Aimee Lee Interiors

George Nelson has got to be one the most recognized and prolific names in mid century furniture design. I have a handful of favourite of pieces, one of which I recently purchased! I've been hunting for months trying to find the exact right thing to put infront of my sofa and I'm very excited to have a Nelson Platform Bench as my new coffee table! Of course it's not an original - that would be to much moolah!

Wondering where I got such a sweet bench? Nood... Now yes some may argue that it's a reproduction, frankly I don't care. I was able to afford something I love and will enjoy for a long time to come. Not to mention Nood is having a fabulous sale, so if there's something you're interested in and you're on a tight budget I'd suggest checking Nood out. 

Uniquely Green Home Decor

When we first moved into our new home, we didn't own much and we didn't have the funds to buy brand new top quality pieces. But as it turned out, we didn't have to go far to find a bargain on some used top quality pieces. Our first, and one my favourite purchases (an adjustable vintage arc lamp - $24) came from a local shop called Uniquely Green Home Decor.

Uniquely Green isn't just a home decor shop, it's a consignment shop with an emphasis on local artists, recycled materials and quality furnishings. I spoke with owner Victoria Biggs and she shared some of her thoughts on buying trends, and the importance of making environmentally responsible purchases.

ALI: What was your motivation behind opening a home decor consignment shop?

VICTORIA: I opened our store 9 years ago and called it "Uniquely Yours Furniture on Consignment." It was challenging to find good used furniture at that time. The internet wasn't as accessible and Craigs List didn't exsist. I often wished there were stores that carried high end furniture that busy people with families and jobs could easily access. I've always loved used furniture, antiques, quality well built wood products, and shopping for treasures. There just weren't any furniture or household decor stores around that you could spend hours browsing in. It was a good fit for me.

ALI: Since you first opened, what changes have you seen in buying trends?

VICTORIA: Craigs List has become a household name, buying on the internet has increased ten-fold and recycling has become a way of life. The interest has really increased on items made from recycled goods, to the point where you can't tell the difference between a manufactured item and an item made from recycled materials. There is a lot more awareness and support around products made locally and made from sustainable (our soy candles) or biodegradeable products (the plastic bags we carry) or even reusable (our bum genius diapers).

ALI: Do you think that this latest movement in buying green is just a trend or do you feel that people really understand the changes we need to make? 

VICTORIA: One only has to look at all the damage and pollution we as a society have created in the past 100 years comparitively to the last 1500 years - to know that recycling, reusing and buying "green" must become a way of life for everyone everywhere. It is a universal challenge that requires a universal solution. It's an exciting time for new products, new inventions and creativity.

ALI: Does Uniquely Green carry a specific style of furniture & home decor?

VICTORIA: Our store standards require that our used furniture & furnishings be in mint condition & that we have a market for them. We prefer our new green lines to be locally made and purchased. We have unique items all the time from jewelry to antiques and high end dining room suites. I love some of the vintage Sherman jewellry we have, as well as the Vintage Remix Jewelry from Dotted Loop - a designer in Vancouver who remixes vintage jewelry and has been showcased in "Elle" and "Fashion Magazine."

ALI: How much of your own home have you decorated with furniture from consignment?

VICTORIA: My entire house has been furnished with furniture, decor, rugs and pictures from our store. My son-in-law laughs at me because sometimes I leave the prices underneath certain pieces of furniture, that way I know what I paid when I switch them up and re-consign them for a new piece, or a new look! Hundreds of our customers brag that they've purchased their favourite piece from our store and love the looks they have achieved re-decorating on a budget. In fact, our customers coined the phrase "Uniquely Chic"  to describe their decorating style from Uniquely Green. The best benefit of consigning is you can bring in items you already own and are tired of, and buy new items from us by using the money in your Uniquely Green account - never having to pay a cent. It's a beautiful thing and a win/win for the environment, for your home, for your style and for the community at large. How great is that!

Uniquely Green Home Decor is located at: 20241 Fraser Hwy. Langley B.C       Telephone: 604-530-6765 / Website: www.uniquelygreen.ca 

 

I've been searching for some time - looking for pillows for our couch. There are so many options and so many varying degrees of price. But this weekend while shopping with a client I came across a "Bargain Buy" for myself. 

Home Sense - "Navy Pillow" - $14.99

Home Outfitters - "Gold & Red Pillows"- $9.99  clearance

So on a weekend shopping trip with a client, we came across some inexpensive finds at HomeSense that fit the clients budget and personal style. We we're looking for clean lines, punches of colour, and natural items we could use to bring in some warmth. 

Miles Davis Print - $130

The colour of this print is what first caught my eye. But my client was especially excited, seeing as they're big music buffs and could appreciate the throw back "to a time where music had soul."

My clients love their sofa but feel "it gives off some cold vibes and can be a little intimidating."  This is where we wanted to find some pieces that would bring some warmth to their modern couch and living room.

Table Marked Down From $600 to $220

This table is an absolute contender for in front of the sofa. It's big and chunky, which is a nice break from the other wise clean lines of their existing furniture. The natural look of the wood will give the room some much needed warmth, and it's rough and tumble look gives an inviting appeal to sofa. (It could also double as seating.)

Lanterns $25 - $70

These lanterns come in a plethora of colours, (orange, avocado,red) shapes and sizes.  And when their lit they will cast a very cozy ambient light. 

Yellow Lamp - $60

We couldn't help but love this lamp, it's bright and it's yellow. You can't help but feel cheered up just by looking at it. Although we might try a different fabric on the shade just to soften it up a bit.

Drum Table - $70

This is a perfect punch of colour. It could look great as a pedestal for one of the many ferns my clients have or nice as a side table.