Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/119920
form + function » local view Danish Modern Leaning forward on a mid-century modern inspired sofa in her Kitsilano store, Fullhouse Modern owner and Torontonian Jennifer Brash describes her initial interest in vintage Scandinavian furniture as market driven. While her store is evidence of her devotion to mid-century modern vintage and vintage-inspired furniture, it didn't exactly start out that way. "I am not romantic about business," says Brash, surveying her 4,000-square-foot space located at the mouth of Granville Island, filled with Danish loungers and teak sideboards. "I look at design from a business perspective, not a collector's perspective. I wasn't a picker with a truck who did garage sales. People covet and collect vintage Scandinavian design so I educated myself." The entrepreneur, who moved from Toronto to Vancouver in 1992 for a corporate job, said she is drawn to the exquisite wood graining and craftsmanship found in vintage Scandinavian pieces. She makes annual trips to Europe to hand select the mid-century old-growth teak and Brazilian rosewood furniture for which the Danes are famed. The former beverage and alcohol director opened a high-end Scandinavian consignment store at 8th Avenue and Granville Street in 2006 catering to hipsters and the film community. In 2011 she moved to her current location and began mixing in modern pieces, all with the same tight product focus. The company is currently expanding its space by 50 per cent within the same location. Renovations are expected to be complete by April 2013. Brash keeps a mix of 60 per cent vintage and 40 per cent new or vintage-inspired items in stock. Her concentration is on hardwood furniture rather than resin or Lucite, products for which the Scandinavians are also known. Prices are in the upper mid-range with the average sofa selling for between $2,000 and $4,000. As Brash's taste has evolved, she has introduced art and decor accessories, all with a vintage modern vibe. Interspersed throughout the store are funky, repurposed items like a Canada Post-branded postal bag turned throw pillow, illuminated carnival letters made into wall art and antique silver flatware and tea service settings repurposed into modern statement jewelry. The accessories, however, take second billing to her Nordic wares. "Scandinavian design is as relevant today as it was 60 years ago," says Brash. "You can't replicate the patina, beautiful wood grains and original handcrafted designs." – Amy Mair PHOTOS Janis Nicolay BESTSELLER: Ambient lights that resemble pussy willow branches. Attached to a single electrical cord, they look beautiful arranged in a favourite vase. $39 - $69 UNUSUAL ITEM: Floating wire shelving that Brash affectionally refers to as the "chicken coops." This unique storage solution is made from weathered steel wire. Coat hooks with vintage-inspired number plates attached across the bottom are the perfect place to stash a hat or jacket. $195 - $295 HOT ITEM: Weathered steel-pipe pendant lights. These minimalist lights tap into the industrial design craze. Top off with a trendy Edison bulb for understated simplicity. $125 each 1545 W. 4th Ave, Vancouver; fullhousemodern.com 16 | BC HOME & GARDEN April 2013 p16-17_LocalView.indd 16 13-03-14 9:57 AM