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Home / Insider Blogs / Ideal Means Approachable, Functional Design in Downtown Bellingham

Ideal Means Approachable, Functional Design in Downtown Bellingham

By Teresa Schmidt / April 21, 2014

Downtown Bellingham is a vibrant, happening place every day of the week. It’s way too easy to get caught up in the bustle and cruise by some of its most charming little secret spots, without even knowing what we’re missing. Of course, we do not want that to happen (do we?), so I’m here to point out a few places that totally deserve our attention. If you’re like me, you always appreciate a new reason to venture out of the everyday routine and discover something special—and perhaps even unexpected.

Tucked into a space on Cornwall Avenue (just past Greenhouse) is one such special and unexpected little shop: Ideal. The name won’t tell you much about what you’ll find inside, but worry not—I will! Ideal is a visual feast of well designed and highly functional items to use, to wear, to give (pick me!) and to play with in your home, office, playroom or kitchen. They call their selection “carefully curated goods,” and the description really fits.

Ideal, Shopping, Marimekko, Downtown Bellingham
Clockwise from top left: Co-owner Lisa behind the counter, Marimekko textiles, wood candlesticks, Marimekko totes.

It’s clear that owners Lisa Van Doren and Kathleen Iwersen have taken great care in choosing the items that fill their bright space with pops of color, texture and shine. It is the perfect stop if you or a friend are a design aficionado, lover of classic children’s books, fan of the handmade object or simply hard to buy for.

Ideal, Shopping, Eames, Downtown Bellingham
Clockwise from top left: Kobenstyle cookware, Eames tray, hand-blown Japanese vases, bicycle tumblers.

Ideal’s artsy-looking displays are filled with items from around the world, as well as just down the road. Marimekko’s distinctive textiles from Finland are displayed next to ceramics designed by Masahiro Mori from Japan; an Eames-designed tray made in Germany hugs one brick wall, while an Alchemy Goods bag from Seattle graces another.

Ideal, Shopping, Marimekko, Downtown Bellingham
Clockwise from top left: Stoneware jar, ceramic moth servingware, scarves, Mori soy sauce bottle and pocket vase.

If there is a creative or curious young person (or nostalgic grownup!) on your gift list, head to the back of Ideal, where amazing children’s books are waiting for new homes. Filled with beautifully detailed  illustrations, any of these classics will keep kids of all ages occupied for hours.

Ideal, Shopping, Children's Books, Downtown Bellingham
Unique children’s books for curious minds.

In addition to books, Ideal has a section of toys, chairs, puzzles and games for the younger set. And I found several fun items that some of the larger people in my life would love, too.

Ideal, Shopping, Marimekko, Downtown Bellingham
Cool kids’ chairs, toys, games and Marimekko bibs.

Whether you’re shopping for yourself, a friend, a kid or a particularly picky person, you can probably start and finish right at Ideal. No matter what your price range, this little shop of functional, approachable, and of course—very well designed—objects will probably have just the perfect thing. Pop into Ideal and have a look. The super-friendly and knowledgeable owners and staff will take  good care of you.

Ideal-carefully curated goods   1227 Cornwall Avenue     Bellingham WA 98225     360-752-5522    Monday – Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.   Sunday: 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

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Filed Under: Insider Blogs Tagged With: Bellingham, best places to shop in Bellingham, Canadian Shoppers, Downtown Bellingham, Gift Shop, holiday shopping in Bellingham, housewares in Bellingham, shopping in Bellingham, Things to do in Bellingham, unique gift ideas, where to shop in downtown Bellingham

About Teresa Schmidt

Teresa Schmidt has been known to skid to a stop on a gravel road to check out a random art gallery, country store or pie stand. If there’s a hint of something worth looking at, she’s on it. Teresa is a freelance copywriter who lives in Bellingham, owns and operates Sprout Creative, and eats, drinks, runs and shops all over the highways and byways of beautiful Whatcom County.

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Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism
Visitor Center Located at I-5 Exit 253
904 Potter Street, Bellingham, WA 98229

Hours: Due to COVID-19, the Visitor Center is open limited hours: Friday, Saturday & Sunday 10am-3pm. Masks required.

Phone: 360-671-3990
Email: tourism@bellingham.org

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