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edited by Alexa Yablonski -- Interior Design, 9/1/2002 12:00:00 AM

Canada Stays Cool

During the past year, we've noted the exceptionally innovative outlook of our neighbors to the north. Montreal-based Periphere is the latest among an impressive crop of Canadian standouts—including Lolah and C-Design Studio, which have already appeared in these pages. Periphere was founded by brother-sister team Thien and My Ta Trung with a very specific idea about their clientele. "Periphere is for new urbanites who like to surround themselves with beautiful things, for men and women who aren't afraid to express who they are," says Thien Trung, the principal designer. The company's mod furniture also aims to please hipsters whose taste might exceed their bank balances. Prices are reasonable, but craftsmanship and purity of design remain paramount. The exaggerated proportions of the Martini sofa, made of a hardwood frame and high-density foam, add flair and function. The floor-hugging height, says Thien Trung, "brings a little air into apartments without superhigh ceilings." Meanwhile, commodiously wide arms can accommodate books or a favorite drink. The Diametre table, also low-slung, provides a blast of retro chic with a top of perfectly round red lacquer dishes and a gleaming chrome base. A quieter design, the Dune table, still speaks to visual interest and everyday practicality. The graceful indentation in the zebrawood top is just the place to throw keys or stash change. 1455 Boulevard Graham, Suite 100, Montreal, Quebec H3P 3M9, Canada; 514-733-8588; periphere.com. circle 316 Urban Ease, 2512 Second Avenue, Seattle, WA 98121; 206-443-9546; urbanease.com. circle 317

Friends of Blau

Last year, longtime antique-rug dealer Doris Leslie Blau launched a collection of contemporary handmade rugs in response to repeated requests from architects and decorators. For 2002, she's supplemented the line with works from some star designers who also happen to be faithful clients. Thomas Jayne, not known to be color shy, produced a boldly hued and whimsically patterned version. Richard Mishaan created one that absolutely exudes cool. And for the ultimate touch of elegance, we like the geometric design by the ever refined Alberto Pinto. 41 East 57th Street, New York, NY 10022; 212-752-0222; dlbcollection.com. circle 318

Thinking Pink

Positively Pink, the latest rug collection from Christine Van Der Hurd, is simply swish. Van Der Hurd drew on 1950s Japanese kimonos and op art by Victor Vasarely, among others, to produce eight patterns that dare to couple candy colors with bold graphics. The carpets are hand-knotted in Nepal, using hand-spun New Zealand wool. A touch of silk supplies shimmer and depth to designs including the dynamic Zig Zag. Textural variety adds interest to Square in Square. Color play informs Times 3. The carpets are available in five standard sizes and in custom colors and sizes for a surcharge. Cappellini Modern Age, 102 Wooster Street, New York, NY 10012; 212-966-0669; cappellini.it. circle 319

Smith's Wit

On display at Comme des Garçons in Manhattan through mid-October, multitalented designer Paul Smith's witty furniture debut, Mondo, might distract shoppers from Rei Kawakubo's edgy fashion—even the sale items. (As professed interiors devotees, not fashionistas, we admit we've always preferred booty too big to fit in a shopping bag.) Made of matte lacquered wood silk-screened with prints of baroque consoles, the delightful cabinets present a play of eras past, present, and future, particularly resonant in the high-tech surroundings of the Chelsea boutique. The extensive collection also includes sofas, chairs, tables, and beds, available through Cappellini. Comme des Garçons, 520 West 22nd Street, New York, NY 10011; 212-604-9200. circle 320 Cappellini, 102 Wooster Street, New York, NY 10012; 212-966-0669; cappellini.it. circle 321

Radical Chic

For forward-looking pieces that function in both office and home, consult design lab Orange22, manned by the trendsetting team of Dario Antonioni and Sami Hayek. Antonioni logged time at Gensler and also worked independently, completing such retail interiors as Flight001 in New York and San Francisco. Hayek, an equally impressive award-winning designer, has shown at the Salon du Meuble in Paris—and during his downtime plays the role of brother to actress Salma.

Over the course of a year and a half, Antonioni and Hayek collaborated to create a collection of eight dynamic pieces. Included in Orange22's debut: shelving units, cocktail table, stool, two desks, and the Luna seating family. While the expanse of tempered glass used in the Sputnik computer desk is particularly impressive when unadorned, a wiring basket, a swinging metal pedestal, and other accessories help organize the clutter that's sure to follow. 672 South Avenue 21, Studio 01, Los Angeles, CA 90031; 323-226-9922; orange22.com. circle 322

Rodolph

Rodolph: Introductions to the Mélange collection include Continuum and Silk Knot. The sinuous pattern of the former—woven in polyester, wool, and nylon—is appropriate for commercial upholstery applications. The latter's delicate plissé construction better suits window treatments and light upholstery. 999 West Spain Street, P.O. Box 1249, Sonoma, CA 95476; 707-935-0316. circle 323

Stroheim & Romann

Stroheim & Romann: Textural Elegance is a collection of textiles with tremendous touchability. For a pillowy, quilted effect, there's Wavey, a subtle matelassé. A striking cut velvet on a ribbed ground, Parasols provides rich three dimensionality. And Ripple features prim permanent pleats. 31-11 Thomson Avenue, Long Island City, NY 11101; 718-706-7000. circle 324

Christopher Farr

Christopher Farr: While we know it's nigh impossible to make Farr's rugs look anything less than fabulous, we're still floored by the beauty of the new line laid out in Ralph Pucci's expansive New York penthouse. The Close/Code collection comprises 12 strategically striped carpets of mohair and hand-spun wool. 44 West 18th Street, New York, NY 10011; 212-633-0452; ralphpucci.com. circle 325

Lee Jofa

Lee Jofa: Dynamic design duo William Diamond and Anthony Baratta are behind this company's latest collection of prints and wovens. The patterns range from preppy argyle to precious florals to such bold graphics as the oversize houndstooth Magazine Street Weave (shown). 201 Central Avenue South, Bethpage, NY 11714; 800-453-3563; leejofa.com. circle 326

Pollack

Pollack: Three new fabrics will get the groove going in any room. The mid-century modern look of the Beat Goes On is sure to endure, thanks to its strong blend of cotton and nylon. Tailor-Made is a wool-blend solid with a bit of shimmer. Bouclé Bound offers snap in the form of textural stripes. 979 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10022; 212-421-8755; pollackassociates.com. circle 327

Rug Art

Rug Art: A deep brown background sets just the right tone for the twinkling, gem-colored accents that distinguish Tiffany, one of Vidal Sasson's latest designs. Boasting a fine, 100-knot construction, the carpet is made of sumptuous wool with silk highlights. 2600 Netherland Avenue, Suite 1721, Riverdale, NY 10463; 718-432-8100; rug-art.net. circle 328

Hive

Hive: Cityscape three-dimensional felt rugs make geography lessons fun. Inspired by urban topography as well as Claes Oldenburg's soft sculptures, the carpets are currently offered in Paris (shown) and London versions. Hometown favorites by commission only. Oxo Tower Wharf, Unit 1-02, Barge House Street, London SE14 9PH, U.K.; 44-20-7261-9791; hivespace.com. circle 329

Mark

Mark: This ultra-luxurious line of carpets, favored by the likes of David Easton and Bunny Williams, is now available through Scalamandré. More than 100 designs, including geometrics and florals, come in a selection of colorways. 942 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10022; 800-932-4361. circle 330

Studio 11

Studio 11: Denis Colomb's new rug collection includes the distinctive herringbone-patterned Chicago (shown); Milan, a wide stripe; and Los Angeles, featuring elegant wavelets. Woven in Nepal, all have 100-knot construction. 1501 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10028; 212-517-1512; deniscolomb.com. circle 331

Sina Pearson Textiles

Sina Pearson Textiles: For a soft touch, we recommend the Pure Luxury collection. We're not sure which swatch to press against our cheek first—Mink, a chenille velvet; Crème de la Crème, a sumptuous satin; or Custom Weave, reminiscent of Chanel suiting. 150 Varick Street, New York, NY 10013; 212-366-1146; sinapearson.com. circle 332