Lofty Living's New Westminster store (they have a second one in Steveston) is a study in natural textures, colours, and shapes. Custom upholstered sofas rub shoulders with shiny metallic accent pieces and fragrant candles. Toss cushions are plump and comfy looking, leather arm chairs and bar stools are buttery soft. There's an ambiance of tranquility in the predominantly black, white, and rich brown colour palette. It's a feeling of warmth and welcome blended with distinctly cutting edge sophistication. Clearly, these are furnishings that would feel at home in any setting. “Buyers today want flexibility — especially when they’re just starting out," Shelagh says. "Let's face it, condos and even townhouses are being built to a smaller scale. But it's a fallacy to believe you have to go ultra modern to find furnishings that will fit. We have all kinds of custom designs — from traditional to modern and available in wood, leather, or upholstery — that are small enough to fit a first time home without being so small you’d have to buy new stuff if you move to a larger place in a couple of years."

As if on cue, a young man emerges from the lower floor tape measure in hand. "It’s the perfect size — I love it! I want to take it home right now, but I’ll have to wait until tomorrow to get my roommate’s truck. Can you hold it for me till then?"

Turns out "it" is a leather sofa created by Stylus, a Burnaby manufacturer that acts as exclusive agent for Lofty Living's line of custom upholstery and leather furnishings. Naturally Shelagh says there's no problem holding the coveted addition to the young man’s living space till tomorrow.

A Flair for the Unusual

Before I'm off to my next appointment, I can't resist taking a closer look at the art that’s tucked into different areas of the store. Wire sculptures, crystal candelabras, wicker baskets, and indigenous woodcarvings — the range is eclectic and broad. Yet it all seems to fit together effortlessly.

Still, I have to admit the one that truly captures my heart is a series of square plates in white glass back painted with an abstract black flower. Striking, delicate, and with the barest hint of Oriental mystique that characterizes much of my own décor preference, this is one that will bring me back — like so many others — to simply enjoy an hour of browsing among items of beauty.

Lofty Living can be found at 610 Columbia Street in New Westminster and 110 — 12031 First Avenue in Steveston Village (Richmond). For more information call 604-526-LOFT (5638) or 604-271-LOFT (5638). Be sure to watch for the launch of their website at
www. loftylivinghome.com — coming summer 2008.