Here, for you, are a few of the latest and greatest to check out…

Adorn Inc. – Adorn Inc., is a delightful blog done by local freelance writer April Overall. Sharing mostly images and inspiration, April comes across some of the most pleasing pictures and products out there on the Internet.

Thriftkitty – This recent addition to Ottawa’s blogging scene offers readers quirky, crafty insight into the joys and triumphs of thrift shopping right here at home and out there on the Information Superhighway. With passion and zeal, Thriftkitty occasionally reveals her secrets and steals, but given her intermittent posts – this girlaboutOtown suspects she would rather be shopping!

OttawaDiva – This brand new blog – started just in the last week or so – has been brought to life based on the notion that Ottawa needs to embrace bolder attitude. Brace yourself. The Ottawa Diva does not mince words.

Apartment613 – Also new to Ottawa’s burgeoning blog scene, Apartment 613 is a very clever, very cool site covering everything from neighbourhoods and city news to books and brunch. Regularly updated, and featuring a handy weekly wrap up, this one site is definitely worth watching.

Spins and Needles –Ottawa’s creative types have been convening regularly at The Spins & Needles Craft and DJ night since 2005. This convergence of craft and community is always enjoyably enhanced with spun sounds and spirits. Now, the “crafty half” of Spins and Needles – co-founder Melanie Yugo, shares some “spin off stuff” with readers of her recently started blog.

Designing Ottawa – Maria Cook from the Ottawa Citizen is to be commended. Finally, someone is talking about architecture, public space and urban design with insight and intelligence that applies right here in Ottawa.  If you were following the Lansdowne Park/Kanata Soccer Stadium debate, you should not have missed Maria’s contribution.

Modern Ottawa – Launched just since January, interior designer Marie-Judith Jean-Louis’s blog about local modern design is definitely something different for Ottawa. Take a peek inside some of the city’s most contemporary spaces, learn about the fundamentals of urban design, or even consider some of her constructive – but kind – criticism of Ottawa’s most recent Home and Garden Show.

Design Ties – Kelly, of Jax Decor & Design in Ottawa, and her co-conspirator Victoria of EdinDesign Interiors in New Westminister, B.C., are each building business in the design field. Blogging about all things home & garden related with enthusiasm and energy, it is nice to see some more local content in the design and decorating domain.

Thankfully, many very smart brand experts out there can.  After consulting the oracle (Google), and reading up here and there, I can only begin to appreciate the notions of brand identity, brand personality, brand value, and brand promise. 

Personally, I like the way Martin Thoma simplifies:

“Your brand as the sum total of all that is known, thought, felt and perceived about your company, service or product…it exists only in the mind of the public. It can be created, developed, managed, influenced and even bought and sold – but it cannot be owned or controlled.”

Does the concept apply to cities then?  Think for a moment. What do you know, think, feel and perceive about San Francisco, Paris, or Hong Kong? What about Ottawa?  What do you know, perceive, think and feel about Canada’s capital? 

There are many who think that cities are brands, and it seems Ottawa is no different.  In fact, Tourism Ottawa has been working on this idea for a while now. Some very specific brand guidelines have been developed to help market Ottawa as a destination, and to extol the virtues of our fair city to the world.   For fun, I’ve condensed them here into a Wordle…

What do you think? Do these brand-building concepts speak to you? Do they accurately describe the Ottawa inside your mind?  Do they capture your imagination? Is this a place where you long to live?

This question of Ottawa’s brand interesting to ponder in the midst of the heated public discussion underway about the fate of Lansdowne Park, the Kanata Soccer Stadium, and Ottawa’s urban development in general.  The city is in a tizzy, and rightfully so.  What happens will matter to us all, and not simply because of the money. 

Even if you are not a sports fan, big buildings, significant architecture, and public infrastructure are a critical element of a city’s collective identity. Design matters.  Done right, these city-building mega projects can serve more than their primary purpose…they can inspire genuine pride in generation after generation of urban dwellers. They can even become iconic symbols of greatness; of a time and a place when people came together to contemplate a better future, and when decision-makers went beyond mere expedience by considering their investments as an enduring legacy.  

Whatever the impetus or motivation, and in spite of inevitable controversy, big things can happen. Good things. Things that can make a strong statement to the world, that improve with age, and that might actually be perceived positively through the lens of history. 

This might be one of these times in Ottawa, so more than a little public engagement is healthy.  Let’s come together, listen carefully to each other, and to invite great ideas into the discussion. What kind of place do we want to become?  Only when we hear each other will we be able to imagine our future.  Building on needs, let’s also consider our wants and use more than a little imagination. 

To do otherwise would be to miss an opportunity.

Here is the Ottawa inside my head.  This is the city where I want to live…

Already, I must admit, my mind has been doing a little springtime fantasy shopping.  Maybe it’s my upcoming trip to California (just 2 more sleeps now!), or maybe it’s all the blogsphere banter about a recession-driven return to simpler more refined styles, but I’ve been coveting the classics.  This spring, there seems to be no better bet for me than a timeless trench coat, so I will keep my eyes peeled for one that will last long into the future.

“It’s best to build a wardrobe of beautifully made basics and investment pieces”, they say, “then, add personality with accessories.” 

Well this year, more than many before, this sage style advice seems to really resonate.   While recently perusing some of my favourite shop stops on the Internet, I came across this versatile Elizabeth and James version, and it has captured my imagination.  Not only does this put together piece appear to serve its primary purpose very well, this little number can also make the switch from bad-ass bolero to sweet sleeveless dress in no time flat.  How cool is that?

Elizabeth and James Trench, from Net-a-Porter.com

So, while I am West, I will be watching carefully.  In the meantime, here are a few springtime inspired outfit options…

Casual Saturday by Kitelove featuring Forever21 bracelets

Serious Business by Kitelove featuring Elizabeth and James outerwear

Classic Glam by Kitelove featuring Elizabeth and James outerwear

Tres Chic by Kitelove featuring Elizabeth and James outerwear

Out and About by Kitelove featuring Bottega Veneta bags

It is against this backdrop that the contents of a room come to life, but most often, it is because of it.

For more about features too often forgotten, check out my latest article for Ottawafocus.com.

Images from Domino Magazine and Morgan Harrison Home.

Apparently, the construction of Greek furniture pieces was heavily influenced by the work of the Egyptians in materials and technique, although in style, ornamentation and motif, these pieces were quite distinct.  Oak, cedar, olive and boxwood as well as imported species such as maple and ebony were common building materials, with wood veneering, mortise & tenon joinery, and copper, bronze or iron metalwork frequently employed techniques.  It is also thought that leather and vegetable cords were woven to create seats, and that embroidered linens and animal skins may have been transformed into cushions.  Animal skin cushions eh?  No kidding!

Anyway, to this day these ancient classical forms provide a basis for modern western architecture and furniture design.  

For instance, the Klines was the precursor for our contemporary couch (for reclining, eating or sleeping of all things) and the simple, elegant Klismos, with its concave back, square seat and sabre legs, remains one of the world’s most popular – and most reproduced – chairs.  

Greek motifs have been the subject of numerous revivals and continue to be in fashion.  In particular, Greek keys have been popping up everywhere lately, from House Beautiful to design blogs like Apartment Therapy, Style Court and Elements of Style. 

So, what once was old is new again…

• With help from Furniture in History, by Leslie Pina.
• Image Credits:  Furniture Sketch from Furniture Styles, Greek Interior from waycoolpics.blogspot.com,  Martha Stewart Klismos Chair from Bernhardt Furniture, and Bathroom and Throw Cushion images courtesy of Domino.

Local businessman Steve Martin has attracted a considerable amount of curiosity and attention since The Gladstone’s opening earlier this fall, and the shows have been getting rave reviews.  It seems that all of O-town is fascinated by this latest audacious addition to the city’s theatre scene, astonished by Martin’s intrepid renovation of the deserted former home of the Great Canadian Theatre Company, and dazzled by the glamourous design.  Like a rush of wind on a crisp fall day, Steve Martin and the Gladstone theatre have shaken things up here in Ottawa, and are offering up something seriously fresh.

Inspired as always by stories of courage, creativity and commerce, I too wanted to know more about the man in the canary yellow jacket.  So a few weeks back, I set out to track this Mr. Steve Martin down, and see if he might be willing to dish in more detail about himself, his motivation, and his new venture.  As things turned out, he was utterly accessible and totally keen.  Early on a Monday morning, I met him outside the front doors of the theatre.  His shirtsleeves were rolled up and he and his crew were already working hard.  Between productions, they were feverishly switching sets in time for their next opening night.  “We all need to get paid” Martin said, ” we don’t have a lot of time between shows!”.  He did however, make time to sit down and talk, to offer some insight, and to share some stories.

Having been to see The Gladstone’s hit opening production “How the Other Half Loves”, I had kept the show program.  To me, Martin’s passion and warmth was evident even in written form, and the program contained some good clues worthy of further exploration.  Particularly intrigued by his repeated invitation for show- goers to “Experience Theatre”, I began our conversation by asking him what he meant.  More than just a catchy tag line, it was soon clear this is a meaningful mantra for Martin, and it wasn’t long before I found myself nodding in agreement as he elaborated with enthusiasm.

Martin’s dedication to the theatre was instantly obvious.  He expanded on the notion of a live medium with no artificial barriers between players and an audience, and he talked about the skill required by actors who must remain in character for extended periods.  Revealingly, he also lamented that all too often, one’s theatre experience is limited to the darkness surrounding a lit stage, and that many other aspects – from ticket purchase and arrival to coat check and intermission – can leave people cold.

To him, a great night out shouldn’t be contingent solely on the success of a production. Instead, an evening of theatre should be all encompassing, and should generate genuine excitement, anticipation and inspiration.  Because of this fundamental belief, real people answer the phone when you call The Gladstone for seats, there is no glass in the box office window, and smartly uniformed ushers greet you in person with a smile to check you off their guest list.  No anonymous ticket transactions at The Gladstone!  Martin wants people to feel like they’re important from before they arrive until long after the show is over, and he hopes each and every individual remembers their evening out as special event.  Here, he and I see eye to eye.

This “Experience Theatre” philosophy extends to the carefully conceived exterior architecture and interior decor, as well as a consistently high caliber approach to marketing and graphic design.  Even the clever and irreverent show programs, chock full of interesting facts and amusing anecdotes, reflect Martin’s desire to create a lasting memory.

With not much more than a gut feeling and a clear vision of what he perceived was missing in Ottawa, Martin set out to build something different, trusting in his ability to achieve it.  Searching the Internet for inspiration, he collaborated with local experts to customize The Gladstone’s distinctive marquee, refurbish the exterior and to redecorate with his “Experience Theatre” mantra in mind.  With design-builder Gordon Weima,  Judith Wightman a talented hobby decorator (executive headhunter by profession), and Ottawa based marketing firm Sum Inc. among others on the job, a remarkable physical transformation has occurred, and The Gladstone’s uniquely appealing brand has been thoroughly established.  From red curtain to cast, soap dispenser to show program and from wallpaper to website, The Gladstone does not disappoint. 

Characterizing himself as a dreamer in his youth, Martin claims he always had a vivid imagination.  Born in Montreal and raised in the Niagara region, he says whenever he watched TV, he would identify with the protagonist.  “I would imagine myself as Perry Mason” he says, “and I would always be solving mysteries or coming to the rescue.”

Never a huge fan of school, playing pretend evolved into work for Martin very early on.  His first job was sweeping up at the now defunct Maple Leaf Village Amusement Park in Niagara Falls.  It didn’t take him long to move up to master of the midway though, refining his performance skills by attracting scores players to the carnival games with the biggest and best prizes.  While facilitating frivolity and fun, he also discovered his love for acting. This led him to straight to drama class in high school, where he confirmed his passion for the theatre.  Martin still credits his favourite teacher Judy Kirland with igniting this passion, and for nurturing his dreams.

Following high school, Martin continued doing what he loved, acting in various summer theatre productions and filling in with whatever jobs were required for him to survive.  After awhile, his circumstances changed, and he decided it was time for a ’serious’ job with the federal government.  “It was a lot like acting”, he recalls with a smile, “although I’m sure that wasn’t why they hired me!”.  While working at his desk job, and still longing for the stage, Martin came upon ballroom dancing by accident.  Walking in to a studio one day, he inquired what kind of experience was necessary to become an instructor, and was delighted to be hired and then trained.  Martin began his career in professional ballroom dancing right then and there, and hasn’t looked back.

After a couple of moves, Martin eventually ended up in Ottawa with his wife Marilisa Granzotto, also a talented ballroom dancer.  They came to open the Arthur Murray Dance Studio now just up the street from The Gladstone, and the two have worked side by side raising a family and running a business ever since.   In addition to their strong and successful partnership, Martin and his wife are also committed to their family.  For Martin, the kids are a priority, and he is comfortable knowing that by doing what he loves to do and by trying his best to do it well, he is setting a good example.   Now, with his better half running the show at the Dance Studio, Martin is finally starring in the real life role of his lifetime – as hero in his own dream scene.

As much as he loves a good show, opening The Gladstone is all about business for Martin.  Convinced that there is room for a commercial theatre here in Ottawa, he is serious about the success of his endeavour.  Not wanting to rely on philanthropy or public funding, Martin knows that to compete in an “arts & culture town”, he has to provide outstanding customer service in addition top notch performances, and he knows that he needs bodies in the seats. 

It seems Martin’s midway days may have left a lasting impression.  Almost instinctively, he understands that its not just the big prize that brings customers back, it is the sum of their theatre experience.  He also knows the way he deals with people makes or breaks that experience – so he does everything he can to ensure its a good one – even if it means stepping out in a canary yellow jacket.  For Martin, that’s just show business.

Here are some more interesting insights from the man behind the marquee…

♣  What constitutes a perfect day?  Mont Tremblant with my kids.

♣ What is your greatest indulgence?  More than anything, I savour time with my kids.

♣ What are your most treasured belongings?  Photographs.  It may sound cliche, but it is true. 

♣ What impresses you?  Integrity and good service.

♣ Favourite movies?  Ooo.  That’s easy.  I’ve got five, and I never get tired of them.  The original Willy Wonka with Gene Wilder, Groundhog Day with Bill Murray, The Sandlot, The Princess Bride and A Christmas Story.  They’re all feel good stories that are funny without being stupid, and I can watch them with my kids.

♣ Favourite Ottawa spots for eating out?  Dominic over at the Trattoria Caffe Italia on Preston offers fabulous food and great service.  I’m a regular over there, and Dominic looks after me.  Oh, and Moe Attallah’s Newport Restaurant on Richmond Rd. is a local legend for good reason.  His reputation is well earned.  If its not right, he fixes it.  Simple.

Whenever possible grownups should go back to school.  Honest.

Anyway, the History of Furniture course has been quite an eye-opener, and I can safely say that my fascination with furniture has been fuelled.  I’ve had whole lot of homework though and it’s been really, really busy lately.  So - in the interest of time, I’ve combined efforts.  As I go, I hope share a few highlights from what I’ve learned….

Furniture in Ancient Egypt – 4000 B.C. – 300 B.C.

The ancient Egyptians were a culture obsessed with the afterlife.  It is because of this, and the very dry climate in the region, that we have come to understand as much about Egyptian furniture as we do.  With limitless budgets, wealthy Egyptians commissioned ornate handcrafted pieces to accompany them in death. The process of mummification successfully preserved a significant number of highly refined wooden pieces that can still be studied today, and these are an extraordinary compliment to information derived from remaining sculptures, paintings and papyrus writings.

While ordinary citizens of Egypt were surviving with a few crude essentials – from mud benches to blocks of stone or a timber chest – the wealthy were demanding a variety of furniture forms to serve several purposes.  In addition to basic stools, there were also chairs, tables, storage chests/coffers and beds being built with increasing sophistication.  

Certain characteristics, like straight backs or raised feet on cylinder pedestals, were indicative of social status – and many pieces featured animal feet pointed in the same direction. Interestingly, ancient Egypt was not resource rich with respect to suitable woods other than acacia, so many species such as ebony, cedar, ash, beech, cypress, elm, maple, pine, and oak were imported from Mediterranean, North African and West Asian countries.  Apparently, large scale importation was already underway as early as 2700 B.C.

Many of the construction techniques employed in ancient Egypt are still used in contemporary furniture making.  For instance, mortise & tenon and dovetail joints were common, as was butt, flat, tongue and groove, scarf, and mitre joinery.  Leather thongs or linen string were also tied to secure joints.  Dowels and pegs often connected distinct pieces, and nails were used to attach metal to wood.  Storage boxes were built using frame and panel method, and tables with a post and lintel design.

Aesthetically, high society Egyptian furniture was quite ornate, embellished often with religious or mythological symbols.  Pieces were inlaid with bone, ebony and other exotic woods, ivory, coloured glass and semi-precious stones.  They may have also featured low relief carvings, gesso, and gold or silver gilding.  Similar to hieroglyphics, decorative motifs included animals (scarab, serpent, vulture), and plants (lotus, palm, papyrus), as well as the ankh, the sphinx and the sun disk.  Clear or dark varnishes were used to further enhance pieces, as were paint, and marquetry.  

And this is just the beginning…

Aside from free parking and admission, this first ever event promised plenty of independent fashion, one-of-a-kind jewellery design and vintage clothing from Ottawa, Montreal and Toronto vendors. Thankfully, it did not disappoint. 

Absent were the harried crowds you might have encountered at the other big consumer event of the weekend, the Capital Fall Home Show.  No aisles congested with enormous strollers, no heavy plastic bags filled with boring brochures, and no cheese ball expert seminars!  Instead, the Capital Clothing Show offered a relaxed atmosphere and an eclectic mix of stylish and unique wares.  Far from intimidating, there truly was something for everyone – from the old school to the fashion forward…

To a keen observer though, it was clear that tastes were skewed in favour of the vintage clothing and estate jewellery, with elegant, effortless and enduring pieces garnering the most attention from Ottawa style seekers.   Hardly boring or predictable, the appeal of restrained, ladylike attire can be so quietly sexy, and so very difficult to resist! 

Visitors to the show were mostly women, ranging in age and maturity from the young and trendy to the timeless and classic.  Regardless of experience however, all were decidedly well dressed – proving again that in Ottawa, where there is supply, there is demand.  

Inevitably, something irresistible will appear, I will inquire, and then the reality of my basement crammed with previous finds will bring me back to my senses.  Or, I will make the mistake of arranging for a weekend pick up, giving sellers the opportunity to make a better deal in the interim.  For proof, see this sad story about none other than yours truly, and take a good look at the fabulous chair I missed for exactly this reason!  No worries though, Kim from Desire to Inspire and I have since connected, and she was kind enough to point me towards another one.  All in time for me to come to my senses again! 

So, having already confessed to my furniture fetish, I thought I might share a few recent finds Kijiji.  There is so much good stuff out there to be rescued and recycled.  You just need to see the potential and use your imagination!  

◊ How about this great rattan table and chair set for $250?  Wouldn’t it look great painted a bright red, aqua or jet black with a fabulous, funky fabric for the cushions?  How about a zebra skin, a geometric, or a lattice by eco-friendly Rubie Green or even colourful tropical print like this one from Waverly?

◊ This retro chair and table set speaks for itself.  Potential realized.  No fix necessary.  Just a happy home where someone with bold style will show it off with pride!  

◊ More cool chairs. They’re leather and chrome, and come four for only 200$!  Sheesh.  Contrast these with a distressed farmhouse table and some nature inspired white pottery (like a couple of these from Jonathon Adler perhaps?) for a comfy look with a modern twist. 

While scouring the racks this weekend, I came across a never worn two piece skirt suit in navy wool by Louis Féraud, for only $30.   This French house of haute couture was established in the 1950’s and quickly became a favourite of the Paris elite, including cinema star Brigitte Bardot, who was also Mr.  Féraud’s artistic muse.  Today, the deceased designer’s house continues under the creative direction of Jean Pierre Marty, who honours Mr. Féraud’s sophisticated tradition. 

Famous for their ability to sculpt curves, the clothes are refined, but seductive.  The little navy wool number I found sure meets this standard - and it makes me feel like a millionaire!  I can hardly wait to jazz it up with some sexy red shoes for a downtown 5 à 7 schmooze.  It’s perfect!

  “Fashion is not created to separate people but to bring them together; it is a rendez-vous of love.”  Louis Féraud 

Take a look inside the lapel my new (old) jacket to find Mr. Féraud’s personal style philosophy…