attica and first ever "dine by design east"

It was about two years ago when Halifax decorator Jonathan Legate came to me and said that he had an idea to bring the local design community together to do some good. He described an event that he had seen in major cities in the U.S., where designers and architects came together to create inspired dining spaces for the public to view and enjoy. He asked for help to make this happen in Halifax, and I immediately said sure, we can do this.

We prepared a presentation, and went to East Coast Living Magazine to be the owner and presenter of this event, which we later called Dine by Design East. They immediately recognized what a great fit it was, and excitedly came on board. A volunteer board was struck, and the hard work began. It was decided that the benefactor of this charitable event was to be NSCAD University, in memory of Amber Harkins, former graphic designer and editor of East Coast Living. A scholarship is to be formed in Amber's name.

So, after much deliberation and planning, physical work and community involvement, last week was our first ever Dine by Design East! Ten designers came on board and created ten dining room displays. Visitors commented on how imaginative and varied the displays were. We also featured ten top local chefs at our gala, who created finger food versions of menus inspired by our room displays. We were partnered with Paolo and Jane from Jane's Catering and Events (formerly Janes on the Common). Also at the gala were six pop-up galleries, samplings of local wines, spirits and beers, and music. What a fabulous evening it was!

Here are some pictures of the Attica display called "Dwelling", inspired by the mid-century bungalow, a time when good design was being brought to the masses, and the outdoors was brought indoors.

sofa and paintings by Christopher Joyce

 

 a close up of the Basil chair by Calligaris; bowls on wall by Global Views

 

 

 bowls on table by Jonathan Adler; table by Copeland Furniture

 

Case study planter; George Nelson bubble lamp

 

sofa and paintings by Christopher Joyce

 

sofa and paintings by Christopher Joyce

We're looking forward to Dine by Design East 2014, and have many new ideas for next year. To read more about this year's event, visit: http://eastcoastliving.ca/dinebydesign/.

thomas bina collection at highpoint

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

devon chair (spitfire and antique whisky)

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!

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.

a mid-century classic

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.

catalina: stylish and eco-friendly

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."