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.


Showing posts with label vases. Show all posts
Showing posts with label vases. Show all posts

Sunday, February 6, 2011

Unique Gifts for your Valentine


Looking for well-designed treats for your Valentine? Of course we've got lots of great jewelry in stock, but also wanted to offer some ideas for more unconventional gifts.

Yes, chocolate is a traditional Valentine gift, but think outside the chocolate box and consider this unique bar. New from Chocolate Editions is the Valentine Stripes Bar. White chocolate and natural strawberry side-by-side make this bar as tasty as it is beautiful. We have samples at the shop so come by for a taste. Handmade in small batches by Mary Matson and Matt Even in Brooklyn, NY.


Valentine Stripes Bar by Chocolate Editions, 3 oz - $10

Greeting cards can be sweet and meaningful, but often end up tucked away in a shoebox or drawer. Here's a way to remind your loved one every day of their best attributes. A flattering monologue adorns this clever mirror, designed by Joop Steenkamer Jr., for Goods Design. Here's how it begins: "Oh how beautiful you are! You're charming. You look gorgeous! It's fantastic. You are infinitely attractive! I think that you are fabulous, just fabulous! You are absolutely delectable..." The praise continues, detailing each feature of the face. The perfect mirror to glance in before that first cup of coffee in the morning. Measures 11.8 x 11.8".







"Oh How Beautiful You Are" Mirror by Joop Steenkamer, Jr. - $125
 
Most bouquets of flowers wilt within a few days, but with Makedo's Find & Make Flowers Kits your bouquet can last indefinitely - and can be redesigned as many times as you like. These are great for kids and grownups, alike. Find materials around your home - often things you would have otherwise recycled - and use the pieces in the kit (hinges, clips, and cutter) to build your bouquet. Instructions are included to help with ideas, but your imagination is really the only limit. Not for children under 3 years old.


Find & Build Flowers Kit by Makedo - $12

Makedo Flower Bouquet


Should you decide to go for fresh cut flowers, we also have lots of great ideas for vases. We have several in fun, Valentine colors, such as this red rubber vase by Henriette Melchiorsen for the Danish design group, Menu. At first glance it looks like it might be ceramic but this piece is bouncy, un-breakable and fun. Fold the top inside for a different look. Available in other colors, as well.


Rubber Vase by Henriette Melchiorsen - large $43; small $33
We also have several new patterns in these ever-popular collapsible plastic vases, which store flat when not in use. This solid design in blood orange/red is quite cheery.



Collapsible Vase - $8

Here's a romantic gesture - how about creating a playlist of favorite love songs and getting your partner a new set of headphones on which to listen? Audiophiles love this set from Danish design company AIAIAI. They look great and boast serious sound quality, as well.


Tracks Headphones by AIAIAI - $60

The pieces of this clever salt & pepper set nest together as the figures hug. Designed by Alberto Mantilla for Mint, Inc., the Hug Salt & Pepper Shakers will get daily use on your table - and possibly even remind you to hug your Valentine after meals.


Hug Salt and Pepper Shakers - $29


Should you feel inspired to create a keepsake for your loved one, we just received another shipment of Japanese "mt" washi masking tape in many different patterns. Great for scrapbooks, wrapping packages, sealing envelopes, or any creative project.


Washi Masking Tape, set of two rolls - $9

So there you have just a few gift ideas that are as unique as your sweetheart. We would be happy to offer additional suggestions for jewelry, books, wallets, and more. Just stop by, call (360-752-5522), or e-mail info@anidealshop.com.

Friday, July 9, 2010

New Urbana Vases in Stock

Hello, design fans! We've just received a shipment of beautiful vases by Derek Chen of Urbana Design. These distinctive pieces have a veneered plywood shell, bent in a teardrop shape. The interior is sealed and weighted with colored resin. A piece of sculpture that looks just as lovely on its own as holding a bouquet of flowers.


Teardrop Vase

Designer: Derek Chen
Materials: Veneered plywood and resin
Dimensions: small - 10"h x 2.5" diameter; large - 14"h x 3.5"diameter
Price: $65 for small, $120 for large

Handmade in San Francisco





Urbana Design was founded by Derek Chen in 2001. A sense of curiosity, respect for materials, and an appreciation for the simple solution inspire every piece that comes out of Urbana Design's San Francisco studios. Stop by to see these lovely vases in person!

Thursday, March 19, 2009

normann-copenhagen - Denmark

Founded by Poul Madsen and Jan Andersen in 1999, normann-copenhagen launched its first product in 2002. Since then, more than 38 products followed, as well as collaborations with established design names and new talents from around the world. Honored with numerous international design awards, normann-copenhagen continues is mission to challenge convention and reinvent the everyday to make even the ordinary extraordinary through great design.

Featured Objects




Cognac Glass

Designer: Rikke Hagen, 2004
Material: Glass
Price: $60.00/set of two

As designer Rita Hagen explains, "I wanted the glass to give the user a feeling of a gentleman's study and at the same time a sense of the calmness when you fondle a stone. The stem kept irritating me. I took the consequence and cut it off."


Woofy Computer Cord Holder




Designer: Gabriel Nigro
Material: Hardened plastic
Dimensions: 30 x 47 x 19.7 cm.
Price:
$225.00



Gabriel Nigro was inspired to design Woofy in order to help a friend who had problems with messy computer cables. Simply tuck cords inside Woofy to tame your cable mess.





Grass Vases

Material: Stoneware
Dimensions: 7" tall; small vase has one tube, large has two
Small vase, $63.00; Large vase, $83.00





The Grass Vase is a lovely testament to spring. "Claydies" are the duo Karen Kjoeldgard-Larsen and Tina Brosko. All the vases are handmade and individual variations in each emphasize the unique nature of the piece.

Rocking Glasses

Designer: Britt Bonnessen
Material:Glass
Set of four - $25.00




These sturdy glasses can hold just about anything - from coffee to snacks to a tea light. Bonnessen explains his inspiration, "I conceived the idea of the Rocking Glass after watching an old movie about propeller aircraft. The old aircraft produced a lot of vibration, therefore the glasses and tableware were designed not to spill."

Other Objects Available from normann-copenhagen:
  • Familia Cup, small
  • Familia Cup, large
  • Familia Tea Pot
  • Butterfly Can Opener
  • Move Card Holder
  • Move Money Clip