How to shoplift ideas – part 2

The weekly micro-decorating newsletter * Issue 9 of 13, W24 *
Subscribe free *

Back in October, we looked at a legal version of shoplifting – walking off with clever display ideas from artfully designed store windows. There are so many enticing store windows out there that it's worth revisiting this topic.

Here are three more windows, again all at Yorkdale, that could launch equivalent displays in your home.

Harry Rosen

A small amount of one strong colour can have surprising consequences when everything else around is subdued. Take a look at the role of red in this Harry Rosen window:

You likely already have the ingredients to pull this off on a shelf or tabletop. Select one object in a super-saturated hue and find others to accompany it that are muted and low-key. Experiment with placement until you have an arrangement that feels just right.

Here's a recent example in my apartment to show you how this works:

Saint Laurent

Vertical mirrors can be dramatic at first glance, but their predictable orientation means they easily fade in prominence. Horizontal mirrors are unexpected, keeping us fascinated with their off-kilter positioning.

Check out how an already-startling pair of boots in Saint Laurent's window gets extra kick from having a mirror underfoot. There's a hard-edged glamour here that you can easily bring home, minus the footwear:

In my place, I have a cast aluminum side table from CB2 (unfortunately discontinued) that doubles whatever I place on top, allowing me to enjoy it twice:

If you scout around, you can find something along these lines at your local vintage dealers. As of this writing, Toronto's Guff has a mirrored pedestal available that is sure to enhance whatever you place on top:

If you're in the mood for investing in a forever piece, I recommend the made-to-order Wishing Well Table at Stylegarage. Smoked mirror glass adds some mystery to the illusion of depth:

A few years back I purchased the wall mirror equivalent of this piece (much thinner than the table of course) and it's one acquisition I've never regretted.

Diptyque

A single candle has an effect, but the more you add, the bigger the payoff. While the flames may be artificial, Diptyque's window shows what happens when you go from soloist to full-on choir:

It doesn't take much to scale up the drama at home. Ikea's Finsmak tea light holder is only forty-nine cents, so a Diptyque-like extravaganza is well within reach:

At the other end of the price spectrum are STOFF Nagel candle holders, modular pieces that you can assemble into elaborate sculptural displays. At Morceau, my favourite vintage dealer in Montreal, you can get current models of this Danish classic, including related components like a wall hanger and a floor stand:

If you prefer pieces with a patina, you can find antique models without a lot of searching. Right now, Toronto's Zig Zag has a set of ten that are on offer for less than the cost of new ones:

While Morceau also carries the candles for this piece, including an LED version, the beauty of the design is fully apparent even with nothing added.

Over to you

Noticed a shop window with an idea to plunder? Snap a picture and send it our way. We might feature it in an upcoming issue.

Thank you for reading.