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.


Sunday, April 25, 2010

Marimekko Wallpaper from New Wall, Inc.

Happy news! You may now adorn a wall (or several) with a favorite Marimekko pattern.


The paper is brought to us by New Wall, Inc., a Canadian-based distributor of the finest brand name wallcoverings, who secured the distribution rights to a number of Marimekko patterns. The wallcoverings are printed on vinyl using a gravure printing process, which offers designers the opportunity to achieve a full range of color tone.


Marimekko wallcoverings are sold in "Euro rolls" or "double rolls" measuring 11 yards x 27.6", to cover approximately 74 square feet. Each roll is $149.00. We can order what you need and have in stock in approximately one week.



Most patterns are available in several color options. Stop by the shop to see our sample book and get inspired to spruce up a room.


Available patterns include:
Ystavat, designed by Maija Louekari
Aarni, designed by Maija Louekari
Frekvenssi, designed by Harri Koskinen
Lumimarja, designed by Erja Hirvi
Stilla, designed by Bjorn Dahlstrom
Pinet Kivet, designed by Maija Isola
Bilboa, designed by Kristina Isola
Joonas, designed by Maija and Kristina Isola
Unikko, designed by Maija Isola
Bo Boo, designed by Katsuji Wakisaka
Kiss Kiss, designed by Maija and Kristina Isola
Kajo, designed by Vuokko Eskolin-Nurmesmieni
Korsi, designed by Fujiwo Ishimoto

Thursday, April 1, 2010

Fatboy Hammocks are Here!

They're back! Fatboy's popular Headdemock hammocks are now in stock. Supplies are limited, so shop early for best selection. Imagine swaying in a warm breeze, icy beverage in hand...this hammock will change your summer.


The Headdemock's fabric is water, fade, and stain resistant, constructed from padded layers of nylon and non-woven mesh that will help keep you cool on hot summer afternoons. A stand-alone frame makes it easy to follow the sun or shade, or even bring indoors should you want to.

Available in Orange, Turquoise, Taupe, Lime Green, Sand, and Red. Please note - stand is silver (steel) not black as shown in photos.


Designer: Jukka Setala for Fatboy
Materials: Stain and fade-resistant nylon; weather coated steel

Dimensions: 110 x 55 x 45"
Price: $399, includes hammock and frame
















Thursday, March 18, 2010

IDEA International

This just in! Objects from Japanese design collective IDEA International. Clever timepieces, headphones that stay put, a handy 10-key calculator for your laptop, and more.





Bell Alarm Clock
Designer: Industrial Facility
Materials: ABS plastic, acrylic, and steel
Dimensions: 4 x 3.75 x 2.5"
Price: $67

Noted for its decibel level as well as its stylish design, this clock is sure to wake you from a deep slumber. "Bell" is a new format for the alarm clock that moves the bell component to the back and uses it as part of the body. This not only saves on components and simplifies the appearance, but also allows for a much louder ring. Available in black or white.




Icon Watch

Designer: &design
Materials: ABS plastic and stainless steel body; polyeurethane band
Dimensions: 1.25 x 1.25" (case)
Price: $75

With a shape recalling computer graphics from an earlier era, the Icon Watch is available in dove gray or black.




Caocao Clock
Designers: Yoj i Ishi i × Yasuhiro Ikeda
Materials: Aluminum and glass
Dimensions: 9.5" diameter
Price: $75

The shape drawn by the thee hands changes as this clock ticks away, forming various facial expressions.






Microgem Headphones

Designer: IDEA International
Materials: ABS, stainless steel
Price: $30


A special slim and light earphone which fits comfortably in your ear. As it will not fall out easily it makes a great companion for a jog or trip to the gym.
10-Key Calculator
Designer: Ippei Matsumoto
Dimensions: 5.5 x 3.5 x .5"
Price: $57
This retro-looking piece can be used as a standalone calculator or connected to your laptop with USB cord (included). The satisfying "click" you hear when pressing the buttons may leave you finding reasons to calculate all sorts of equations. Windows compatable only.