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Archive for the ‘Gifts’ Category

Young at Heart

Posted on August 19th, 2010 by Krista
Century House · Eco-Friendly · Gifts · Uncategorized
1 Comment

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With my upcoming birthday- now that I feel I no longer have any special numbers to look forward to- I find myself embracing things that are no longer considered age appropriate.  In a sense, I am now free to choose my mental age.  I am as old as I feel, and am falling in love with this whimsical new brand that has recently popped into our Gift Shop.

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With growth charts, mobiles, and kid-friendly, shatterproof acrylic in place of glass in framed prints, Petit Collage may be geared toward the smaller customer, but can be enjoyed by any age.  With the perfect combination of vintage modern, playful illustration, and colorful collage, these prints are simply endearing.

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Each collage is a limited edition of 50.  Within each of the 50 pieces there are slight variations in color and vintage paper used, so each work of art is truly unique.  The prints are on maple veneer in hardwood maple frames with a no-VOC finish.  Made in San Francisco, each detail has been carefully thought out.  It’s always a pleasure to find out that the products you love are being consciously and sustainably produced.  As I grow older, I’m growing wiser: there’s my glass-half-full approach to my upcoming birthday!  Happy shopping!

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To see more Petit Collage available on our website:

Jungle Animals Mobile

Animal Tower Print

Camera Girl Print

Owl Love Print

Elephant with Calf Print

Spring Renewal

Posted on March 31st, 2010 by Krista
Century House · Gifts · Uncategorized
0 Comments

Marimekko Madison Fabric in Classic and New Color Combos

Marimekko Madison Fabric in Classic and New Color Combos

Bit by bit, Spring is creeping in!  The snow piles are slowly disappearing, our days are growing longer and the occasional optimistic (read: slightly crazy) college student is doning shorts while making his beer run here in Madison.  It’s a familiar cycle, but seems new each year.  After spending months being warmed by snuggly blankets and hot cocoa, we’re ready to open doors and windows and embrace the sun again.  Much like Mother Nature, we’re eager to shake Winter off and start a new chapter.

Carl Hansen Shell Chair- Classic Modern Design available with custom fabric to make it your own

Carl Hansen Shell Chair- Classic Modern Design available with custom fabric to make it your own

Like the coming of Spring, design classics can bring new life to your home.  Combining a form that is universally appealing with the willingness to adapt with the times, a true design classic can stay timely and fresh.  Some of our favorite companies are experts in taking their designs to new and exciting places, switching it up every season.  At The Century House, the change of seasons doesn’t just bring a change in weather, it brings new innovations in some of our most favorite designs.

Turquoise, Light Blue, NEW Water Green, Apple Green iitala Kartio glasses

Turquoise, Light Blue, NEW Water Green, Apple Green iitala Kartio glasses

This Spring, we are looking forward to the arrival of the new color of iittala glasses- water green.  This beautiful blue green lends itself well to both the Kartio (circa 1958) and Aino Alto (circa 1932) styles, mixing perfectly with the classic clear and light blue versions.  What a great way to brighten your kitchen!

Marimekko Unikko fabric in original and new spring colors

Marimekko Unikko fabric in original and new spring colors

Also this season, Marimekko comes through again with an unabashedly cheerful color way for their Unikko pattern (circa 1960).  With bright pink, yellow and orange tones and an accent of green, the bags made from this fabric are gracing our front table display, ready to help spread the cheer around town.

Heath's Seasonal Collections- Winter in Reds and Summer 2010 in Aqua and Zest

Heath's Seasonal Collections- Winter in Reds and Summer 2010 in Aqua and Zest

Finally, a company that is near and dear to our hearts, Heath Ceramics, has just added several pieces in a lovely aqua glaze, not unlike robin’s egg blue.  What could announce the coming of Spring in a better way then a grouping of aqua and white bud vases filled with crocuses or hyacinths?  Heath Ceramics has been around almost as long as we have, and they are still keeping it fresh!

Louis Poulsen PH50's in 50th Anniversary colors: Chili Red, Wasabi Green, Black Olive, Mint Blue

Louis Poulsen PH50's in 50th Anniversary colors: Chili Red, Wasabi Green, Black Olive, Mint Blue

Happy Spring Everyone!

-Ann

*Some colors are limited editions.  Please call (608) 233-4488 with any questions about availability.

Valentine’s Day the Scandinavian Way

Posted on February 10th, 2010 by Krista
Century House · Gifts
0 Comments

Valentine’s Day is almost here and I don’t know about you, but I am pretty uninspired by the “chocolate and red roses” way of celebrating.  There must be more creative ways of spreading the love on February 14th!  Since Valentine’s Day is an international holiday, we have decided to look to our Scandinavian friends and their traditions for inspiration.

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In Finland, Valentine’s Day takes a broader, more inclusive theme.  There, it is called the “Day of Friendship” and is celebrated with festive dances and other special events.

In Norway, Valentine’s Day holds a prominent place in the social calendar.  Not only does Valentine’s Day celebrate love, but notes the coming of spring.  Catching sight of mating birds on this day is a sure sign of both love and warmer, brighter days to come.

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In Denmark, the younger set have recently made a Valentine’s Day tradition of their own.  Gaekkebrev, or “joking letters,” are humorous little poems intended for loved ones.  The twist is- these poems are sent anonymously, with the sender’s signature written in a simple code.  If the recipient guesses the sender correctly, they receive an egg at Easter!

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So this Valentine’s Day, get creative the Scandinavian way!  Go out dancing with your friends like the Finns, give a sweet bird-themed present like the Norwegians, or get cheeky like the Danes and pen a silly poem to keep your beloved guessing.  Whatever you do, enjoy the holiday and enjoy spending time with the ones you love!

heartpillows

-Ann

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