our customers in everything we sell, including mattresses.

This fall, though, we had the exceptional opportunity to visit the factory of Vi-Spring, Europe's premier bed manufacturer in Plymouth, in the south of England. Each Vi-Spring bed is built individually, to order, entirely by hand, to create the one perfect bed for each customer. It's a bed with a lifetime warranty, that you will have for decades to come. It's a bed that will change the way that you sleep, which will change the way you live.

Vi-Spring beds managed to, over the past 100 years, gain an almost legendary reputation for quality, comfort and endurance. Vi-Spring was founded in 1901 and was the first company to produce 'pocketspring' mattresses, based on individually packaged springs.

This unique system caused a revolution in the way beds were made, and ensured a hitherto unheard of level of comfort, support, and durability, which today, too, guarantees quality of sleep for a lot of people.

Here's a picture of me holding the calico nested springs. Vi-Spring makes their own springs; each spring has six turns of high quality vanadium steel. Vi-Spring's unique close honeycomb buildup allows for the use of many more springs than usual and thus to guarantee exact support, in every spot. This buildup also makes for a smooth sleeping surface, by not leaving any room between springs, and so prevents shifting of the covering layers. A Vi-Spring mattress can contain up to thousands of spring in separate cotton pockets with, on average 30% more thread than the average bedspring. The Vi-Spring range of mattresses contains several spring options with different diametres and spring tensions, so that you can always find the mattress that fits you perfectly.

Here's Chris with lambswool and horsehair fibres that are about to be blended together. Synthetic materials simply do not breathe as cotton, lambswool and calico do. Where possible, costly natural materials are used to boost a refreshing sleep: pure cashmere, fine lambswool, manelong horsehair and soft cotton. This mixture continues to breathe timelessly. The finest Egyptian cotton, coated with wax, is called 'cambric' and forms a protective layer to prevent the hair from pricking through the mattress' surface.

Whilst some synthetic beds can make you uncomfortably hot, a natural Vi-Spring bed keeps you cool in Summer and snug in Winter. It’s why, unlike almost every other bed-maker in the world, Vi-Spring makes mattresses with 100% natural materials.

This picture shows a Vi-Spring employee side-stitching the mattress by hand. Each mattress within the range is typified by at least two rows of side-stitching, to fasten each external spring, by hand, to the mattress sides. Side-stitching is done by experienced upholsterers who use a traditional long needle and yarn for the fortification of the edges and seams. This improves the durability and preservation of shape. The springs are securely embedded, but can move freely and adapt quickly to every movement of the sleeper. In addition, the comfort of the sleeping area extends itself to the utter rim of the mattress, without any hindersome hard edges.

Vi-Spring's natural fillings include horsehair, cotton, coir, lambswool, cashmere, mohair, silk, blended lambswool and cotton and bonded lambswool and cotton. There are three different categories of mattress filling:
Comfort layers – providing fluffiness, softness, ventilation and moisture regulation, placed directly underneath the ticking of the mattress.
Insulators - should be strong and have some 'mass' to divide pressure or to protect the softer comfort layers/filling materials.
Filling materials – must be resilient to give support during sleep and, after a night’s sleep, to return mattress to its original shape. In general, the higher the grams per square metre (gsm), the more 'comfort' the product will offer.

Only damask of the finest quality is used to upholster these valuable mattresses. Boxsprings, upholstered divans, and headboards complete the perfect bedroom.

After seeing how Vi-Spring mattresses are made, we know that we are offering the best product for our customers to spend a third of their life on which to sleep.

Vi-Spring beds are distributed throughout boutique and specialty stores throughout Europe. Attica is proud to be the exclusive proprietor of Vi-Spring mattresses in Atlantic Canada.

small office home office

2009-10-23T16:22:00.000-07:00

It's been really difficult to find a thoughtfully designed, contemporary office system for a small office or home office. That is, until now. Attica introduces the Sequel Office.

Designed with an emphasis on ergonomics and organization, Sequel Office is a versatile and beautiful component collection offering the ultimate in style, function and flexibility for any home or small office application. Everyone needs a workspace that is comfortable and inviting, and if it can be beautifully designed and neatly organized, all the better.

A versatile component system, Sequel can be configured for any home or small office application. Features include a unique wire management system that keeps all wires out of sight yet within easy reach, and an innovative system drawer that combines a charging station for portable electronics, a keyboard tray and mouse pad. Sequel is thoughtfully engineered from the inside out. Finished with satin nickel-plated steel, fingerprint-resistant glass work surfaces and the finest hardware, the Sequel Office collection looks as great as it functions.

Magnetically attached panels conceal power cords and cables, yet flip down for easy access to connections. The Return ships with a front panel only, while the Desk also includes a back panel that may be used with either the Desk or Return, depending on configuration.

Sequel's desk drawer combines a full featured keyboard tray with a unique deeper compartment engineered for charging cell phones, cameras, and other personal electronics. Cables are kept organized with Sequel's innovative wire management. Drawer bottom and keyboard tray are lined with black non-slip neoprene that also functions as a mouse pad.

We had the opportunity to meet the designer, Matthew Weatherly, of this office collection on a recent buying trip. He spent two years on the development of the Sequel collection, striving to work out every aspect of its functionality, yet not sacrificing any of its sleek design. We have to agree that he has been truly successful. Come visit us to learn more about the Sequel office collection.

designed in canada

2009-09-07T14:44:00.000-07:00

When we go on furniture buying trips at U.S. international trade shows for Attica, we're asked where we're from by vendors. We tell them where our home is, and then we often hear the response, "Oh, Canadian - you're contemporary."

It wasn't always like this. For decades there was a general lack of identity in Canadian furniture design. I was once told many years ago that the research and development budget for Canadian manufacturers consisted of sending people to Italy to copy their designs. Now, though, through design, Canadian furniture manufacturers have emerged at the forefront, and a once staid international presence has evolved in to something that is exciting and dynamic.

Some would argue that the increase in Canada's cultural diversity, immigrants from Europe, Asia, Africa and Latin America, has widened our design vocabulary and contributed to its vibrancy. While nationally we may be considered contemporary, within this culturally complex context there is many individual voices, many personal forms of expression. According to the Design Exchange in Toronto: "Each designer’s work constitutes a type of autobiographical text, where object made – while fitting, of course, into the standard categories that demarcate things – does not necessarily need to conform to any type of prevailing stylistic movement. Rather, the object’s manifest reference may have been drawn from cultural identity, prevailing aesthetic concerns and the ever-present awareness about the social role of design and the designer. In this way, contemporary design culture owes a debt to the legacies of postmodernity, insofar as postmodern culture rejected the idea of a master narrative or single way of doing something and encouraged – indeed demanded – the primacy of the person, particular and idiosyncratic vision. And this freedom can be found across all forms of cultural production. "

As Atlantic Canada's first contemporary home furnishings store, we have always promoted contemporary design. Increasingly, we are proudly promoting Canadian design, and the majority of what we feature is Canadian. It is now a source of pride to have something that is not only manufactured in Canada, but also designed in Canada.

eco conscious upholstery

2009-09-04T16:25:00.000-07:00

We all want to feel better about the choices we make. Now more than ever we're very aware that things we buy have global consequences. In a small but real way, we can help by choosing quality products that reduce their impact on the environment.

Here's how the Dublin, Icon, Lennox and Hampton models from Attica do their part:

foam seats and padding: the seats and padding are manufactured using natural, seed based oils such as soy bean, and it significantly reduces the dependency on fossil fuels such as petroleum and lessens greenhouse emissions.
feather backs and seat cushions: 90% /10% feather and down blend in a 100% non bleached, down proof cotton casing. Seats are feather and down, with a soy foam core.
wood frame: the wood harvested for use in this furniture comes from forests managed in accordance with policies & regulations that meet the objectives of the Canadian Forest Strategy. All wood suppliers are FSC certified.
glue: all glues and adhesives involved are a Solvent-free, 100% waterborne system and conforms to changing environmental regulations.
fabric: Our growing selection of Eco-friendly fabrics includes luxurious natural fibres, recycled cotton, bamboo.
packaging: The packaging is largely made up of recyclable materials.

rug style with a conscience

2009-09-03T19:27:00.000-07:00

Some 300,000 children are illegally forced to work in the carpet industries in India, Nepal and Pakistan. Attica is carrying area rugs certified by the RugMark Foundation.

RugMark creates alternative avenues of opportunities for children who would otherwise be locked into lives without hope. Inspectors, teachers, labor right experts, loom owners, exporters, importers, designers and retailers work together to insure that no child works on a RugMark rug.

The most beautiful rugs are made with child-free labour.

contemporary throws from austria

2009-09-02T18:05:00.000-07:00

We're excited to bring back to Halifax a collection of modern blankets, throws and pillows from Austria for both adults and kids. Made from cotton and cotton blends, they come in a wide variety of colours and bold designs that surely will add a contemporary flair to any room.