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March 5th, 2012
In the world of design it is often considered uncouth to tout your own success. But from the founding in 1976, Magis has been unafraid to boast of its immensely successful incorporation of “leading edge technology into mass production,” and in doing so creating a design language and esthetic all its own. Working with inspired designers unafraid to push the envelope of creating designs that are as much an experiment in fabrication as in form, the Italian company has become one of the world’s leaders in defining what’s next. Their recent partnership with Herman Miller (discussed here) in North America makes perfect sense – as Eames, Nelson and their peers wanted to make great design available for the masses, so too is the case with designers such as the Bouroullec brothers, Naoto Fukasawa and the many others who have designed specifically for Magis and their unique access to new and cutting edge fabrication techniques. Lasting, thoughtful and unique, Magis is a favourite for both home and commercial use. We’re happy to offer the entire Magis line, and if you’re so inclined, come down to the showroom to check out 3 of their most recognized pieces including the Chair One pictured above.
February 23rd, 2012
The ever-popular annual Knoll Classics sale is upon us once again. Your once-a-year chance to save 15% on the Knoll Space collection of such seminal designers as Florence Knoll, Eero Saarinen, Marcel Breuer, Mies Van der Rohe, Harry Bertoia and many more. Perhaps you’ve been longing for a Womb Chair in your bedroom, or want to upgrade the barstools at your newly renovated kitchen island; now is the time to take advantage and save during this week long sale. Need inspiration? Why not start here?
February 7th, 2012
 Having recovered from an incredible holiday season and the ensuing clearance, we here at Kit are now excited to announce the first of a few new lines we’ll be introducing, and really, there’s no better place to start than Flos. For the past 50 years, the name Flos has been synonymous with innovation and we’re proud to add them to our already great range of lines. Working with some of the best known designers of our era – Starck, Grcic, Citterio and Castiglioni among many more – the company continues to abide by its original precepts (or “Flosophy”), which include working with the best designers and being “THE solution to all lighting needs.” They’ve succeeded in maintaining rigorous standards while offering a wide range of pendant, wall, floor and table lighting. From the iconic Arco Light (yes, that one that arcs over the chair in every mid-century modern home you’ve seen in photographs) to the elegant Sky Garden, we’re extremely happy to now offer Flos lighting at Kit. Come down and experience a sampling of the huge scope of their line-up in our new Flos Boutique.
December 28th, 2011
Our Boxing Week Clearance continues until December 31, and nearly everything in the store starts at 20% off. Maybe you need to replace the dishware that was broken in that over-rambunctious Boxing Day party. Perhaps you’ve decided to replace that uncomfortable chair you’ve been stuck sitting in since your family arrived and took over the good seats. Or maybe it’s just that piece you’ve had your eye on all year – there’s no better time than our annual store-wide sale to address all of your needs. From flatware to bookcases, lounge chairs to dining tables – all are available in this once a year event. Check the Specials section for highlights, but as we simply can’t post everything, you’re best bet is to come down to the showroom.
December 3rd, 2011
 photo via dfortyex.wordpress.com
With the Herman Miller sale in full swing, and our December floor model clearance just underway, there is no time like the present to pick up a gift for yourself or your loved ones. This year, we’ve tried to make sure we have enough holiday items to keep up after selling out last year. We’re especially excited about the Superstar Christmas Tree (pictured above) by Modernica and the gorgeous Georg Jensen tree top stars (and you can go here to see what a Danish language Christmas commercial looks like – not that different, but in Danish!). That said we have fun, colourful and shiny pieces of all sorts and prices to brighten up the holidays, including Marimekko ornaments, table runners and tablecloths, ornaments by Whigby and a wonderful collection of Christmas cards that put Hallmark to shame. And don’t forget that the Herman Miller sale continues until December 12!
November 22nd, 2011
 November 23 until December 12, we’re proud to be a part of the Semi-Annual Herman Miller Sale! Designers such as Eames, Noguchi and Nelson are available for 15% off in-store and special order purchases. The Lifeworks portfoliio and Aeron Chair can help you ease through a winter season of work while small delights like the Nelson Swag Leg table and the Eames wire base tables can solve those entertaining “where do we put our drinks?” problems. Pick out a present for yourself and order it up – by phone, email or best yet, in person. We’re happy to help, and bring authentic design into your home for the holidays. Be sure to check out the Herman Miller site if you wish to shop from the convenience of your chair, and remember what Charles Eames said: “It makes me feel guilty that anybody should have such a good time doing what they are supposed to do.” Have a good time making yourself feel guilty during the Herman Miller sale.
November 7th, 2011
 Norman Cherner’s career as an architect and designer is a storied one. Perhaps best known for the Cherner Chair (pictured above), his work is inextricably linked with Herman Miller, Plycraft and the Mid Century Modernism movement. His work, long sought by collectors after it was phased out of production in the early 1970’s, was reintroduced in 1999 by his sons Benjamin and Thomas. Both architects and designers in their own right, the Cherner Chair company not only produces the furniture Norman designed over 50 years ago to the exact specifications of the originals, but also new designs by Benjamin that reflect the Cherner tradition. The Cherner story is an American one – innovation (by improving the design of a George Nelson chair to arrive at the armchair), Norman Rockwell and a particularly noteworthy lawsuit all make an appearance.
We’re happy to have the Cherner dining table, side chairs, stools and (of course) the classic armchair as part of our current showroom collection. See the craftsmanship and elegant, playful beauty for yourselves, and have a seat in a piece of furniture design history.
October 26th, 2011
It’s been too long a wait but we’re very excited to launch our newly expanded web site. We’re featuring more brands than ever and bringing you much more background on what’s happening in the world of design for the home. And if that’s not enough, we’re drilling down even deeper into what grabs the design community with our blog, Pullupasofa. And if you’re in a hurry, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and we’ll come to you.
October 26th, 2011
 The recently unveiled revisit by Herman Miller of a handful of their classic designs is just the latest in a busy year for the venerable furniture manufacturer. In an effort to evoke the sensibilities these pieces had when first introduced, the company has added a dash of drama and a stroke of elegance to already beautiful pieces. In re-examining the pieces, Herman Miller developed a new leather option for the Eames Lounge and Ottoman and the Eames Aluminum Group and Softpad Group chairs meant to mimic the look and feel of the original issues. Containing more grain than that of the leather used in the past couple of decades, the texture is wonderful, and promises to develop a rich patina over time. They coupled this with new finishes for all the lines: oiled Walnut or Santos Palisander as well as the breathtaking White Ash shells for the Lounge and Ottoman. In keeping with the development of new leather, the white ash shell is notable for its special finish, which the company promises will prevent yellowing with age. It only makes sense they used this option to expand the available wood types for the Noguchi base as well.
The Aluminum Group’s new coatings arose from the same desire to reclaim the original intent. As they put it:
“Herman Miller began producing the Aluminum Group chairs in 1958, originally promoting the chairs as the “leisure group” or alternatively the “indoor-outdoor group.” It didn’t take long for the Aluminum Group to move inside exclusively, perhaps to due to their lithe form. Now, that distinctive design returns to its birthright with materials, finishes and hardware fit for the Miller House terraces and all outdoors, in addition to providing new options for its interior application. With new satin graphite or white powdercoat finishes, graphite and white outdoor suspension mesh, MCL leather, and the original 4-star base, the Aluminum Group now moves seamlessly from outdoor to indoor, leisure to workplace, just as the Eameses first intended. “
While revisiting classics is controversial, in this case the results are fascinating – not a complete remake, but rather a tweaking that is subtle and even slightly glamourous without sacrificing any of the original beauty of the pieces.
Notably, Herman Miller maintained they’re strict environmental commitment, ensuring as much of the pieces are recyclable as possible. Given the hints of further announcements regarding more classic pieces are forthcoming, one can only wonder what is next.
October 26th, 2011
If nothing else, Tom Dixon is a man with a vision. Articulate, thoughtful and unafraid to put his words into action, whether inspiring others in his manifestos or expressing his unbending zeal in his work, Dixon is one of the most vital and brashest designers of the past two decades. A quick glance at his work reveals as much.
The Void Light was inspired by Olympic medals, but the unique folding of stainless steel also takes a material so often associated with rigidity and strength and reframes it with fluid lines.
The Pressed Glass series was developed using technology originally created to manufacture automobile headlight covers. The technology was abandoned by the auto industry in favour of polymers and plastics, but Dixon saw an opportunity to create unique, lighting that, while visually “light” is actually composed of glass compressed to nearly a half inch thick.
Most pertinent to this post, however, is that with all this talk of industry and heft, Dixon maintains an elegant side, which is no better expressed than with the newly issued White Powder Coated Beat Light series. Originally only available in black with a handbeaten brass interior, the newly minted white version – in much the same manner as Herman Miller’s Eames Lounge and Ottoman re-issue from earlier this year – adds a certain element of femininity to his work. It’s a feature that has always been present (the marble top on the Screw Table , for example), but not made as explicit as these wonderful lights.
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