West Coast Wonder

Edward Juan’s passion for the outdoors is what inspired the artist and designer to launch Forest & Waves in 2013. The studio specializes in fabric and paper goods, and on almost every piece you’ll find details and illustrations linked to Pacific Northwest imagery. Born in Taiwan, Juan moved to Canada as a child and fell in love with camping and surfing. After attending New York’s Parsons School of Design and graduating from the California Institute of the Arts, he married these two passions. Beautiful grey linen is the backdrop for Forest & Waves’ whimsical prints ($26 for an 18-by-24-inch linen print), which are handmade in Vancouver. “Vancouver Landmarks” depicts over 20 local icons, including the Gastown steam clock, the Woodward’s building, the Burrard Bridge, and a Vancouver Special home. For a less literal interpretation of West Coast living, “Evergreen” has drawings of pine cones, pine needles, and Douglas fir branches scattered about. Find Forest & Waves at Much & Little (2541 Main Street), Walrus (3408 Cambie Street), and Brick & Mortar Living (50-52 Sixth Street, New Westminster).
> Michelle Da Silva

Cool Crochet Cuppa

Everything nostalgic, feminine, and old-fashioned pours out of Vancouver artist Tara Galuska’s little lace teacups. Tenderly crafted from vintage, preloved, or unloved doilies and vintage maps and papers, they’re keepsake holders she calls Cups of Love. Of course, you won’t be able to sip your favourite steaming Earl Grey from these hole-filled vessels, but they look lovely on an antique dresser, filled with jewellery or other trinkets, or on your retro kitchen table with flowers in them. They’re an utterly unique brew of crochet, mâché, and sculpture, available through Galuska’s Etsy shop for about $39.
> Janet Smith

Storage With Style

Twig Prints may help you see storage differently. The Whistler-based textile-design and printing studio owned by Australian expat Abbie Finestone creates handmade storage containers—along with other things, such as table linens and tote bags—using all-natural fibres and nontoxic paints. Cylindrical linen-and-cotton tubs printed with bright geometric patterns, wildflowers, and fruits come in a range of sizes ($20 to $60 at Bird on a Wire Creations [2535 Main Street] and Granville Island’s Paper-Ya [1666 Johnston Street]). Smaller tubs are perfect for decluttering a desk or holding bathroom-counter essentials, while larger ones are sturdy enough to hold a planter and make for an easy and appealing way to quickly stow extra blankets and toys.
> Michelle Da Silva

Industrial Revolution

The craftsmen behind Union Wood Co. (503 Railway Street) have a beautiful way of turning trash into treasure. Since 2009, they’ve scoured junkyards, abandoned buildings, and demolition sites in search of materials for reclaimed-wood furniture. The majority of their pieces—which include living and dining room chairs, tables, desks, and beds—are custom-built; however, they do offer a selection of ready-made items that can be purchased at their studio or online shop. The Union Wood Company Lab Stool ($425 to $445) offers a sturdy seat with design intrigue. Inspired by antique lab stools, these height-adjustable seats—which could easily double as side tables—are made with solid maple and welded steel frames, and add a cool, industrial feel to contemporary living spaces. Barstools are often boring, but the Union Wood Company Raw Industrial Stool ($325) would look hip tucked under a kitchen island. Its blue angle-iron legs and reclaimed-wood seats project a minimalist, vintage aesthetic that feels one of a kind.
> Michelle Da Silva