September 8, 2008

Design Language

Tether Design Gallery

You’ve got an eye (so you’ve been told). It just tends to wander. Not from your sweetie to that grungily hot barista, but from modern to crafty to classic.

Admittedly, your design scheme strays.

Step into Tether, a store in a gallery that’s also a design studio. The creative confusion and crisscrossing eras come direct from the mind of Stanley Hainsworth — a former creative director for Nike, Lego, and Starbucks.

White walls and tables display a hodgepodge of artfully spaced paintings, vintage bow ties, Unkl toys, Hybrid-Home pillows, suitcases from the ’70s, and other curios, all labeled with intriguing descriptions.

Patrons are encouraged to relax on vintage furniture (dibs on the zebra-upholstered bar stool) and share inspirations. A built-in wall safe in back is slated to become a kitchen.

You’ll likely linger awhile.

Even if your gaze doesn’t.

Tether Design Gallery, 323 Occidental Avenue South (206-518-6300 or tetherinc.com).