This is a store I hope survives the last few months. Retail is so hard to do and Ottawa really needs this type of store.

Ever go into a store and want to take half of it home with you? Well this is how I feel every time I go into the White Monkey on Gladstone Ave. I enjoy the designs from all eras and the owners of this store have a great eye whether it be furniture or smalls, lamps, prints or all things retro especially from the mid- century.

The owners Tim Robertson and Maciej Fijalkowski opened this store around 2007.

Tim has a keen eye for finding treasures and together with Maciej (he is the hands on restorer) they  have chosen quality pieces and in many cases reinvented many of the items to a chic New York style. 

This is not just an antique store it is a “style” store that brings you great ideas that are perfect for the urban dweller of  any type of  home or apartment. The one thing you notice is how well the different styles can  mix together. Whether it is the deco buffet bar with the new black lamps atop or the 1970s teak couch recently reupholstered into a  very contemporary look, the items provide not only great decor ideas but are of excellent quality.

There is a back room full of lamps, dishes (great Fiesta ware)  and vases. The upstairs has a room just for teak.  If you are looking for a statement item there are lots to choose from. The designs are mostly from the mid century with some mint Deco pieces . Right now there is a gorgeous Deco armoir, a Deco bar buffett and one of the nicest Deco buffets I have seen (worth buying just for the handles). There is also the lacquered chests of drawers in white or black  that are very modern and have that sleek style that is so popular now for apartments. There are mid century chairs that have been reupholstered providing a modern but warm look. Of course all around is artwork and lots and lots of lovely smalls from glass jars of shells to Japanese lacquered boxes. This is a store to go find that “right piece” for any room.  An eclectic mix of furniture and accessories for every taste.

 While I was there a gentleman bought two Chinese figure  lamps for his hall table – one larger that the other – he was going to put them side by side – one was a brillant yellow and I think the other red. What a great idea and certainly a statement.  As he said ” Why not!.

Put this store on the “must go to” list

The White Monkey   

395A Gladstone Ave- Hope to see you soon!