Wish list 4 by Tova

We love gifts that can be used every day; beautiful objects that also serve a purpose, while transforming daily rituals.

Georg Jensen's lovely Helena Tea Egg, designed by Spanish jewelry designer Helena Rohner, is graceful and really does feel like jewelry in the hand.  its the perfect gift for the tea lover in your life. 

Helena Tea Egg $50

Alvar Aalto's iconic series of glass vases from 1936 was inspired by the waves in water, its Scandinavian origin makes it feel at home in the Pacific Northwest.  The Salmon pink adds a nice touch of color to our sometimes gray winters.  

Aalto Vase from ittala, $175.

The oiled walnut Antipasti tongs by Side-by-Side are not only the perfect hostess gift, but they have a humanitarian edge; they are produced in German workshops employing the disabled. 

Side-by-Side tongs, walnut, $25.

Holiday Gifting from Inform: Staff Picks

Allison's picks.  

No. 1 is  the Aalto Vase, especially for Tulips. I love how flowers almost lay in this vase, not tight and perpendicular, there's something more relaxed and natural with this vase.

8" white Aalto Vase $185. 

 Ding dong, Droog's Bottoms Up door bell has been a favourite since we first showed it 14 years ago.  Its whimsy endeared it to me right off, and 14 years later I love it still.  

I smile every time I hear the wine glasses chime.

Droog Bottoms Up $285.

Paul Smith's limited edition Angelpoise Type 75, the iconic British table light is a newer favourite.  Only 2500 produced world wide, 130 for the North American market, this is a must have, and at $220 its a great price, especially considering Paul Smith socks go for $30 a pair.

Paul Smith classic Anglepoise Type 75, $220.

John Pawson, times 2.  the Ebony wood salad servers are elegantly minimal, pair perfectly with his salad bowl, both from When Objects Work; these two pieces are minimal perfection at its best.

John Pawson Salad tongs oiled ebony wood $160.

John Pawson Salad bowl stoneware off white $170.

Holiday Gift Idea: Aarne Champagne Glass from Iittala

Something new for your New Year bubbles. This mouth-blown piece originally helped set the trend for essential glassware in the 1950s. Glass designer and decorative artist Göran Hongell was one of the pioneers of the Finnish glass tradition. With his mouth-blown glassware range Aarne, he won the gold medal in 1954 at the Triennale in Milan. 
$55/2 set of two

Iittala Aarne Champagne Glass | Designed by Göran Hongell, 1948

Holiday Gift Idea: Aalto Oak platter from Iittala

Iittala honors artist Alvar Aalto with a wonderful collection of products inspired by his work. Modeled after the iconic Alvar Aalto vase, this serving tray possesses the same sensuous lines. The tray is made of sturdy oak and the wood grain gives an intriguing texture to the piece. Make it a part of your home décor and you will appreciate its understated elegance.

$60 - 10" x 8"
$110 – 17" x 14"

Iittala Aalto Wood Platter | Designed by Alvar Aalto

Artek’s Tapiovaara Collection at Inform

Artek has a lot to celebrate lately.

In 2010, the Finish company had their 75^th Anniversary and announced an exciting acquisition. Artek broadened their product range by adding the classic furniture by fellow Finnish designer, the renowned Ilmari Tapiovaara (1914-1999). His furniture is based on the same ideological premises of Alvar Aalto, Artek’s founder.

At this year’s International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF), Artek featured the Tapiovaara collection at their booth and received the Editor Award for Best Furniture.

We are excited to have the Tapiovaara furniture on display in our Seattle showroom. Come check it out – you’ll love the clean lines and superb craftsmanship!

Domus lounge chair, $1595

Domus chair, $750

Tee-Tee occasional table, $1395

Trienna occasional table, $895

Pirkka dining set, $1295 table - $695 bench - $695 chair - $595 foot stool - $795 bar stool

Mademoiselle, $950