We’re all familiar with those little helicopter seeds that fall annually from maple trees (and the maple leaf is a pretty strong national symbol).
Montreal based Samare Studio, named for the French word given to those maple tree seedlings, clearly wanted to reference their Canadian background, but their name certainly isn’t the extent of their Canadian pride.
Samare Studio, with offices in Montreal and Milan, offer design and interior consulting services while designing and creating a portfolio of products handmade in Canada.
Comprised of four graduates from the University of Montreal (three architects and one interior designer), the group decided to start Samare following a trip to the Milan Furniture Fair, recognizing the potential of contemporary furniture that combines heritage and craft.
They sure follow through on their promise of representing distinct Canadian design.
My personal favourite product is the Paddle Bench from the Simple et Sauvage collection.
This bench is designed to evoke the cross-section of a canoe using traditional weaving techniques for the seat. The bench is offered in a variety of vibrant colours.
Powder coated steel structure with raw hide of nylon weaving
106.68cm L x 45.72cm W x 60.96cm H
The R-Mountie stool, also from the Simple et Sauvage collection, uses the same weaving technique as the Paddle bench. The colour of the stool is a direct representation of the jackets worn by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
Powder coated steel structure with nylon weaving
46cm L x 46cm W x 78cm H
The Drave table uses a wild cherry tree marquetry table top to create a sexy pattern as a tribute to Canadian stream drivers who rode tree logs down the dangerous rivers to the sawmills.
Steel structure (Nude powder coat or brass finish) with wild cherry tree marquetry
46cm L x 91.5cm W x 47.5cm H
Congrats to Nicolas, Mania, Patrick and Laurie of Samare for creating such a great collection of distinctly Canadian products.
Find more information on Samare and an extensive list of products here.
All images: Courtesy of Samare Studio.
Researched and Written by Spencer Robert Jeffries
Student of Interior Design – Ryerson University
