Bobby Berk Collection Comes to Canada

Last week Girls of T.O. was invited to the launch of the Bobby Berk Collection, a playful, eco-conscious and affordable line of sofas, chairs and case goods, now available in Canada exclusively at Urban Mode.

Designed by the 31-year-old fast-rising retailer, designer and television personality, the “cheap and cheerful” contemporary line features simple silhouettes, vibrant pops of colour (or happiness as he calls it) and no shortage of personality.

Taking a page from Bobby’s own character, there is definitely no shortage of personality here. Showing off his whimsical side through his collection, each piece is a blast-from-the past, named after 70s classic television show characters. In his 2013 collection you’ll find Cagney and Lacy, Greg and Marsha, Mork and Mindy and even Charlie, the “angel” boss himself.

I had the opportunity to ask Bobby a bit about his inspiration for the line and colour choices.

“Personally, I’m stuck on tangerine. But, they are all colours I like, that make me happy. Your home should be happy,” he told me, and I agree.

With 26 stock fabric colour options, 8 leg colour choices and walnut or oak to choose from – and all the same price by the way – there is just enough choice without being too much. It’s like “furniture for dummies,” he said.

Starting the line to directly compete with China, he wanted to prove a point that good quality furniture can be affordable and hopefully bring a few jobs back to the U.S. at the same time.

Bobby Berk

His motto:

Make it in America
Make it honest
Make it green
Make it quick
Make it fun
Make it furniture grandkids will fight over

And, in true Bobby Berk fashion, even the takeaway emanated his 70s-obsession, and I loved it.

So, what’s next for the hot young designer? Well, he told us about a new licensing partnership with Surya, a global rug and accessories manufacturer, who will debut 3 collections of rugs this upcoming summer, all featuring his signature mix of bold colours and design.

Here are a few more images from the Toronto launch to get you thinking about home décor and adding some colour into your space..

From the 2013 Bobby Berk Home Collection Catalogue

Lisa Raffaele

I'm Lisa, a real born and bred Torontonian in every sense of the word. I'm a PR practitioner by day with a fabulous client list, at a very cool boutique firm in the core with a view of the city that can make anyone want to move here. I have a mild to moderate hat obsession, and you’ll usually find me searching the city for the next big chef, and rarely without a fashion or décor magazine in my purse. Before PR, I was a travel writer/editor/photographer, and spent most of my time travelling the world and bringing my stories back here. The rest of the time I spent indulging in the city's untapped culinary scene as Post City Magazine's main restaurant photographer. But, no matter where I am in the world, nothing beats coming home. That's why I've spent the last few years planting my roots here, moving from Toronto’s uber-chic west side to the heart of Greek Town in a modern Victorian semi (a.ka. my lifelong décor project), with my husband and super-stylish son. Yes, I'm one of those moms, the one who won't give up her sense of style post-baby bump; and why should I?! I aspire to have my cake and eat it too - I am Italian after all. And, now why my 2-year-old in tow, I can bring him along for the ride.

by Dani Goddard

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