What is Ideal?

Ideal is a carefully curated shop composed of unique, design-conscious gifts and accessories. The objects we choose are creative, authentic, and refined. They are inspired by the vision of talented artists and designers from around the world.

Our store was formed with our own ideal in mind: that shopping should always be a personal and thoughtful experience.

Enjoy our blog and please come visit our shop in beautiful, downtown Bellingham. If you can't make it in, we take orders over the phone - just call (360-752-5522) or e-mail info@anidealshop.com.


Friday, October 15, 2010

New and Notable from the Pacific Northwest

We're pleased to welcome both Grain Design and Iacoli and McAllister to Ideal. We came across both while in New York last August and are honored to bring their smart designs into the shop.

We love Grain's matter-of-fact outlook on design and sustainability. Add to that great-looking, clever product design and we were hooked. Based in Bainbridge Island, Washington, Grain was founded in 2007 at Rhode Island School of Design. As founder James Minola states, "We are driven by the belief that social values and good business are not mutually exclusive but are, in fact, partners."


Their Ty DIY Shower Curtain is a perfect example of their clever approach to design. Ty is a simple #2 plastic shower curtain. Unlike other shower curtains made of vinyl, Ty will not off-gas in your home. Also unlike vinyl, Ty breathes – making it less likely to grow mold and mildew. Ty is stronger than vinyl and will last a very long time, then it can be recycled. It's even machine washable! Best of all, you can draw your own customized design with the marker included.
Ty DIY Shower Curtain, $34
Draw your design...


...and voila! Instant art! Bonus - it's machine washable.

 
Also from Grain, these great Electric Love rings, made from hand-knotted, reclaimed electrical wire. Available in red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and white so you can have a rainbow at your fingertips.
Electric Love Ring, $19.50


Seattle-based duo Jamie Iacoli and Brian McAllister use industrial processes and materials to make their pieces, yet their work exudes a warmth and humor that we couldn't resist. Their Frame Lights feature a powder-coated steel "shade," which casts lovely shadows. We currently have the small version (8 x 8 x 8") in either yellow or white but can special order in black or aqua, as well.
Small Frame Light, $345
In November we should have some of their amazing Mini-Pedestals in stock. Jamie and Brian take vintage brass candlestick holders, sandblast and powder-coat them, then affix a Corian top. Because every piece uses a different vintage base, each is one-of-a-kind. Jamie is currently sourcing the bases and we'll let you know as soon as we have them in stock.
Mini-Pedestals - coming soon!


Stop by soon to take a look at these and many other new designs, arriving daily!