The spa comes home

Illuminating and soothing the soul with light collection that brings ‘the beauty of nature indoors’
BY LUCY HYSLOP, SPECIAL TO THE SUN

For the ultimate spa allusion, the new Nest Coco lighting collection from the Philippines does the trick.

It features indigenous materials such as shells and coconut rings that are handcrafted and embedded in a resin core.

“This really allows the natural beauty of the materials to take centre stage,” says George Molnar, co-owner of the two-year-old store on Beatty Street.

“They are really ‘light as art’ showpieces.” Undoubtedly pun intended, he even goes as far as to say they serve to “illuminate and soothe the soul.”
“We think that the more stressful and complicated life becomes,” Molnar continues, “the more people want their homes to be like a spa hotel, one that is immediately calming and a place to get recharged.”

Nest was attracted to the new lighting collection for its ability to “bring the beauty of nature indoors” after coming across it at a recent trade show, the notable High Point furniture market in North Carolina.

“When making selections,” he explains, “we are guided first by good design: Will it help our clients to create comfortable and modern homes? This collection ticks all the right boxes — beauty, elegance, price, uniqueness.”

So, here’s the spa lighting; now I just need my own personal in-house masseuse … The Coco lighting collection is priced from $439 for a table lamp to $1,379 for a floor lamp at Nest Interiors Inc., 522 Beatty St., Vancouver (604-737 4704; nesthome.ca)

Going Turquoise

Pantone has announced turquoise as the colour of 2010. Combining the serene qualities of blue and the invigorating aspects of green, turquoise evokes thoughts of soothing, tropical waters and a languorous, effective escape from the everyday troubles of the world, while at the same time restoring our sense of well being.

“In many cultures, Turquoise occupies a very special position in the world of color,” explains Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “It is believed to be a protective talisman, a color of deep compassion and healing, and a color of faith and truth, inspired by water and sky. Through years of color word-association studies, we also find that Turquoise represents an escape to many – taking them to a tropical paradise that is pleasant and inviting, even if only a fantasy.”

Whether envisioned as a tranquil ocean surrounding a tropical island or a protective stone warding off evil spirits, Turquoise is a color that most people respond to positively. It is universally flattering, has appeal for men and women, and translates easily to fashion and interiors. With both warm and cool undertones, Turquoise pairs nicely with any other color in the spectrum. Turquoise adds a splash of excitement to neutrals and browns, complements reds and pinks, creates a classic maritime look with deep blues, livens up all other greens, and is especially trend-setting with yellow-greens.

• Turquoise has cooling effects, figuratively lowering a room’s temperature.

• It’s a fashion staple. Always in style, turquoise has recently influenced interior designers with its opaque quality and ability to create impact — even in small doses.

• Turquoise has good karma. American Indians have long praised the mineral for its spiritual and healing properties.

• It works year-round. Add a shot of hot pink, lemon, or chartreuse, and the look is tropical-chic. In velvet or paired with brown or ocher, it’s dramatic.

Paulette Lamp in Aqua Cased Glass by Tanner & Kenzie
Available at Nest Interiors, Vancouver
$589