Ok, so we only have so much stuff in our home to share with you (and we’re nearly tapped out on the teak front). Thus, I was inspired by a recent Lisa Canning post, where she put together a bunch of objects (teak dresser, a lamp, art, a pillow etc) to create an entire look for a room. So I thought I’d try my hand at it!

The teak items I chose I nabbed from 1stdibs.com, mostly because their photos are clean and clear. I will tell you right now, 1stdibs.com is the type of place that makes you register to know the prices, so you can imagine what they are. That said, I chose teak items that you can easily find versions of either on Craigslist or at the following stores in Toronto (or basically any vintage furniture store anywhere):

G.U.F.F.
zig zag
bungalow
Machine Age Modern
UpsideDive

Teak Sideboard: Jens Quistgaard, circa 1960 from 1stdibs.com. Sideboards pop up on Craigslist all the time.
Vintage Lithograph Print: by Antonio Guanse from UpsideDive, $150. I love love love this print. Every time I pay Upside a visit I secretly wish it’s still there, because I know I’ll be sad when it’s gone. Why don’t I buy it already?!?
Graphic rug: by Toronto textile artist Bev Hisey, email for prices.
Table lamp: Noguchi Akari Lamp 3 from Pazo on Queen St. East has them and a variety of other Noguchi lamp shapes, email them for price.
Pottery: Most vintage furniture shops carry at least a bit of pottery. Best selection we’ve come across is definitely at Rogue Gallery, 733 Queen Street East. Prices vary from $10-$500.

Teak Upholstered Open Armchair: Finn Juhl, circa 1960 from 1stdibs.com. Again, you can find tons of chairs out there that have a teak base and upholstered seat/back, though you may need to use your imagination a bit and reupholster in a newer fabric.
Pillow (detail): Fluf – see their website for locations in Canada and the US.
Bookcase: Sapien Bookcase by Bruno Rainaldi, Design Within Reach, $198-298 – Perfect space saving bookshelf! We want one for our upstairs hallway.

Things to remember when using teak:

1. Teak works in most types of spaces.
2. The colour of the wood is warm and often leans towards orange tones, easily bringing in a sense of sunshine into a room during these dismal winter months. It’s also a type of wood that works with many colours – blue, green, purple, but don’t be afraid of warmer colours like orange, red and yellow because with the right shade it will work.
3. You can use teak to fill a mid-century Danish inspired room or to compliment industrial pieces or contemporary furniture. It’s a flexible style of furniture because it uses classic and simple lines.

That’s enough of me playing interior designer for today. It was really fun dreaming up schemes though, so I may just revisit this theme board concept in the future (thanks Lisa for the idea!).