The Central Building for the Seattle Public Library was designed by Rem Koolhaas and Joshua Prince-Ramus of OMA/REX.  I found the space really inspiring, so much that I would like to share some of my favourite shots.

Next time you are in Seattle, this is a must see building.

Sculpture at the Main Entrance

Achitectural View

Flooring

Accent Wall – Children’s Section

  Walls and Ceiling Structure

Glass Reflection

  Bookworms

 Auditorium

Ceiling Reflection

Exterior View

Exterior View

Thanks to the magic of Wikipedia here are the facts

- The Seattle Central Library is the flagship library of the Seattle Public Library system. The 11-story (185 feet or 56 meters high) glass and steel building in downtown Seattle, Washington was opened to the public on Sunday, May 23, 2004. Rem Koolhaas and Joshua Prince-Ramus of OMA/REX were the principal architects and Hoffman Construction Company of Portland, Oregon, was the general contractor. The 362,987 square foot (34,000 m²) public library can hold about 1.45 million books and other materials, features underground public parking for 143 vehicles, and includes over 400 computers open to the public. Over 2 million individuals visited the new library in its first year. It is the third Seattle Central Library building to be located on the same site at 1000 Fourth Avenue, the block bounded by Fourth and Fifth Avenues and Madison and Spring Streets. The library has a unique, striking appearance, consisting of several discrete "floating platforms" seemingly wrapped in a large steel net around glass skin. Architectural tours of the building began on June 5, 2006.

Seattle Public Library by Iván Meade

Iván Meade is a local designer and principal of Meade Design Group, a multidisciplinary interior design and graphic design studio in the heart of downtown Victoria B.C. Canada – www.themeadegroup.com

As seen in SNAP July, 2010.

Birgit was introduced to me earlier this year by my dear friend, Liz Mackay of Ambiance Consulting – I actually featured one of her pieces, "Floraform", as one of my eye candies of the week back in February. Since then, I have had the opportunity to get to know Birgit better and have seen the stunning new collection that she is launching; I am excited to announce that Meade Design Group – the blog has the first interview with the artist about her new pieces, complete with photographs and inside information – Enjoy!

"Known for her light, sensual, undulating forms, Birgit’s unique sculptural works are most commonly purchased internationally by art collectors and high-end interior designers. Her work is constantly evolving – from large-scale abstract pieces to fine objets d’art, each of Birgit Piskor’s pieces is individually created with exceptional attention to detail; no two pieces are alike.

Hardworking – and surprisingly strong for her small stature, Birgit channels the industrial essence of concrete into shapes and textures that defy the inherently rigid nature of the medium.  The flowing organic concrete forms she produces are tactile expressions of transformation and visceral moments of beauty.  Each handcrafted sculpture is constructed of only the highest quality materials that are both attractive to the eye and built to withstand the passage of time." – birgitpiskor.com

Iván Meade – What was your first experience with concrete?

Birgit Piskor – I would have to say that my first experience with concrete was when I consciously became aware of it as a thing of beauty rather than just the cold, grey, industrial material that parkades and sidewalks are made of. I was in my early 20’s, excited to be in Barcelona – young and completely ignorant of many things including the genius that was Gaudi. So when I came across his work for the very first time it was mind blowing! I remember feeling completely transfixed by it. It was as if I had accidentally stumbled into some inspired Gothic fairytale. The undulating organic forms, they were so sensual, so impossible. I couldn’t believe it was concrete!

Rap Series # 5

Fine Sculpture by Brigit Piskor

Iván Meade – What made you choose concrete as your primary medium?

Birgit Piskor – I’m really passionate about my concrete! It appeals to me on so many different levels – it has an ancient history, it is of the earth, it is strong and enduring and, because it has no intrinsic form, concrete is also an incredibly versatile medium. By its very nature concrete embodies the transformative experience. It begins in a messy, wet, fluid state and becomes this solid, stone-like substance, hard and calm, cool to the touch. I love that!

Freya

Fine Sculpture by Birgit Piskor

Iván Meade -What inspires you trademark organic, flowing and sensuous forms?

Birgit Piskor – I’m very fortunate to have traveled to some amazing places and to live in an incredible part of the world surrounded by such intense natural beauty. And Nature is absolutely alive with ravishing lines and provocative curves. So seductive. Who can resist?  And in this curved universe there is constant play and creative tension – a ceaseless becoming. This transformation is often terrifying, yet beautiful and absolutely necessary to life.

I also work from a strong sense of my own body and tend to see some element of the female form in virtually everything that I observe.

  Flora Form – Silver Leaf

Fine Sculpture by Birgit Piskor

Iván Meade – Your sculptures are teeming with lavish and inviting textures. Why is texture such an integral component of your work?

Birgit Piskor -  I remember, years ago, feeling a little uncertain about having people touch my work. They seemed to have this compulsive need to run their hands over my sculptures. It was fascinating because I could see that some people were obviously struggling with the conventions of gallery etiquette while others were unabashedly stroking everything! It made me nervous until I realized that they were actually paying me a very high compliment that it was in fact a form of communication – a communication not only between me and the view but also between the viewer and themselves.

Texture also gives an illusion of movement, and vitality – a visceral sense that a piece is just about to take on another form.

Torso by Birgit Piskor

Iván Meade – Are there any sculpture artists whose work you admire?

Birgit Piskor - Absolutely! Barbara Hepworth would probably be first on my list. There is a meticulous purity and, I guess I would say, a certain concentrated stillness to her sculpture that really resonates with me. Her work is also incredibly tactile, rich with human emotion and physical sensuality. It’s so inspiring!

Isamu Noguchi is also on my list for his staggering craftsmanship, profound commitment to simplicity and the poetic suggestiveness of his forms as well as for his playfulness and the fact that he was able to bring modern sculpture into the realm of everyday life.

I also love Henry Moore’s work. 

Neosphere # 1 by Birgit Piskor

Iván Meade - How long does it take you to create a sculpture?

Birgit Piskor - It generally takes 2 – 6 weeks to complete a sculpture depending on the size of the piece. Now that’s not to say that I am working on a particular piece for that entire length of time but because my medium is concrete, after the initial work is done, a certain curing  period is required. It is only after this chemical reaction is complete that I can apply the final finish be it additional colour, metal leaf, various waxes and oils – whatever it takes to bring alive the beauty and texture of a given sculpture.

Lady in Waiting – Fine Sculpture by Birgit Piskor

Iván Meade – What type of concrete do you use?

Birgit Piskor - Over the years I have developed my own custom formula, one that affords me the most creative control and freedom while ensuring extreme strength and durability. I work to very exacting standards and my sculptures are built to last for generations. I’m also constantly on the look out for innovative new products, researching the most environmentally sensitive options. For example, I have recently begun using reinforcing fibers made of 100% recycled nylon from reclaimed carpets thereby helping to reduce energy use, greenhouse gas emissions and landfill waste.

Relief Sculpture by Birgit Piskor

Iván Meade - How are your sculptures built?

Birgit Piskor - Each of my sculptures is painstakingly hand built and begins with the fabrication of a steel skeleton, or armature, over which I apply successive layers of small hand mixed batches of concrete. Once the final form has emerged, the next important stage is to work the surface. Because this final stage is so crucial to the success of a piece, I will often pause at this point and spend some time reflecting on the form, intuiting my way towards what exactly it is that I am trying to communicate and how best to convey that by means of colour and texture. My process ensures that each piece is an inherently unique creation.

Birgit Piskor working in her Studio

Iván Meade – What puts the “Fine” in Birgit Piskor Fine Sculpture?

Birgit Piskor - You mean besides the fact that they are drop dead gorgeous??? Seriously though, I believe that one aspect that distinguishes my work are the results that I achieve by hand building each piece –a certain intimacy and honesty that arises. I feel quite strongly opposed to casting. In part my opposition is a reaction to what I find to be the distressing societal trend towards valuing lower cost over handcrafted artistry. But it’s mostly because I truly love what I do – the feel of the concrete in my hands, the physical interaction with the piece – there is a kind magic that happens. I rarely have a fixed image in my mind of the finished sculpture. I generally begin with more of a visceral impression of where I want to go. The final form gradually emerges and involves a sort of giving over, or surrender. The process becomes like a beautiful dance that constantly challenges the notion of what concrete can become.

I should also mention that each of my sculptures includes an exclusively designed signature plate as well as a signed certificate of authenticity.

Fine  Sculpture by Birgit Piskor

Iván Meade - If you could pick one word to describe your work, what would it be?

Birgit Piskor – Wow, that’s a tough one to answer. I suppose if I had to choose, I would say sophisticated. Or alluring… captivating…. provocative… Do I really have to choose just one?

Art in Situ by Birgit Piskor

Space Designed by Susan Hargraves

Iván Meade – As a successful artist, are there any words of advice or lessons learned that you can share with working artists ready to take their art to the next level?

Birgit Piskor - I love my life and where it has taken me but it is definitely not any easy path to walk. Keep the faith, have courage, and work, work, work. Then work some more because there is no substitute for the growth and magic that happens when you are in process!

Birgit Piskor gold leafing at her Studio

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Iván Meade - What projects are you currently working on?

Birgit Piskor - I’m really excited right now to be working on a new line of objets d’art, a series of small scale sculptures that will be perfect for table tops and mantels.

Art in Situ – Flora Form by Birgit Piskor

Meade Design Group Studio

Iván Meade - What future projects do you have planned?

Birgit Piskor – There are so many images flooding into my mind at the moment! I’m really eager to start experimenting with some of these new concepts and expect that they will form the core of an exciting new body of work.

I’m also currently trying to secure a solo exhibition in Mexico City early in the new year – I’m over the moon about this potential opportunity!!

Relief Sculpture by Birgit Piskor 

Iván Meade - You have already gone through many transformations with your work and found great success, what would you like your legacy to be?

Birgit Piskor - I was thinking the other day about my inability to have children and how my life doesn’t have that kind of continuity. Then it occurred to me that my sculptures will still be here for decades to come – they are concrete after all. The fundamentals of life, the pain and the beauty of transformation, cross international and cultural boundaries. I put so much of myself into my work, it is my hope that long after I am gone, whoever sees and touches my work will catch a glimpse of who I was and recognize some aspect of them selves in it.

I invite you to discover Birgit Piskor’s work at her website

FACEBOOK

Ivan Meade is a local designer and principal of Meade Design Group, a multidisciplinary interior and graphic design studio in the heart of downtown Victoria – www.themeadegroup.com

Kelly Wearstler started her company, Kelly Wearstler, Inc. one decade ago in Beverley Hills, California (which is incredibly fitting for Kelly as she is known for her luxurious lifestyle). She has since grown to become a household name. Kelly is one of the esteemed judges on BRAVO’s interior design competition show, “Top Design” alongside Jonathan Adler, India Hicks and Margaret Russell. She also has several product lines including fabric and wallpaper lines with Kravet, a carpet line with the Rug Company as well as a multitude of signature bedding, dinnerware and table linens available through fine retailers and her own boutique within Bergdorf Goodman. Kelly has also somehow managed to find the time to pen three books: Most recently HUE 2009, Modern Glamour:The Art of Unexpected Style in 2004 and Domicilium Decoratus in 2005.

Ms. Wearstler has found herself a perfect niche to fit her luxurious contemporary yet unexpected designs, in addition to her residential, retail and office projects, Kelly has also designed several hotels throughout the U.S., Mexico, the Caribbean and the Middle East. Her projects are not only published in interior design magazines but also travel, lifestyle, business and fashion magazines.

Kelly Wearstler for Schumacher

Kelly is also well-known for her high-fashion style, she was named one of the best dressed of 2007 by Vogue Magazine and her public appearances always create quite a stir in the fashion community. She is always the epitome of glamour in her photographs and books, she is beautiful and she knows it! I can always appreciate when people aren’t afraid to show their confidence personally and professionally.

Iván Meade - What was your first experience with design?

Kelly Wearstler – I grew up in a home that was constantly evolving, so I was always surrounded by beautiful and unusual objects, textures and colors. My mother is a closet interior designer. I grew up in an environment where everything was always in a state of flux – I’d come home from school and the dining room would be a totally new color.

My college education [Wearstler received her BFA from the Massachusetts College of Art] and internships with Milton Glaser Inc. in New York and Cambridge Seven and Associates in Cambridge, MA afforded me access to the tools of our trade. I’d be so much less confident today if it weren’t for those years immersed in learning.

Interior Design by Kelly Wearstler

Iván Meade - Who or what has influenced your style?

Kelly Wearstler – Many people, past and present, inspire my work. It ranges from architects like Carlo Scarpa for his use of unconventional forms, geometric fields, interesting textures, and material juxtaposition to John Woolf for his glamorous interiors, delicate architectural proportion, and graceful details; interior designers from Jean-Henri Jansen for his exquisite panel detailing and fabulous, superior-quality furniture designs to David Hicks for his effortless approach in mixing patterns and his dramatic use of color; furniture designers from Ettore Sottsass, who was an absolute genius when it came to the colorful broad strokes in his architecture, sculpture, and product design, to Maria Pergay, who had a distinct sensuality in her remarkable works; artists from Sheila Hicks, a textile phenomenon with an unbelievable talent for texture, color, and scale to Victor Vasarely for his extraordinary high-voltage use of color and optical illusion; and sculptors from François Arnal for his crisp use of metals and forms in objects and furniture to Pedro Friedeberg for his whimsical, fantastical, and colorful spirit.

In the fashion realm, I admire designers such as Valentino for his dramatic use of color and dynamic patterns, Sonia Rykiel for her color sensibility and avant-garde combinations, and Coco Chanel for her revolutionary use of contrast, texture, fabrics, and weaving.

Interior Design by Kelly Wearstler

Iván Meade - How would you describe your style?

Kelly Wearstler – Unexpected! My stye is constantly evolving as I gain knowledge about antiquities, uses for different materials… I feel more confident, which means I’m willing to take more risks in my work.

Kelly Wearstler for Pickard

Kelly Wearstler for Groundworks

Iván Meade – I think one of your greatest strengths is you ability to maintain and adapt your signature style to be unique to each project. What can no “Kelly Wearstler Project” be without?

Kelly Wearstler – As I said, my style is always evolving, so it’s impossible to pinpoint it exactly; however, I feel that a winning design has a perfect mix of tension and drama.

Interior Design by Kelly Wearstler

Iván Meade - What do you consider to be your greatest strength and your greatest weakness?

Kelly Wearstler – As a designer, you have to be a great listener. I think my most valuable asset is a combination of perseverance, hard work and loving what I do. The hardest part of my job is being away from my family.

Interior Design by Kelly Wearstler

Iván Meade - What books are currently on your bedside or coffee table?

Kelly Wearstler – The Berenstein Bears – I usually read to my sons before bed.

Interior Design by Kelly Wearstler

Iván Meade - What are you excited about right now in the world of design?

Kelly Wearstler – I get excited about what modern technology can bring to design. Who can ignore the advantages of smarter, greener living?

Interior Design by Kelly Wearstler

Iván Meade - You are clearly a fashionista, what kind of cues do you take from fashion to use in your interiors (if any)?

Kelly Wearstler – My mantra is to have fun and put unexpected mixes together. That goes for both fashion and interiors. Always be fearless and have fun. If it’s something you love, then just do it. People will always tell you, “Oh, you’re not supposed to do that,” but I’ve found that if you follow your instincts, you can achieve unbelievable results. You step outside of what everyone else is doing and create something that is truly your own.

Interior Design by Kelly Wearstler

Iván Meade - With such a great sense of style have you ever thought of creating your own fashion line?

Kelly Wearstler – It’s something I’ve always been interested in, so you never know…

Interior Design by Kelly Wearstler

Iván Meade - You have a brilliant eye for creating patterns and using them in multiple applications. They are contemporary classics. What is your process for creating these striking compositions?

Kelly Wearstler – You can mix and match different patterns as long as they are in the same color palette. I designed my collection of fabrics with Groundworks at Lee Jofa to work seamlessly with one another. Don’t be afraid to try unusual combinations – I always say that the best ideas are born out of risk.

Interior Design by Kelly Wearstler

Iván Meade - What would be your dream project?

Kelly Wearstler – The White House.

  Interior Design by Kelly Wearstler

Iván Meade - What project has given you the most satisfaction?

Kelly Wearstler – My sons’ bedrooms. When they told me how much they loved their rooms, it was one of the proudest moments in my career.

  Interior Design by Kelly Wearstler

Iván Meade - You are very experienced in both forms of interior design, what do you find to be the greatest difference or challenge between residential and commercial?

Kelly Wearstler – A residential project tends to be more detail-oriented, and there is generally a bigger budget cost per square foot. Plus, you have an opportunity to work with a broad range of clients who educate you during the design process.

Commercial projects are very sexy because so many people get to experience the space. There is also not as much hand holding in this type of work as with residential projects.

Interior Design by Kelly Wearstler

Iván Meade - What is your next design venture?

Kelly Wearstler – I just released my third book, entitled HUE, this past Fall. It features all of my latest commercial and residential projects and focuses on color.

I’m currently preparing my first international Viceroy location in Anguilla. It is filled with organic elements, such as driftwood lamps, petrified-wood tables and travertine marble floors, coupled with textiles and techniques from all over the world, including hand-carved wood pieces from Asia and hammered metalwork from India and beaded artwork from Africa. These pieces offer a striking visual contrast to the geometric lines of the architecture and grant a distinct singularity to the resort.

On the product front, I just launched my first collection of dinnerware with Pickard this Fall. There are four different patterns designed to mix and match with one another. I’ve been collecting vintage china for ages, so it was a real treat to be able to create my own collection.

Iván Meade – Lastly, you have already created a stunning body of work with many mediums and styles. What would you like your legacy to be?

Kelly Wearstler – It’s too soon to say… There is still so much more I’d like to do in my career!

Interior Design by Kelly Wearstler

I invite you discover Kelly Wearstler’s stunning body of work:

As Seen in SNAP Victoria – June 2010

Local glass sculptor Charles Gabriel has created a niche for himself with his beautiful creations using textures and combinations that are unique to his pieces. A self-taught artist, Charles felt that there was a void in the medium, and pushed himself to explore and invent new techniques and applications. When he began his exploration in glass design in 1980, his focus mainly involved surface etching and creative realism with amazing use of tones and shades, this study continued throughout the eighties and nineties.

Charles Gabriel

During the last decade, Charles’s work has evolved to become more sculptural. At the beginning of the new millennium, he consulted many professionals in his field to better achieve the finishes he wanted and the “stable molecular balance required for practical utilization” to ensure his work could stand securely in all applications including private and public.

He describes himself and his work perfectly on his website as having a “strong dedication to a successful end, real-world problem-solving experience, and a dash of sheer Scottish stubbornness, all combined with an honest appreciation for both the simplicity, and complexity, of light passing through glass”.

Please read on to learn more about this talented artist…

Iván Meade – What was your first experience with design?

Charles Gabriel – I was only nine when we left the UK, but both there and here, my parents were always renovating or building our family homes. With my mother as a draftsperson who worked from home, I was exposed to building renderings from a young age. So for me, early exposure to real design came in the form of building structure. By seeing the framework and workings of both stone and wood buildings, I think the development of an appreciation for both the aesthetic and the function of design was very organic.

Melross Residence – Charles Gabriel

Iván Meade – Who or what has influenced your style?

Charles Gabriel – This probably doesn’t sound too high-brow, but as a kid I loved a handful of artists I found doing comics, or graphic novels. I guess the availability of the medium as a youngster allowed me to follow their creativity. I remember liking the thought that they weren’t constrained by ‘grown-up’ themes, but rather were allowed to create whole fantasy worlds, replete in design, and stylize every single aspect of it, right down to how each scene was lit. What more could a creative person with a pencil want? Now that I’m (a bit) older, I’m drawn to the more realistic works that have obviously received a full and immersive dedication to their design…objects that have addressed the form as a critically important component of the function. We’ve an Eames Aluminum Series chair, for example, that I glimpse at different angles from different locations at different times of the day. It has sat there for over a year now and I like it, but every time I catch the view of it’s back I’m excited, inspired, and feel challenged to go work on something fabulous myself! Grand scale building as art has always fascinated me. Gehry’s Bilbao Guggenheim and Calatrava’s  ‘Quadracci Pavillion’ portion of the Milwaukee Art Museum are drawing me the most at this point. From gothic architecture to art deco, minimalist furniture to the exoskeletons of insects, not to mention the sound of a gurgling river, David Gilmour Strat solo, or some fine string chamber music, I have been and continue to be influenced by so many things…

Chocolate – Charles Gabriel

Iván Meade – How would you describe your style?

Charles Gabriel – Ever-changing. I’d imagine that there is a thread throughout everything to date, but I couldn’t say for sure what that is. I’ve usually adapted to a variety of external conditions or demands where I’ve had to work within the parameters of an existing aesthetic. I find the freedom of an unfettered creative license almost overwhelming… Plus, I’m a subconscious sponge of experience both visual and immersive, as are we all, I’m sure, so I wonder how anyone could ever keep the same outlook? What I am currently fascinated with is the ubiquitous interaction between man and technology. I love the physical workings of machinery, although I wish everything that machinery had been created for was actually making life better! I enjoy so much of what’s brought to me by technology but I’m also aware of our increasing dependence on it. At what point are we actually separate from it? I guess questions like this inform my style to some degree. Perhaps I’ve reached a certain place in life where I feel confident enough to create something simply because I want to see how it looks, but I still really feel driven to include some suggestion of order or rhythm in the designs. I think I try to suggest the mechanics of a thing or idea, but by using more elemental textures and shapes. The best works always do what they need to with the fewest lines, and the trick for me is not to get too wrapped up in detail or showcasing technical ability. I think a careful, conservative approach can imply so much more through suggestive form than any detailed definition ‘tells’ us. Its definitely a tricky balance between providing enough information and too much.

Charles Gabriel – Glasswork

Iván Meade – What is your design philosophy?

Charles Gabriel – Well, first its got to fit with itself. What I mean is, whether its an artwork or a item of some other function, it has to have an inherent balance (turn it upside down, does it still look right? That sort of thing…). Glass design is specific that way as it usually has to be appreciated from both faces. Then, to place it into a larger context, it has to fit within its surrounding aesthetic.

As far as a philosophy goes, I’m adamant about making certain that the design in question is going to be the very best solution before committing resources to the finished project. I’m really against wasteful and short term solutions. I strive to create fewer, more meaningful ‘heirloom’ pieces which I hope can inspire for a long time. Its not inconsequential to make a thing, and so that thing should have a positive resonance for its life, and that life should hopefully be a long one.

Clive’s Lounge – Charles Gabriel

Iván Meade – What drew you to working with glass as your primary medium?

Charles Gabriel – Just serendipity, really. I never planned to keep with it this long, but new ideas and challenges continuously presented themselves… and still do. Once I end up getting the equipment to work the way I want, I find even more satisfaction, so many of the ideas spring from new ability, both through better technology and developed skills. A cyclic evolution, if you will.

Charles Gabriel

Iván Meade – What is your favourite process or technique in working with glass and why? Could you tell us a little about the steps involved in this choice?

Charles Gabriel – Well, as you mentioned earlier, I did used to fiddle about trying to make works resemble real images, probably because it was challenging. Now I’m much more interested with how light works on, and through, carved edges in thicker material. So much so, that a lot of the design comes from development of shapes and textures that I see as eye-catching, simply if they were carved.

My favorite finish process is the ‘hi-fired’, surface-revtrification of a carving. It just looks finished to me and it’s easily cleanable in a single pane application.

To start with I layout the design onto a resist which covers the glass blank. I’ll draw this by hand and then pre-cut the lines by hand for a staged removal during the blasting process. Using different angles, distances, pressures, and sometimes grits, I’ll carve the image. I’ll then prep it for kiln-firing which will ultimately create the fire-polished surface finish I’m after. The kiln work is no easy task and I entrust this to one man, Brian Edmunds, with whom I have worked for years to develop the process. The temperature required for my needs is just a few degrees off the temperature where glass wants to form into a solid (technically it’s a really cool liquid) and begin turning opaque. A carefully regulated cooling procedure also anneals the panel and allows it to take a temper and meet building code requirements. Depending on the design, I might add some contrasting post-fire texture at this point. Trying new procedures always bumps up the failure rate, but for the most part, we’ve developed a successful process.

North Vancouver Library

Iván Meade – What is your design process?

Charles Gabriel – Generally, I like to see where a work is intended to sit, primarily to appreciate the lighting, both natural and otherwise. This is somewhat critical in determining the approach of the design. Then, as it is usually part of a larger environment, I work to address both the structural requirements expected of the work (if any), and the surrounding aesthetic. I really enjoy a collaborative process, and the opportunity to create a solution that’s both functional and attractive. I find working with a client or designer allows me to personalize each work to both the people and the space. Also, this usually introduces elements or ideas that may I may never have considered.

Charles Gabriel – Anya Lane Residence

Iván Meade – What are you excited about right now in the world of glass design?

Charles Gabriel – I’ve recently been creating standalone pieces such as wall hangings, which are not commissions or part of an installation. I’m including a couple of additional elements in the way of materials, and sometimes colors. I’m pretty excited about that. I’d also like to try bending more of the finished pieces. The light really does interesting things on curves!

Charles Gabriel – Anya Residence

Iván Meade – What would be your dream project?

Charles Gabriel – I don’t know, Ivan, but it would probably be big, would take a lot of thought and time, I’d have a lot of artistic license and would get paid for every hour of work that went into it. The key word here was “dream”, right?

Seriously, it would be collaborative within a larger creative space. It would probably be a multi-panel installation that helped introduce light into an area, and it would contain a narrative arc that evolved across several sections. I think that could be a challenging and rewarding dream project.

Charles Gabriel – Glasswork

Iván Meade – What project has given you the most satisfaction?

Charles Gabriel – They all do Ivan! (PC, hey?) Every one of them has my full attention at the time and generally gets my subconscious rating of “this is the coolest one so far…!” -at least until the next one! I’m still a bit partial to a set of glass made for Clive’s Classic Lounge in Chateau Victoria, early 2009. Gillian Ley (Ley Art and Interiors) was designing a beautiful new lounge and I had the opportunity to work with her, which was great. Totally organized and professional, she knew exactly what she wanted to do throughout the space, but still gave me quite a bit of freedom with the nature of the glass’ design. The initial call was for approximately 200 sq ft of divider glass between the lounge and the south-facing, glassed-in lobby. Some days this lobby would be absolutely bathed in sunlight so I couldn’t ask for a more dynamic light source! There were some lovely fluid lines in Gillian’s booth seating so we agreed that an ‘aquatic-suggestive’ theme would work. I designed a series of ‘flowing reeds’ to be carved into ½” glass, interspersed with streams of alternately colored little blue and green bubbles done with translucent kiln-fired bottle frits. I also had two pieces with the same artwork curved for the entrance. I had never tried that before and they just look fabulous. There is more work inside the lounge, but that entry wall when the sun catches it is a particular favorite. Oh, can I add another favorite? From strictly an organic design perspective, I was pleased with “MELROSS”, used an interior railing with a splash of red. The clients had a set of red chairs made for the sitting area immediately adjacent. This color statement was a design cue to start from. They agreed to a pattern from a set of concept designs that I had drawn. After laying up the piece full size in-studio, though, I sort-of ‘overlooked’ the initial pattern and took a chance free-handing a design up on the resist-covered glass. I kept in mind the very contemporary space where the work was going, but also the dynamic personalities and lifestyle of the clients themselves. The night wore on and then the next day I added and changed it some more. By the time they saw the new design idea, there was no discernable resemblance whatsoever to the original concept. They had faith and we ended up (happily, I believe) with “Melross”.

Clive’s Detail by Charles Gabriel

Iván Meade – What is the best advice (art related or otherwise) that you have ever received?

Charles Gabriel – Somewhere, probably more than once, I came across the idea that if you love what you do, then its never really a job, and you should never give up on what you believe will work. It’s been an uphill grind to get to this place where I can solely do the glasswork, but at the end of the day, the satisfaction comes from successfully executing a piece that the client really loves -and could not get anywhere else. It makes all the second-guessing and process-related frustration worthwhile. I also appreciate all the positive support and excellent clients that have spurred me to continue the development in this direction.

Charles Gabriel

Iván Meade – What are 3 things you each can’t live without?

Charles Gabriel – First, I’ve got the most beautiful and supportive wife I could ever ask for (lord knows I’ve yet to give her the life-style she’d like to become accustomed to…!). Second, of course, I’m so grateful for my senses, all of them. Simply having the ability to appreciate all the things in life is a gift. And thirdly, I guess there is a 1965 Weber dentist chair with chrome bits on it that sits in our living room (…did I mention my wife is an angel..?). I’ve had it for 20 years and I guess could probably live without that, if I had to… so third would be ‘hope and inspiration’ -with hope for the prospect of positive change no matter how small, and inspiration from seeing good things come from humble beginnings. Oh, the dentist chair is accompanied by a turn-of-the-century Ritter dental operatory; replete with two light-up sections, chromed “gadgets”, and no less than three pieces of cast and frosted old glass…it’s almost 100 yrs old and still got stunning aesthetic in spades!…but I digress..

Le Trone – Charles Gabriel

Iván Meade – What is your next design venture?

Charles Gabriel – Thanks for asking, Ivan. I’m currently embarking on some wall art pieces which don’t really address the practical requirement most of my glasswork has done, to date. It’s time, I think, to realize some concepts that have bounced around in my head for awhile. They include incorporating additional media, mostly in the form of machined mounting hardware and backing board materials, but may grow to include other materials as sculptural elements. Still, it’s primarily about the glass. Although they’re generally technically complicated, I try to keep the compositions simple.

Here in Victoria JC Scott (JC Scott Design Group) is opening his Eco-Gallery which is centered around supporting locally sourced solutions for design projects. He has invited me to display some works in the gallery which most I’m honoured to do. The sustainability notion behind his design philosophy is entirely the right thing. Far from being mutually exclusive, I believe the two concepts of design and sustainability are essential to consider together especially in light of all the knowledge we now have about the world and the impact we’re having on it.

Melross Residence – Charles Gabriel

Iván Meade – You have already produced a stunning body of work; what would you like your legacy to be?

Charles Gabriel – If even one work, subconsciously or otherwise, inspired one person to take one step in a positive direction with design, or to see the world with a greater appreciation for the amazing detail, diversity and design within it, that would be an amazing thing.

I invite you to visit Charles Gabriel’s site and see his stunning body of work at:

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I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Dale Kosowan at one of my dear friend Patricia Gray’s blogging parties. I am blown away by his insight on hospitality design – he not only has an amazing talent for creating beautiful hotel spaces, but also for scouting them out world-wide; his blog “HD Inspirations”, features stunning hotels from around the globe that are incredibly stylish and (as his blog promises,) inspirational.

Dale graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Manitoba’s FIDER Accredited Interior Design program, and is currently an associate with one of Vancouver’s top architectural/interior design firms in hospitality design. He has had over 11 years of experience in Canada, the US, and even China. In addition to a multitude of boutique hotels, Dale has had the opportunity to work with big name clients such as Delta, Westin, Sheraton, Hyatt, Fairmont and Hilton Hotels. His designs are beautiful and well thought out, you can tell that Dale’s work is certainly his passion.

Dale’s work has not gone unnoticed; he has been the recipient of several awards including honours from IDIBC (Interior Designers Institute of British Columbia) and IDA (Interior Designers of Alberta), not to mention his features in Calgary Magazine, Western Hotelier Magazine, and Hotelier Magazine. Not to mention the prestige that comes with his very well maintained blog; he has been studiously posting away since 2007.

Please read on to learn more about this talented designer…

Iván Meade – What was your first experience with design?

Dale Kosowan - I remember when I was about 8 or 9, I’d watch ruruns of "I Dream of Jeannie" on TV after school, and then afterwards I’d start sketching out new bottle layouts for Jeannie.  I remember thinking her bottle was so cramped that she could use some extra storage space as well a new color scheme involving way less pink and purple!  I now know that was a very obvious sign that I entered the right field.

Design Concept by Dale Kosowan

Iván Meade – Who or what has influenced your style?

Dale Kosowan – My first boss in the industry, the late Ms. Delcy Walker, was a huge influence on my design aesthetic.  As a new graduate venturing out into the design world, she not only taught me the basics such as proportion and scale, but also how to challenge the rules and to always think a little bit outside the box.

Interior Design by Dale Kosowan

Iván Meade – How would you describe your style?

Dale Kosowan - When it comes to project work, the "style" is my best interpretation of the style requested from the clients, who often have definite ideas of their own.  Each project can vary tremendously, and I have come up with designs from very fussy traditional to very minimal and contemporary.  My personal style is contemporary, with traditional infusion.  I love punches of warm colour and pattern mixed with cool, neutral backdrops.

Interior Design by Dale Kosowan

Iván Meade – What is your design philosophy?

Dale Kosowan - Keep it simple, keep it uncluttered, and let beautiful materials speak for themselves. 

Interior Design by Dale Kosowan

Iván Meade – Who is Dale Kosowan? (Outside of being Dale Kosowan – the designer)

Dale Kosowan - I’m not one of those over the top, Diva, designer type personalities.  I’m actually a fairly shy and quiet person who enjoys simple times with family and friends.  I love to paint (abstract art), go for long walks on the Seawall here in Vancouver, travel, metaphysical study, and going shopping in my spare time.

Iván Meade – Have you ever forayed into another facet of design?

Dale Kosowan – As part of interior design, I’ve been lucky to be able to design custom furniture pieces, graphics, custom fabric and carpets, and signage.  But outside of interior design, I have not had the opportunity yet.

Interior Design by Dale Kosowan

Iván Meade – What have you found to be the most challenging part about hospitality design, and what to be the most rewarding?

Dale Kosowan - The worst part about hospitality design is the long project schedules and often tight budgets passed down from corporate headquarters.  Long project schedules mean that you don’t’ see the completion of your project sometimes years later, and tight budgets really limit you to certain materials and vendors.  At the same time these challenges stretch your creativity, so that it is also rewarding is to see projects can be successful after all the work and changes you’ve endured along the way.

Interior Design by Dale Kosowan

Iván Meade – What are you excited about right now in the world of design?

Dale Kosowan - Clashing colour combinations.  Ugly Pretty (as Tyra Banks of America’s Next Top Model) would call it.

Interior Design by Dale Kosowan

Iván Meade – What would be your dream project?

Dale Kosowan - A high end, fashion forward and avant garde boutique hotel in a big, cosmopolitan city like New York or Mexico City where I can push the limits of what is traditionally considered "normal".

Interior Design by Dale Kosowan

Iván Meade – What project has given you the most satisfaction?

Dale Kosowan - Believe it or not, it was the Hotel Indigo Pittsburgh concepts we came up with, which was a project that was actually cancelled last year due to the recession.  It was the first time a client had embraced such strong color, pattern, and design recommendations.  We had designed a glowing behive inspired ceiling in the lobby lounge with multi coloured stretch nylon poufs randomly scattered about, and back lit hot pink chain link drapery behind a paisley upholstered curvy banquette.  It would have been truly outrageous.

Interior Design by Dale Kosowan

Iván Meade – What is the best advice (design related or otherwise) that you have ever received?

Dale Kosowan - Of the three (Value, Time, and Quality) you can only have 2 without sacrificing the third. 

Design Concept by Dale Kosowan

Iván Meade – What are 3 things you each can’t live without?

Dale Kosowan - My family (husband and 2 dogs), chocolate, and my iphone

Design Concept by Dale Kosowan

Iván Meade – What is your next design venture?

Dale Kosowan - I’m currently working on the design of some meeting and ballroom spaces at two different hotels in downtown Vancouver, as well as a large renovation to a shopping mall, and a very modern, architecturally design vacation home in Whistler.

Interior Design by Dale Kosowan

Iván Meade – Lastly, you have already created a stunning body of work with many mediums and styles. What would you like your legacy to be?

Dale Kosowan - As a selfish wish, I would love one of the hotels I’ve designed to make it to one of the exclusive "must go to" hotel lists, like Hip Hotels or Design Hotels or Conde Nast Top 100.  As a more inclusive legacy, I would just hope that I can design as many spaces (rooms, restaurants, lobbies, etc.) as possible so that guests have positive and memorable experiences in them.

I invite you to follow Dale’s blog at:

Installation by Benavides y Camino

One of my very first entries on my blog back in 2007 was about the re-discovery of my very talented furniture designer relatives from Spain.   – THE DESIGN GENE

Phillippine and Inés are the creative minds behind Benavides y Camino. Their talent has been proved over the years and they have become a strong design force in Europe.  With a voice of their own and a dialogue through their designs today Benavides y Camino is sending a new and evocative message.  Always thinking forward; their furniture pieces are ahead of their time, but yet they have a memorable and timeless quality.

This morning I received an email from Inés in which they were presenting this installation for the prestigious “Casa Decor”  show home hosted in an XVIII century palace in downtown Madrid.  The 12,000 sq ft residence was completely revamped by 120 design professionals and over 300 exhibitors.  This is the 43rd edition that designers have been asked to redecorate a space in “Casa Decor” and it is one of the most important design events in Spain.

Their colourful interpretation of the servant’s quarters was created in only five days and it is truly unique and original.

Entitled “I’m late for dinner” this installation contains hand painted murals of the butler, the daughter and the home owner which bring the space to life.  All of the pieces are part of Benavides y Camino’s new collection (aside from the antique stove).

Philippine, Inés & Ana

Since my last post Ana, another cousin has joined the team.  I was very excited to see her picture. Ana is the only relative I have had the opportunity to meet in person on that side of the family.  I have great memories about her and I going thorough the markets of Mexico and giving her a tour of my home town.

I am the proudest and furthest away relative that they have.

I invite you to visit their website and support their work at:

Donna Livingston

Donna Livingston, principal of Donna Livingston Design, has just been dubbed one of Architectural Digest’s “The New AD100” for the fourth consecutive time – just one of many testaments to her 30 years of success in the design industry.

Donna grew up in Louisville Kentucky and got her big break when she earned a contract with The Bren Company, designing model homes in Southern California. These days she is one of the most requested interior designers for luxury homes in Los Angeles; known for her combinations of Asian, European and contemporary designs. Ms. Livingston prides herself in her “standards of creativity, attention to detail, high quality and architectural integrity”, she also shares her wealth of knowledge and experience with colleagues, giving seminars in Japan and at the well-known Pacific Design Center in Los Angeles.

Vignette by Donna Livingston

You may also recognize Donna from a plethora of appearances in the media; in addition to her many appearances in Architectural Digest, she has also been features on HGTV’S “Homes across America” and the popular radio program “Living Large”. She has also been the recipient of the esteemed “Golden Nugget Award”. Ms. Livingston has also created a line of beautiful custom furniture that perfectly encapsulate her sought after style, including case goods, upholstery and even stemware.

Donna is not only a great designer, but a great person. She is an avid donor advocate and fundraiser for the Concern Foundation, a non-profit organization that was developed to raise funds for cancer research; she was even honoured at the 2009 Block Party event held by the foundation.

Vignette by Donna Livingston

I greatly enjoy Donna Livingston’s blog as well, it is personal, fun and informative; she is relatively new to the world of social media but I think is off to a really great start!

Please read on to learn more about Ms. Livingston and her design point of view…

Iván Meade - What is your design philosophy?

Donna Livingston – My style is a combination of European, Asian and Contemporary design. I always find a key element that is the inspiration for the entire project, whether it’s a Chinese embroidered silk screen or an old world antique chandelier. After that, everything else comes into focus and starts to develop into the full picture.

Interiors by Donna Livingston

Iván Meade - You have had many successful years in design, are there any design trends that you never want to see again? Maybe some you think should return?

Donna Livingston -

a. South western style

b. The color Mauve

c. 50s sofas upholstered in chartreuse fabric

Interiors by Donna Livingston

Iván Meade - You have been included in Architectural Digest many times, including 4 consecutive times on the New AD100 – what do you feel sets you apart and keeps them coming back for more?

Donna Livingston – I’m honoured to be included in such esteemed company. Having my worked featured in the magazine has been one of the highlights of my career.

Interiors by Donna Livingston

Iván Meade – Often time designers have other creative hobbies, you also have an art history background – do you partake in any creative pastimes?

Donna Livingston – Actually I was an English major and I got my first break designing model homes for the Bren company. This past summer, I visited the Victoria & Albert Museum in London. I think it’s so important to look at historical works of art for inspiration.

Interiors by Donna Livingston

Iván Meade – What are you excited about right now in the world of design?

Donna Livingston – Technology. I have been using the Crestron Home Operating System for several years now. It is marvellous how it incorporates the operation of lighting, A/V, window shades, security, HVAC and internet all from one keypad. It can also be operated remotely when the client is away from home.

Interiors by Donna Livingston

Iván Meade - What would be your dream project?

Donna Livingston -Every project is a dream as long as you have the right team.

Interiors by Donna Livingston

Iván Meade – What project has given you the most satisfaction?

Donna Livingston – I designed and renovated my own home – a John Woolf Hollywood Regency style – last year. I selected the combination of colors and materials, every finish, piece of art and furniture. Everything was about small details. It’s wonderful to have the opportunity to live in a home that I designed.

Interiors by Donna Livingston

Iván Meade – What is the best advice (design related or otherwise) that you have ever received?

Donna Livingston – Trust your gut instincts. It’s a common piece of advice but there is nothing better.

Interiors by Donna Livingston

Iván Meade - What are 3 things you can’t live without?

Donna Livingston – My DLD team. My health. My friends.

Vignette by Donna Livingstone

Iván Meade – What is your next design venture?

Donna Livingston – I’m launching a line of custom home furnishings that reflect my signature style. I’m still passionate about Asian artefacts and antiques but this collection also embodies a 40s French Moderne aesthetic. Every piece is designed to be the focal point that inspires the look and feel of the rest of the room.

Interiors by Donna Livingston

Iván Meade - Lastly, you have already created a stunning body of work with many mediums and styles. What would you like your legacy to be?

Donna Livingston – I am as proud of my charitable work as I am of my work in design. So I’ll use this space to advocate for two causes that are close to my heart. The Concern Foundation funds cancer research worldwide. In the past 40 years, the Foundation has raised well over $41 million dollars to cultivate the expertise of outstanding young investigators and to sustain the progress in prevention and treatment of cancer.

I am also on the Board of Directors of Jazz Aspen Snowmass which presents and preserves jazz, American and popular music through world-class festivals, performances and education programs including scholarships, school and summer camp programs.

Finally charities for underprivileged children like Children Uniting Nations are also very important to me.

I invite you to visit Donna Livingston’s stunning body of work at:

Avonmouth Embroidery Wallpaper

PRODUCT

Avonmouth Embroidery Wallpaper

DESIGNER

Carl Robinson

REPEAT

66 cm

ROLL LENGTH

68 cm X 10 m (sold by the lineal yard)

PATTERN NUMBERS

CB11903, Cream

CB11905, Stone/Taupe

CB11908, Rust

DESCRIPTION

This is perhaps one of the most exquisite luxury wallpapers I have seen.  I love the scale and the elegant design.  It is one of those wallpapers that will be timeless and unique because it has an embroidered detail rather than just print.

I took some close ups so you can appreciate the detail and the texture in the paper.

YUMMY FACTOR

Sumptuous !!!

Available in Canada through Meade Design Group

I discovered Darrin Cohen’s work through the marvels of social networking. I was so pleased when he offered to do an interview for our blog, and greatly looked forward to knowing more about the man behind his great designs.

In 1989 Darrin acquired his Bachelor of Fine Arts from a combination of schooling at Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture and Design in Chicago and University of Illinois. He is very passionate about design as one can see in his varied careers over the years: Interior Designer, Graphic Designer, Trivia Game Designer, and Marketing Consultant. He seems to have found his niche with his current company, established in 2000, Darrin Cohen Design and sister company, Darrin Cohen Fine Art. His website describes his services as “photography, painting, graphic art, illustration and the construction of interior, exterior, public and private spaces”.

Upon browsing his interior design portfolio I discovered that Darrin’s spaces are clean and elegant, but not without unexpected elements such as his artwork, an interesting light fixture or a unique material. His spaces are collectively warm and comfortable looking without relinquishing that crisp feeling. Mr. Cohen’s artwork is equally impressive. His pieces are as varied in technique as they are in subject matter – he tries everything with great success. I highly suggest reviewing his portfolio to see which works strike you.

Please read on to learn more about this talented designer/artist…

Iván Meade – What was your first experience with design?

Darrin Cohen – When I was young my parents bought a house in Rosedale in Toronto and tore it down to build a custom home. I helped my parents design their home from the ground up.

Interiors by Darrin Cohen

Iván Meade – Who or what has influenced your style?

Darrin Cohen – I have not been influenced by one person or event in my life but rather by my surroundings at any given moment. I am always inspired by architecture and find traveling to new cities very inspiring. I am a very detail oriented person so I try to pay attention to details when I travel and incorporate them into my designs.

Interiors by Darrin Cohen

Iván Meade – How would you describe your style?

Darrin Cohen – Warm modern with a nod to traditional. Comfortable and contemporary with colour accents.

Interiors by Darrin Cohen

Iván Meade – What is your design philosophy?

Darrin Cohen – My philosophy is very simple. Listen to your clients and pay attention to details. Good design is like storytelling – it’s all in the editing. It is the details that make a space unique.

Interiors by Darrin Cohen

Iván Meade – Your fine art is very diverse – what is your favourite medium and/or subject matter?

Darrin Cohen – I love photography because it is immediate and the camera never lies – it captures things you miss with the naked eye. I also like to paint and create mixed media pieces. I don’t have a favourite subject matter – I think art can be created from anything that inspires you.

FIne Photography by Darrin Cohen

Iván Meade – You have many different collections in your fine arts portfolio, many of them have content and colour combinations that show no fear whereas your interiors are much more subdued and calm – both are very beautiful in their own way, is there a reason for the different approach you take to your fine art and your interiors?

Darrin Cohen – When I am designing for clients, they often dictate the direction the project takes. Even if they don’t express it specifically, I am always listening and trying to find the details that will lead me in the right direction. That being said, I believe that a home should have a sense of calm and, most of all, should be comfortable. While the overall design may be subdued, I will often use a pop of colour as an accent.

When I am creating art, I am free to explore without restrictions or reservations. My surroundings, a life experience or the way I feel at a given moment can all have an effect on the direction I take. The release of this creative energy can be both relaxing and an enlightening journey.

Fine Photography by Darrin Cohen

Iván Meade – Our career paths are very similar, branching out into several facets of design; which facet of design is your favourite and why?

Darrin Cohen – For me, design comes in many forms. Whether it’s an item of clothing, a car, a piece of art, a building, a film, or even a plate of beautifully presented food, I see design. I love it all, so there isn’t one facet of design that I prefer. I appreciate it in all its manifestations.

Interiors by Darrin Cohen

Iván Meade – What are you excited about right now in the world of design?

Darrin Cohen – I am most excited about how the world has started to appreciate and embrace design in all aspects of life. Design has always been around us but never more appreciated.

Interiors by Darrin Cohen

Iván Meade – What would be your dream project?

Darrin Cohen – To design my own line of products, fabrics and wall coverings, combining my fine art and commercial design sense.

When working on a design project, there are often obstacles or sacrifices to be made because you can’t find that special piece – creating custom products would solve this challenge for me.

Interiors by Darrin Cohen

Iván Meade – What project has given you the most satisfaction?

Darrin Cohen – Every design project gives me satisfaction and I learn something from every project – about myself and about others.

Working with different people all the time gives me insight into what makes us all unique. If I can educate a client about design in the course of a project, it is a great sense of satisfaction for me.

I think the project that gave me the most satisfaction was designing a house for a good friend of mine. It is wonderful to be there for dinner and to watch them entertain and truly enjoy the spaces that we created together.

Interiors by Darrin Cohen

Iván Meade – What is the best advice (design related or otherwise) that you have ever received?

Darrin Cohen – I have been given so much great advice over the years, but one that stands out is – if you are about to get frustrated or say something you don’t really mean, stop and think about it, don’t react. In the end, you will always make a better decision.

Interiors by Darrin Cohen

Iván Meade – What are 3 things you each can’t live without?

Darrin Cohen – Family & Friends, Traveling and Exercise.

Friends, because they accept you for who you are and they don’t judge. Travelling for the insight and stimulation it always brings. Exercise for the energy and the way it makes me feel.

Interiors by Darrin Cohen

Iván Meade – What is your next design venture?

Darrin Cohen – This interview has really made me think a lot about my design business and has inspired me to stop talking about creating my own product line and just do it!

Fine Photography by Darrin Cohen

Iván Meade – Lastly, you have already created a stunning body of work with many mediums and styles. What would you like your legacy to be?

Darrin Cohen – Thank you so much!

If I had a legacy, it would want people to remember me as a designer who appreciated all aspects of design and always tried to enlighten and educate others about the positive effect it has on our culture. Ultimately it would be to inspire others

I invite you to visit Darrin Cohen’s stunning body of work at:

As seen in SNAP, May 2010

Vivacious and sociable co-owner of Bespoke Design, Heather Draper has made quite the name for herself in Victoria. She is an expert multi-tasker, tackling a retail shop, interior design career, and a blog. Her store (with co-owner Ben Brannen), is one of the most buzzed about on the island and carries beautiful bedding, furniture, window treatments, and lighting. As well as special pieces from local artists and exclusive resources from around the globe. Interior design services are also offered through Heather and Ben both through the store and individually. You may have seen the features on Bespoke in Western Living or Style at Home, or at the Canadian Home Builders Home and Garden Show in February, where her and Ben gave a demonstration of tips and tricks for helping your home look its best.

Heather worked in several home décor shops while attending university, where she realized that her passion was in interior design. While working at Cushy Life in Calgary, she obtained a certificate of interior decoration and proceeded to launch her own design firm, Eden Interiors in 2003. In 2007, Heather and then business partner Jonalyn Siemens brought Bespoke to Victoria and the store has been thriving here ever since.

To know her is to love her, please read on to learn more about this talented designer…

Iván Meade – What was your first experience with design?

Heather Draper – Well, my sister tells a story about me furnishing shoe boxes with pictures cut out of the sears cataloged in grade school, which I am pretty thankful I don’t remember! I think it was something I have naturally done since then…but I really started to recognize it as a love with the early days of HGTV…loved Debbie Travis’s painted house, Sarah’s room service etc… Little embarrassed to admit it really…

Interiors by Heather Draper

Iván Meade – Who or what has influenced your style?

Heather Draper – Tricia Guild is a huge inspiration, lately Kelly Werstler inspires me…not with their work perse but with their absolute confidence in their aesthetic, which has shown me a level of artistry can and should be achieved in interior design. From a mentor perspective, I must mention Jacqueline Corea of CoreaSotropa Design in Calgary, who I was lucky enough to meet as a little volunteer at the 2001 Calgary Designer Showcase, I have always admired her talent and the way she carries herself, I want to be her when I grow up!

Interiors by Heather Draper

Iván Meade – How would you describe your style?

Heather Draper – Well I would say that I love what I love (thanks Tricia and Kelly for that confidence) and I love almost everything!! I have to say I take the most pleasure in combining elements in unexpected ways, always in a subtle manner, to achieve a layered, lived in space that will age gracefully.

Interiors by Heather Draper

Iván Meade – What is your design philosophy?

Heather Draper - I don’t believe the design of the room should be the most important element, but rather ,the people in it. To me a great room  should whisper sophistication, elegance and interest, softly, to those who chose to listen.

  Interior Design by Heather Draper

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Iván Meade – How have you found the Victoria design scene and projects differ from those in Calgary?

Heather Draper – I love working in Victoria, I really seek to create a space that resonates with my clients, which may and often is not in keeping with current trends. I have found Victorians embrace their our personal tastes without reservation, this honesty allows me to create a space I know they will love now and in the future.

Interiors by Heather Draper

Iván Meade – You recently gave a presentation at the Canadian Home Builders Home and Garden Show, do you have any more plans to share your design knowledge with the public?

Heather Draper – Is it terrible to dream of my own show??? Well really, I am just so passionate about what I do and I do love sharing that with others..any opportunity to do that is something I look forward to..though I often wish I could have a body double!!

Interiors by Heather Draper

Iván Meade – What product or line are you most excited about right now at Bespoke?

Heather Draper – Not fair! We have to much good stuff!!  I think I am proudest to showcase Fortuny Lights from Venice. I have always loved them, and believe them to be the perfect combination of art and function, they also underline my belief that purchases for one’s home should be an investment.

Fortuny Lights available at Bespoke

Iván Meade – What are you excited about right now in the world of design?

Heather Draper – The copious amounts of linen being embraced by fabric manufacturers right now. I love me a little linen, in all shapes and forms and love that it is absolutely everywhere right now, printed, woven stripes, hopsack weave…oh it is just too good!

Bespoke

Photo via Style at Home – Jo-Ann Richards

Iván Meade – What would be your dream project?

Heather Draper – Top to bottom, head to toe, cribbing in candles…I love to be involved in an ENTIRE project.

Interiors by Heather Draper

Iván Meade – What project has given you the most satisfaction?

Heather Draper – Well I might have to say Bespoke, the store, really….It is my baby and I love how it has blossomed and continues to grow into an entity all its own.

Interiors by Heather Draper 

Iván Meade – What is the best advice (design related or otherwise) that you have ever received?

Heather Draper – can’t think of any individual advice but I have a couple of motto’s I live by. “ look at the solution not at the problem” and “be the architect of your own life”

the first has helped me over many hurdles in my career and the second reminds me that only I am responsible for my success or failur

Interiors by Heather Draper

Iván Meade – What are 3 things you each can’t live without?

Heather Draper – The first is my husband, a cliché I know, but he is truly the mortar to my bricks, I have all these dreams and work tirelessly to build a career I can be proud of…but when, as I often do, take on more than I should, he is the support that holds our life together.

The second is my identical twin, support,comic relief and a reality check in one fashionable package…and who better to test drive the next hairstyle???

Finally I think my work…the freedom to explore my passion every day…who would not want that?

Interiors by Heather Draper

 
Iván Meade – What is your next design venture?

Heather Draper – I am most excited about a new home past clients in Calgary just purchased, I love working with repeat clients, they expect my crazy personality and trust me as a designer.

Bespoke

Iván Meade – Lastly, you have already created a stunning body of work with many mediums and styles. What would you like your legacy to be?

Heather Draper – I really hope I can inspire people to do what they love, I know it has been the secret to my success and hopefully I can be an inspiration to some one, whether in design or something else, to embrace who they are, what they love, and create the best life for them.

I invite you to visit Heather Draper’s website at:

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Yesterday I received the new sexy cover for my iphone, the iwood by MINIOT and I have to say what a beauty.  It is beyond what I was expecting to receive. 

Made in Holland by MINIOT with great precision and care, this iwood cover made in walnut wood is exactly what I was looking for.  I love technology, but I also love craftsmanship and this piece says it all.  The attention to detail is immaculate and it is everywhere – even the buttons are made of wood.    All crafted in a single piece so the wood grain is continuous.

But here is one of my favourite parts – You can customize it with your own monogram, logo, or personal message engraved, you can even choose your favourite wood species.  Of course I had the Meade Design Group logo engraved to match my business cards – Gosh! It is hard to be this good (lol).

sexxxy!

Thanks to technology it doesn’t matter if you live on an island (like I do), you can still go online and order an iwood.  MINIOT customer service is amazing and the online form to order is the easiest to use.  Let’s bring craftsmanship and technology together.  We have too much plastic around us. 

Who doesn’t love the warmth of wood and a well crafted piece, not to mention, who doesn’t love the iphone right now?

MINIOT

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A master of tone-on-tone, soft, neutral colour palettes, Paul Corrie puts a “modern twist on traditional design”. His combinations of sleek, clean lined pieces and rustic woods create such a wonderful atmosphere in his spaces. His attention to detail is evident in the way that he features a stunning array of accessories, antiques and art in his designs.

Paul left his law career to pursue his passion – interior design; now his Washington, D.C. design firm, Paul Corrie Interiors, has caught the attention of HGTV, as well as The Washington Post, Home & Design Magazine, and Washington Spaces Magazine. In 2009, he made Metropolitan Home’s Top 20 “Rising Stars,” and in 2010, he made Traditional Home’s list of “20 Young Designers to Watch” – it seems like he made the right choice!

Interiors by Paul Corrie

Please read on to learn more about this talented designer…

Iván Meade – What was your first experience with design?

Paul Corrie – I’ve always been drawn to design…probably my whole life…While growing up, I used to switch my bedroom around all the time while constantly editing myself. As a professional, I didn’t enter the design field until shortly after graduating from law school…I was encouraged by a wonderful mentor to pursue (what appeared to him to be) my true calling, interior design, so I began my career by working in a contemporary furniture store in Washington, DC.

Interiors by Paul Corrie

Iván Meade – Who or what has influenced your style?

Paul Corrie – Interestingly, it isn’t really a person that influences my design style. What actually influences my design style more than anything else is my comfort level, ability to challenge myself, and confidence to step outside the box. Of course, it’s important to stay on top of the work of other designers and current publications…Just like working out, you have to exercise your mind or your work product will become stagnant and repetitive. I’m constantly inspired by other designers and their selections, and I think this helps all of us (as designers) to push ourselves to be better.

Interiors by Paul Corrie

Iván Meade – How would you describe your style?

Paul Corrie – I would say that my style can best be described as Modern Traditional…With that said, I also try to create environments that are elegant yet casual at the same time…Spaces should be used and versatile for various purposes and functions. They should be relaxed and not too stuffy. I’m obviously a big fan of mixing old and new pieces together, and I’m also partial to mixing periods and styles together…I think it helps create a truly timeless environment, shows the capabilities of a designer, and pushes the “sophistication envelope.” Some clients want a project done in 12 weeks and others can take much longer, but I always try to weave a common thread through my designs…I like spaces to appear as though the homeowner is surrounded by their collections…Collections that they have acquired over a lifetime…and it’s very important to me that one surround themselves with pieces that they truly love…It’s about editing and creating spaces that are carefully thought out and liveable, yet stunningly beautiful at the same time.

Interiors by Paul Corrie

Iván Meade – What is your design philosophy?

Paul Corrie – I would say that my design philosophy is relatively simple…First and foremost, it’s about listening to a client and what their needs are with respect to a particular project, and then delivering that to the client with a PCI stamp on it. It’s about helping people get to an end with a finished product that they could never have dreamed of or accomplished on their own, and sharing my ability to aesthetically give them something fresh, carefully thought out, and well done.

Interiors by Paul Corrie

Iván Meade – How do you feel that your previous career in law has affected your career in interior design?

Paul Corrie – I’m privileged and grateful for my law school education. I think it helps me immensely in this field since law combines analysis, creativity, and balance. Design is, of course, about creating beautiful environments, but at the end of the day, it’s a business. You have to have a strong business sense to be a great designer.

Interiors by Paul Corrie

Iván Meade – You are quite mysterious when it comes to finding out more about you, I had trouble finding information for my intro. Could you tell us a little more about yourself? We love to hear about our interviewees path to success!

Paul Corrie – I don’t mean for my life to be so mysterious! Yes, I grew up in Northern Virginia, where my parents still reside, and I’m extremely close to them…My sister and brother-in-law also live very close as well with my two beautiful nephews, so I’m fortunate that we get to spend lots of holidays together.

I went to the University of Virginia for my undergraduate degree and then immediately went to law school afterwards at the Dickinson School of Law in Carlisle, PA . As I said, I pursued design shortly thereafter (and at the strong encouragement and support of my parents), while somewhat reluctant because my father is a lawyer. I soon realized, though, that I made the correct decision and feel this was my true calling. I love what I do and wake up looking forward to it every day.

I currently live in Washington, DC with my partner, Steve (soon-to-be husband…yes, we will soon get to exercise our newfound right in the District!) and our shih-poo, Cindy. We both have very similar interests in working out, spending time with friends, and most importantly, being with our families.

Interiors by Paul Corrie

Iván Meade – What attracts you to your signature colour palette of tone-on-tone, soft neutrals?

Paul Corrie – My friends make fun of me for this because they argue that I don’t use color…I actually do use color and have lots of clients that challenge me to that request as well. With that said, I’m drawn to soft neutrals because I think they allow one to layer. It’s important to appreciate all of the elements of a space and if not carefully edited, the eye misses so much. I’m so partial to furniture that has texture and patina that I want those pieces to be appreciated and admired for their individual beauty. Keeping the fabrics subtle and understated helps encourage this, and by layering, additional color can always be introduced…it’s easier to add than it is to take away.

Interiors by Paul Corrie

Iván Meade – What are you excited about right now in the world of design?

Paul Corrie – I’m excited about how positively the Internet has impacted our profession. I love the fact that antiques from around the world are now so accessible by logging onto a simple website. I think that so much more product and information is available to designers which only aids in our creativity and ability to challenge ourselves.

Interiors by Paul Corrie

Iván Meade – What would be your dream project?

Paul Corrie – Well, of course, the dream project is one without a budget…any designer can tell you that! That was more of a joke…budget or no budget, a dream project is one in which the client expresses their goals and wishes, and then listens to and takes the advice of the designer / professional. This is a profession where so much faith and trust is put into an individual that may or may not have something tangible to show them. The ability to be a good designer, however, isn’t in a piece of paper and can’t necessarily be taught, and so a great deal of understanding design and one’s ability can be as simple as this…Some people have it and some people don’t.

As far as a dream project is concerned, whenever I feel like I have true creative control and the opportunity to do what I know how to do, I have a dream project.

Iván Meade – What project has given you the most satisfaction?

Paul Corrie – I was thrilled with the project that was selected for my “Top 20 Designers to Watch For” in March’s Traditional Home. The client is actually a dear friend of mine, which definitely led me to have reservations about working together…I don’t like to mix business with pleasure. The client, however, was very clear in what he a wanted, and as a result of our friendship, we had an extremely strong and open line of communication throughout the process. The result was an environment that he continues to say he could never have imagined, and I couldn’t be happier with the finished product.

Interiors by Paul Corrie

Iván Meade – What is the best advice (design related or otherwise) that you have ever received?

Paul Corrie – Trust your gut.

Interiors by Paul Corrie

Iván Meade – What are 3 things you each can’t live without?

Paul Corrie – I think my favourite quote could be interpreted as 3 things I can’t live without…”Live, laugh, and love.”

Interiors by Paul Corrie

Iván Meade – What is your next design venture?

Paul Corrie – I’m very excited about a newly confirmed design project that’s going to take place at a cottage in Cape Cod…”Cottage in Cape Cod” alone makes my mind run wild with idea after idea, and I love that.

Interiors by Paul Corrie

Iván Meade – Lastly, you have already created a stunning body of work with many mediums and styles. What would you like your legacy to be?

Paul Corrie – As my mom says, “Paul, you would’ve made a good lawyer, but you’re going to be a great designer.” That’s what I want my legacy to be…

I invite you to visit Paul Corrie’s website at:

and his blog at:

http://paulcorrieinteriors.wordpress.com/

How do you say “thank you” when your design community is saying “thank you” to you?  I guess you can say “my pleasure”, but then I still feel as though, I have to say “thank you” back.

Tuesday, the 13^th of April, 2010 – What a date!, definitely a day to remember.  Why is that? you may ask; well, I had a surprise thank you party thrown for me with 40 of my favourite colleagues in Victoria.  Interior Designer Michelle Matte and Artist John Wolfe from Wolf Decorative Finishes coordinated and put together a stunning surprise party at Veneto for me to say thank you for my support to our local design community.  The place was beautifully decorated by Tara McHugh Flora, Tara was one of the first members of Meade Design Group when I started and now she is a very successful fleur couturier and in my opinion one of the best in the city.   I couldn’t believe there were more than 40 colleagues there to say thank you – I said my pleasure, but now I have to say once again – Thank you!! for making me feel so appreciated.

Colleen Buker & Myself

The Crowd

The Crowd

I was overwhelmed as this was a big surprise – when I arrived to the restaurant people yelled “SURPRISE!”, and I was thinking – today is not my birthday, I have not won anything,… what’s going on? The room was full of both familiar faces and faces that I didn’t know (but now I do have the pleasure of knowing them, of course) all of them saying “THANK YOU!”.  Gratitude is a strange word in our life, we hardly ever use it.  We live day-by-day too fast, and when we remember it is night again.

Flowers by Tara McHugh Flora

  Flowers by Tara McHugh Flora

Flowers by Tara McHugh Flora

I also have to say I could never do as much as I do without the team that has supported me in my 8 year career in Victoria.  Starting with Jeff Michaud my partner, Tara McHugh (the corsage and those flowers were amazing!), Mr. Greg Young (RIP), Miz  T -Tiffany Jade Briscoe, Miz Bobbie Cann, Sarita, and my right hand Echito Eaton-Thorn.

Myself & Tara McHugh (Tarita Tomato)

Murray, Liz Mackay, Josée Lalonde

Kyla Bidgood, Gillian Ley, Myself,

Amber Kingsnorth, & Michelle Morelan

Myself & Brenda Marks

A very very special THANK YOU to … Michelle Matte and John Wolf Decorative Finishes, Colleen Buker, Gillian Ley, Antonieta D’Introno, Jenny Martin, Sandy & Dawn from Nygaard Interior Design, Ross Taylor and Amber Leask from Gabriel Ross, Julia Roemer, Delores & Andy from Running with Scissors, Sarah & Scott McNeill, Amber Kingsnorth and Kyla Bidgood from Inoui Design Collective, Michelle Morelan who came all the way from Vancouver, Artist Birgit Piskor, Susan Hargraves, Liz Mackay, Josée Lalonde, Murray, Teresa Ryback & Kelly Moir from TD Swansburg, Pamela and Zech from European Flooring, Lindsay Hill and Pam from Kimberly Williams, Dianne Kennedy, Dimitri Maekawa from Axis Design, Josh Terry from Allegro Painting, Brenda Marks from Kravet & Tritex, Heather Draper and Ben Brannen from Bespoke, Amanda Forrest for her kind note,  and Jeff Michaud & Echo Eaton from Meade Design Group for this incredible surprise.

Photographs by Tara McHugh & Heather Draper

Yesterday I received several amazing photographs that  Paulo, my brother took in his camping expedition last weekend to the infamous “Mount Pepsi”  in my hometown of San Luis Potosi.  As a side note, while I was living there I never realized how silly the name was, but in hindsight it is kind of ridiculous. 

I believe inspiration is everywhere, and of course talent runs in the family.  This is the stunning flora from my hometown in México.  I love the vibrancy of the colour and the delicacy of the petals. 

I am very impressed with the photography skills of my brother as this is a side of him I didn’t know about him. 

Paulo is a very talented Gynaecologist/Oncologist living in México with his wife and three kids.

Photograph by Dr.Paulo Meade

Photograph by Dr.Paulo Meade

Photograph by Dr.Paulo Meade

Photograph by Dr.Paulo Meade

Photograph by Dr.Paulo Meade

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I invite you to read and to have a good laugh with this hilarious Jimi-view with Iván Meade, Designer and Artist.  

If you want to see myself at the tender age of 14 years old, full of pimples and stretching pure 80’s fashion like washed denim, multicolour sweater and sperry top siders – You must read this interview. 

My picture guarantee at least one good laugh…

JIMI-VIEW WITH IVÁN MEADE, DESIGNER AND ARTIST

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It’s now… 3 hours, 55 minutes and 7 seconds.

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Timeless

PRODUCT

Continue Time

DESIGNER

Sander Mulder

MATERIALS

Aluminum – Messing.

FEATURES

Made in a worldwide limited edition of 40 pcs + 1 artist proof.

DESCRIPTION

During the Salone del Mobile 2010 in Milan, Dutch designer Sander Mulder exhibits his latest design, the Continue Time, a kinetic artwork and fully functional clock. 

While creating mesmerizing patterns on your wall the pointers of this clock are still read similar to a traditional clock. The widest pointer ( attached to the clockwork ) shows the hours, the medium sized pointer ( attached to the hour pointer ) shows the minutes, the smallest pointer ( attached to the minute pointer ) shows the seconds.            – Sander Mulder

YUMMY FACTOR

Complex!!!

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PRODUCT

Link

DESIGNER

Peter Stathis

COLOURS

Gray, White, Black, Green, Orange

MATERIALS

Stamped aluminum arms; Polycarbonate lens; Die-cast zinc base.

FEATURES

360 degree adjustment; Automatic tension control; Hi/Low switch; Detachable transformer.

DESCRIPTION

Today, I went to check out the new digs of Only Human and I was quite surprise when I saw these babies on their window display. 

These task lights have the same quality that you find in the Tolomeo lamps – they are memorable, well designed, but they feel more edgy to me.  I love their texture.

Link modernizes the classic pantograph task lamp incorporating the most advanced LED lighting technology to-date. Designed with a dual-purposed shade-handle, Link seamlessly balances performance and style to satisfy focused lighting needs in any home or office.

–Pablo.

YUMMY FACTOR

Crunchy !!!

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Of course when I was a child I didn’t care about the looks , I just wanted to eat them.  I remember biting the sugar flowers one by one and eating the tiny anis candy caramels inside them.  My grandfather used to say slowly because you are not in a hurry…

Costanzo Chocolate Egg # 4

Today I woke up  thinking in these chocolate eggs and I was lucky enough to find the website of the 80 year old chocolate company that made these wonderful creations – Costanzo. I was really happy to see that they are still making these chocolate creations with the same care and tradition as when I was younger. 

These company is all about tradition, their slogan is still the same even if it is a bit odd by today’s standards… “Más Dulces que los Dulces Besos de la Novia” which it means “Sweeter than the Sweetest Girlfriend Kisses”.  I always get a kick out of this phrase.

Costanzo Chocolate Egg # 3

HAPPY EASTER!!! – FELICES PASCUAS!!!

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Josée Lalonde

Josée Lalonde is the principal at Josée Lalonde Real Estate Staging in Victoria B.C. – one of the most fresh and innovative staging companies in Victoria B.C. In 2007 Josée successfully completed her Canadian Staging Professionals Course and was granted her CSP designation. Josée’s success speaks for itself. It is clear that she is going places and her sexy French accent doesn’t hurt either.

I had the pleasure of meeting Josée a couple of months ago when she approached Meade Design Group to create the graphic identity for her new venture as a Residential Stager. Since then we have shared a friendship and a common interest in interior design. I have always admired the “Je ne sais quoi” and the enthusiasm that Josée brings to any of her projects.

Iván Meade – What was your first experience with design?

Josée Lalonde – I first fell in love with the art of home design in my mid-teens.  My parents had given me "carte blanche" to redesign my bedroom and my creative juices just went bananas… I don’t think Mom and Dad knew that they had created this ‘design monster’!! It was such a positive experience; I invented a really novel bed space with stairs leading up to the mattress and all sorts of fun stuff like that. I had constructed new bedside tables, they let me choose new bedding, and then I finished it all up with a fun paint color.  That was probably the moment when I realized that I had a true passion for design. I was just hooked, I guess!

Staging by Josée Lalonde

Iván Meade – Can you tell me more about your services and how they may be beneficial to our readers?

Josée Lalonde – One of our favourite services is “Staging for Living” whereby we redesign the home using as much of the existing furnishings and accessories as possible, but getting rid of what needs to be removed, then recommending the adding-on of new items to really freshen things up.  It’s a simple, economical, and effective way of reinventing your home; updating the look even if you are not selling. It’s funny how sometimes I get to provide that service to clients who hired me to help them sell one property, but were so impressed with the outcome of the staging that they say they want “something like that” done to the home in which they live. Also, we offer “sourcing out” as a service that interests a lot of people; I am so familiar with what’s out there in the home design market that I can quickly find and purchase that certain something that is missing in a person’s home to make it more special. Another of my favourite things to do is what I call “Staging for Occasions”; if you are having a party or hosting a special occasion or just want to give your home a more ‘seasonal’ flair, I’ll go in and reconfigure your space, add or remove furnishings and then decorate it for the occasion. I guess it’s just my personality but I get really excited for holiday events and I really love to go ‘all out’ to make a place look festive, whatever the occasion.  

Staging by Josée Lalonde

Iván Meade – What is unique about Josée Lalonde from other Real Estate Stagers?

Josée Lalonde – Hah! I’ve been so flattered by what people have said about my work but I’ve always considered myself as ‘just Jo’. And that’s pretty much what I bring to the table. So I guess I am as unique from other Real Estate Stagers as I am from you, Ivan! I look at this job as not really a job. It’s something I think about constantly anyway! The creations pretty well happen in my head. Once I’ve got the bits, parts, and pieces together, the rest is just a matter of getting it done. Everyone is unique. This is just a labour of love for me.

Staging by Josée Lalonde

Iván Meade – What is your design philosophy?

Josée Lalonde –  Every house as a soul and a personality; my goal is to bring it out.  When I do a walk through with the client I always ask about the history of the house, old or new. From there, I can begin to “design” the space to capture its soul and personality.   Just like people, all homes are very different from one another and in staging we try to make the homes more appealing to a broader array of potential buyers by making them more mainstream. But I think the key is to bring out the home’s true character.

Staging by Josée Lalonde

Iván Meade – How do you describe your style?

Josée Lalonde –  I would describe my personal style as ‘Bold Elegance’.  That’s a bit of a tricky question to answer because, in home staging, you can’t really limit yourself to one specific style.  But my favourite is bold with elegance as I always like a bright punch of color, or big and funky items, and then I try to mix it with soft clean lines.

Staging by Josée Lalonde

Iván Meade – Who or what are your greatest design influences?

Josée Lalonde –  There are so many things and people that influence me in design!  What influences me the most is fashion; if you can see it on the catwalk you can definitely see it in home design.  The mix of different textures, the bold accessories, the combinations of colors, the marriage of different styles – I’m influenced by it all!  I truly think they go hand in hand.  As for who, I am a big fan of Jonathan Adler.  I appreciate his use of bold colors; but what I really love is that he adds a lot of fun and humour with his accessories. I see him as I see myself; he is obviously serious about his work so he is a well-respected and extremely successful designer, but at the same time, he doesn’t take himself too seriously.

Staging by Josée Lalonde

Iván Meade – Can you tell us why it is important not only to have a well-staged place but also a well-stylized place?

Josée Lalonde –  A combination of both is extremely important to present the result that both the client and the potential buyer is looking for.  Not only is it important to highlight the space of a property when purchasing a home, but there must also be a strong emotional connection to it.  The potential client needs to feel like “I could easily live here”. It needs to encapsulate them the moment they walk in and stylistic “eye candy” is the way to do it!

Staging by Josée Lalonde

Iván Meade – What is the one thing in life you cannot live without?

Josée Lalonde –  Colour!  I need colour in my life!  Without it, it is lifeless.  It gives me my energy, my positivity and my inspiration to create.  In home staging, “neutral” is a key word but there is always place for a colour!!

Staging by Josée Lalonde

Iván Meade – What motivates you to do your best on the job?

Josée Lalonde –   In my work, I am a hopeless perfectionist. I can’t help it. I’m always learning and I love to push myself to be the very best that I can be. But I suppose what ultimately motivates me is the approval of the client.  Although in staging, the end result is directed towards the potential buyer and not the owner, it’s just so gratifying to see the look of stunned amazement on the owner at ‘the big reveal’.

Staging by Josée Lalonde

Iván Meade –  What are you excited about right now in the world of design?

Josée Lalonde -  Sustainability.  It’s so encouraging to see how much the design world has progressed in the aspect of sustainability. I love being a part of that sort of awareness. The recycling and reusing of furniture, the eco-friendly paints and fabrics and the new technologies that surround all of it are really refreshing.  It’s exciting to think we are able to design or redesign our spaces and feel good about it by being mindful of the need to minimize our carbon footprint.

Josée Lalonde

I invite you to discover Josée Lalonde’s work at her website

Ivan Meade is a local designer and principal of Meade Design Group, a multidisciplinary interior and graphic design studio in the heart of downtown Victoria – www.themeadegroup.com

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I have chosen a contemporary collection of tulip vases that I think are stunning – any of which will make this spring season a very special one.

Every tulip season I remember my grandfather telling me the Tulip mania story.  I don’t remember all the details, but that is why we have Wikipedia.

Tulip mania was a period in the Dutch Golden Age during which contract prices for bulbs of the recently introduced Turkish tulips reached extraordinarily high levels and then suddenly collapsed. At the peak of tulip mania in February 1637, tulip contracts sold for more than 10 times the annual income of a skilled craftsman. It is generally considered the first recorded speculative bubble (or economic bubble)  – Wikipedia

Thankfully now days tulips are very affordable and everybody can enjoy them.  Doesn’t matter how beautiful the vase is we can still reflect in their elegance.  Of course, if you can have a vase as inspired as the tulip itself, why not?

ATOMS D’ARGENT – CHRISTOFLE

Designed by Richard Hutten

TULIPA VASE – MODEL 2

Designed by Lotte van Laatum

 STERLING SILVER TULIP VASE

Designed by Daan Brouwer

  DELFT BLUE #5 – MOOOI

Designed by Marcel Wanders

 CORAL VASE

Designed by Norman Trapman

ROYAL DELFT – MOOOI

Designed by Marcel Wanders

 CORAL VASE

Designed by Norman Trapman

DELFT BLUE 12 – MOOOI

Design by Marcel Wanders

 ELEMENTS 003 – MOOOI

Designed by Jaime Hayon

DELFT #4 – MOOOI

Designed by Marcel Wanders

Which one is your favourite?

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Canadian-born designer Garrow Kedigian has been working in New York with his self-titled firm for the last eight years and has found great success in the fields of both interior design and architecture. He has designed urban boutiques, stylish residences and beautiful office spaces for his clients and has been recognized by the media for his efforts. Garrow has been featured in Architectural Digest, House Beautiful, Elle Décor and the New York Times. He was also named one of Traditional Home’s “20 Young Designers to Watch”, and was included in the exclusive Kips Bay decorator show house for 2009.

Garrow’s spaces are varied in style but always show great taste and flair. His sense of proportion, drama and sightlines are the staples of his designs; I love the statement he has included on his website “The architecture is what sets the tone and tells you what you need to do with a space” because I agree with that wholeheartedly. I also enjoy seeing the array of artwork Garrow includes in his spaces and the unique ways he showcases it. His work always appears refined and well put together but not too put together – they seem comfortable and eclectic, the furniture does not look like it was chosen from the same page of a catalogue, each piece has been carefully chosen and has character.

Mr. Kedigian attended McGill University’s architecture program in his hometown of Montreal, Quebec. After completing his formal education Garrow moved to Boston, Massachusetts followed by his current locale, New York, to gain experience with some of the top designers in North America. He now runs his company from his Upper East Side studio/apartment.

If you are looking forward to hearing more about this talented designer as much as I was, please read on…

Iván Meade – What was your first experience with design?

Garrow Kedigian – At age 7, I had an inkling that my parents living room felt off-balance. After carefully studying the room, I decided to try the piano at the opposite side of the room, and surprised even myself at how such a decision made such a giant impact on the space. That opened up my mind to the importance of design, layout, and planning for a room.

Interiors by Garrow Kedigian

Iván Meade – Who or what has influenced your style?

Garrow Kedigian – After graduating from McGill Architecture, I was fortunate enough to get a job working at the office of William Hodgins, one of the best in the Interior Design business. Working for Mr. Hodgins for 6 years certainly shaped, refined and influenced my work: I am often complimented by people who learn I’ve worked with him when they remark ‘I can see that….’ Other noted design influences are Marjorie Shushan, who I worked with when I first came to New York- her calm gracious and extensively thought-out rooms capes are un-paralleled, Jeffrey Bilhuber, who I consider to be one of the greatest design talents of our time, and the Architect Alex Gorlin (the latter two designers I have more recently had the pleasure of collaborating on a few projects with.

Interiors by Garrow Kedigian

Iván Meade – How would you describe your style?

Garrow Kedigian -  Often, when first meeting with new clients, this is one of the first questions they ask me; and I find it a complex one to answer. I guess if I have to give a definitive reply it would be ‘streamlined classic’. I feel good design is sustainable and lasting, and principles which have been learned over the development of a design tradition are rooted in classic principles. This does not necessarily mean the room has to be fussy with florals and chintz, I think even successful modern rooms are based on simple classic principles of organization. My work is definitely founded in the classic, but paired back, and finds itself defined somewhere in between traditional and contemporary, simplified and addresses the fact that we are working today and not in the past.

Interiors by Garrow Kedigian

Iván Meade – What is your design philosophy?

Garrow Kedigian – A well planned space is based on a combination of design inspiration, which is the initial ‘first response’ to a room/ space when walking through if for the first time; this coupled with the culmination of that inspiration using a well structured process of design development. I often start with inspiration sketches, and build upon those with more intricate design drawings, studying massing, scale, proportion. I feel the architecture of the room is symbiotic with the interior design and the two cannot be independent of one another, a successful space is a marriage between the two, and I feel my background trained as an architect helps me in the design development phases of all my projects. A successful room is always defined by a well organized and thought through furniture layout plan,

Interiors by Garrow Kedigian

Iván Meade – How do you feel that growing up in Canada has influenced your style and career in New York?

Garrow Kedigian – Canadians are very European in a way, inherently stylish and understand the importance of quality over quantity. I feel like Montreal was a really lucky place for me to grow –up; the city has distinctive French and British influences in its architecture and design, a very unique place; growing up I took all that for granted, and it’s only now starting to reveal itself as great fortune

Interiors by Garrow Kedigian

Iván Meade – I admire the range of artwork that you feature in your projects, what attracts you to a piece?

Garrow Kedigian – Artwork is often a window into the personality of the client, which is why there is a varied range of works in my projects as you describe- I always leave art to the end of the project, that way I’ve had a chance to get to know my client during the interim of the design/ development stages of the project, and the last shopping expedition is usually the one for art, since it’s such a personal thing. Sometimes clients have their own collection of artwork, which is a consideration in the design phases, but when I have the opportunity to select their artwork, I always select the pieces that I feel reflect the client and (maybe a little selfishly) compliment the design of the space the best!

Interios by Garrow Kedigian

Iván Meade – I’m not going to sugar-coat it, I am very jealous that you got to work on the Kips Bay show house! What was that experience like?

Garrow Kedigian – Kips Bay was an eye-opener- the thing I enjoyed most was watching all the other designers work in their rooms and seeing how everyone does things; similarities in design strategies are comforting and differences are curious and enticing! I had the smallest room at the 2009 Kips Bay Show house, and I wanted it to pack a punch. I gave the space some simple architecture by painting lines/paneling at the walls throughout, which helped pull the space together and dictated the organization of furniture and artwork…

Interiors by Garrow Kedigian

Iván Meade – What are you excited about right now in the world of design?

Garrow Kedigian – I’ve seen many trends in this business, and I’ve tried to avoid them, because I feel trendy isn’t always sustainable; but recently I’ve noticed fabric showrooms commissioning designers to design their fabric lines, which I think is a great idea, since I’m always shopping and thinking ‘if only that came in a larger scale, or if only that one was available in a green color way’… etc. I’ve loved everything I’ve seen in these designer lines so far!

Interiors by Garrow Kedigian

Iván Meade – What would be your dream project?

Garrow Kedigian – I think giving a classic Georgian house a ‘streamlined- make-over’ would be the perfect job; I saw a house a few months back when visiting another client in the suburbs which would be perfect to renovate and create in (of course the dream aspect would include an unlimited budget, and a client who said ‘just do it, and I’ll be back in 6 months’…)

Interiors by Garrow Kedigian

Iván Meade – What project has given you the most satisfaction?

Garrow Kedigian – I would say the Kips Bay Showhouse, since I had a clear and underlying concept for the space, and so many of my designer colleagues appreciated it so much! I felt so fulfilled by this appreciation…

Interiors by Garrow Kedigian

Iván Meade – What is the best advice (design related or otherwise) that you have ever received?

Garrow Kedigian – I think the best advice, both related to design and perhaps can be applied to life in general, was by Marjorie Shushan who told me ‘always be careful to make sure you don’t overdo things…’ which resonates true in everything.

Interiors by Garrow Kedigian

Iván Meade – What are 3 things you each can’t live without?

Garrow Kedigian – the three things I can’t live without are 1) a measuring tape in-tow all the time; 2)Sketching paper and a good pen to sketch/ draw with, 3)My scale ruler…I can’t live without my measuring tape and I always make sure I have one handy, I always measure things when I find something with a pleasing proportion; I’m always sketching and drawing, and I could never leave home without a pen and paper to sketch with, and my scale ruler (which I had a woodworker of mine cut down to fit neatly in my pen case) as I’m always studying plans and measuring dimensions on things…

Interiors by Garrow Kedigian

Iván Meade – What is your next design venture?

Garrow Kedigian – I’ve recently been hired by a client who purchased the apartment of Jaimie Drake (a very well know New York City Interior Designer), Jaimie’s vision and color sense are amazing, and I am excited to see how the client will have me reshape and redesign the space to meet her requirements. It’s an amazing space, with a tremendous and gracious living/ dining room ensuite, with tremendously high ceilings, enormous windows, and the best part is that it is in an old Piano Factory building (!!)

Interiors by Garrow Kedigian

Iván Meade – Lastly, you have already created a stunning body of work with many mediums and styles. What would you like your legacy to be?

Garrow Kedigian – I guess at the end of all this, I’d like to publish a book featuring some of my work and my sketches and drawings, which will hopefully, someday, be inspiring to others who have this passion for design!

Interiors by Garrow Kedigian

I invite you visit Garrows Kedigian’s webiste to discover more of his stunning body of work.

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Santa Monica Pier

After a long day of endless home accessory shopping we decided to take some time off and enjoy a beautiful sunset in California. 

We heard that one of the best places to do this in California was Santa Monica Pier – A legendary landmark for many movies.  This memorable location has a variety of entertainment, dining and shopping experiences, including the thrill rides of Pacific Park; and a historic 1922 Carousel that we never saw. 

We were not disappointed, we got our beautiful sunset and we had lots of fun while I was able to take some pictures to share with you.

I really liked this concrete sculpture

For all the Route 66 fans

Echo and Myself

West Coast Colours

Fast

I had to beat a new record

Echito had to pose for my camera

This is one of favourite shoots of the day

  Our Sunset – The End of the Day

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Today you must rush out to buy the latest issue of BC Home out on news stands.  The reason being that our studio has been featured! Yaaaaaay!

You can find the article “Office Space at Home” [page 45].  Under the section: Inside Design section features our studio, and tips from Meade Design Group on creating a fashionable home office. 

We were very pleased to see our studio being presented in such a beautiful end elegant way in this issue of BC Home.   The text by Jennifer Blyth describes our studio to a tea and Jo-Ann Richards photography is stunning as always. 

If you want to see the before and after pictures you can check out our entry from the day we moved to the studio.

Introducing our New Design Studio

And for even more photographs of the studio check out our website under Studio.

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As seen in SNAP, March 2010.

Victoria McKenney is the Principal and Founder of Enviable Designs, an interior design firm based out of Vancouver that specializes in creating warm and inviting residential spaces. Her tagline “comfortable sophistication” says it all.

Victoria has always had a passion for art, she holds a Bachelors Degree in Art History from UBC as well as interior design training; she also continually travels through Western Europe for inspiration. In addition, Victoria is a member of several design associations including CDECA, NKBA, and the Inter-Society Color Council of New York and has been featured in the Style At Home blog and the recent book, Spectacular Homes of Western Canada. She has also had the distinction of receiving design honours such as the 2009 Professional Design Award competition by the Canadian national CDECA Association in the category of “Best Interior Under $25,000” for a master bedroom re-design in Kitsilano. Victoria was the only British Columbian designer who won first place this year.

I had the pleasure of meeting Victoria over a year ago when we were invited to the evening with Barbara Barry and I am now working with Victoria on revamping her graphic image and business cards. Once I was able to look through her portfolio and got the chance to know her warm and friendly personality I thought she would be a great interview to have on our blog.

Please read on to learn more about this local talent.

Iván Meade – What was your first experience with design?

Victoria McKenney – When I was little, my father had a large collection of yachting magazines. I used to pore over his collection, paying particular attention to the floor plans and imagining the interiors of the boats. I didn’t even know why I liked looking at the plans, there was just something about the line drawings that I found so engaging.

Interiors by Enviable Designs

Iván Meade – Who has influenced your style?

Victoria McKenney – Barbara Barry first and foremost – her classic, clean style has a way of making spaces timeless. I always feel that if a well-designed space doesn’t date easily, that is the mark of true success. I’ve aspired to avoid using trendy objects or materials for exactly this reason; to keep my designed spaces fresh for longer periods of time. I also like Candace Olsen because she’s quite well rounded as a designer, she’s not just a personality that’s been branded as a designer which is so common these days given the popularity of reality tv. Candace can do everything from AutoCAD to design boards to furniture design. I find her style has a warmer feel and frequently extends vertically throughout a space, using every available area to add something to the overall design.

Interiors by Enviable Designs

Iván Meade - How would you describe your style?

Victoria McKenney – Classic and comfortable – soft and sophisticated. I try to stay away from the “it trends” or the next big thing; ideally singling out materials that contribute to a space’s timelessness. I like to think of my style as gender-neutral but obviously as a young female designer I do tend to accessorize with softer more organic items.

Interiors by Enviable Designs

Iván Meade - What do you consider to be your greatest strength as a designer?

Victoria McKenney – I’d say my greatest strength is the ability to compile a client’s goals and visions and translate them into an efficient, comprehensive design concept.

Interiors by Enviable Designs

Iván Meade - You mention that you enjoy repeatedly exploring Western Europe, what inspires you most about these travels and how do you interpret this in your designs?

Victoria McKenney – I’m influenced strongly by my surroundings; whether I’m in Rome or Vancouver Island. I’m always picking up little things here and there. After returning from an Italy trip years ago my style was quite obviously affected; the materials and age of the Mediterranean décor inspired me to use more natural stones and character rich materials to give spaces an aged, impressive ambience.

Interiors by Enviable Designs

Iván Meade - How/why did you start your own firm? Could you tell me a little about the history of your company?

Victoria McKenney – I grew up under the guidance of my father’s entrepreneurial spirit and I saw the benefits of it from an early age. I wanted that flexibility and control for myself as I just couldn’t see working for a someone else’s design company; the way so many designers start out. I wanted to work for myself and with the freedom to choose my own projects and design direction. It was an ambitious entrance into the design sector but I feel it was the only way I could personally work and develop my trade.

Interiors by Enviable Designs

Iván Meade - We recently worked together on revamping your graphic identity; how important is your graphic identity to your business’ success in Vancouver?

Victoria McKenney – Until recently we didn’t have a single graphic mark or definite logo for the company. All of our promotional materials, etc were based simply on the company name and my name so we felt it was time to equate the company with an easily recognizable mark, a stamp of excellence of sorts. The new brand is the summary of all of our goals for the company and we’re very proud of how its all come together. With regards to company success I feel that the new graphic identity will dramatically increase the Vancouver publics awareness of our brand.

Iván Meade - Do you consider being young in the business as advantage or disadvantage?

Victoria McKenney – Both. Sometimes clients assume that I am inexperienced because of my age although with 6 years of designing interiors, I feel well versed in my trade. I still learn something on every project I work on and hope that to be the case forever. Being young also means, however, that I’m armed with fresh new ideas and positive energy. I gave a design lecture at a the University Women’s Club in Vancouver years ago and the women there were stunned at my age, yet clients frequently remark on my maturity and professionalism. I see both sides on every single contact.

Interiors by Enviable Designs

Iván Meade - What was it like to be published in “Spectacular Homes of Western Canada”?

Victoria McKenney – Fulfilling. It was a wonderful new direction for me, to see my work published in a book format, even though I’d been poring over those project photos for months and that specific project for more than a year. But when the book was published it made that project feel so much more real and rewarding – it was also excellent closure for my largest project to date.

Interiors by Enviable Designs

Iván Meade - Last year we both had the opportunity to attend a dinner in honour of Barbara Barry. What was your impression of the event?

Victoria McKenney – It was great to meet in person such a design icon, and specifically MY design icon. What I found amazing about her was that her personal style was a complete reflection of her design style (or vice versa?). She IS classic. Also I was pleasantly surprised at her explanations for the new fabric and wallpaper lines and how they were inspired and influenced from a recent trip to Japan, but also from the colors and patterns of the Pacific Northwest, from where she spends significant amounts of time.

Interiors by Enviable Designs

Iván Meade - What are you excited about right now in the world of design?

Victoria McKenney – I’m excited that eco design is becoming more accessible. Not only are there more products on the market to choose from but that the cost is no longer as prohibitive as it once was. Within the next 5 years, I think most design elements will have green alternatives and I hope to capitalize on this with my designs.

Interiors by Enviable Designs

Iván Meade – What project gave you the most satisfaction?

Victoria McKenney – A large new-build waterfront home in Whiterock, BC. I was involved from the time the foundation was poured so to see it finished nearly two years later was a major achievement. The project had complicated design schemes and I was thoroughly entrenched in every element of the design. It was a significant challenge and an even bigger reward upon completion.

Interiors by Enviable Designs

Iván Meade - What would your dream project be?

Victoria McKenney – I would love to work on a new build vacation home on the sunshine coast. I recently visited Tofino and was inspired by the ocean and dramatic coastal landscapes. I’ve never worked with west coast contemporary architecture and I think the challenge would be thrilling.

Interiors by Enviable Designs

Iván Meade - What is your next design venture?

Victoria McKenney – I am currently putting together a team of designers and CAD experts so that Enviable Designs can take on larger scoped projects. I love the challenges of problem solving that new builds and renovations naturally produce and hope to concentrate on these types of projects.. Down the road, my dream would be to design a boutique hotel in Vancouver.

Interiors by Enviable Designs

Iván Meade - Lastly, you have already created a stunning body of work in your signature style. What would you like your legacy to be?

Victoria McKenney – I would like to be known for not only my strong design sense but my highly, individualized personal approach to each project. I take great pride in every design job I work on and hope that my positive and gracious nature I strive for in every job will be my legacy.

I invite you to visit Victoria’s website at:

and support her blog at:

Ivan Meade is a local designer and principal of Meade Design Group, a multidisciplinary interior and graphic design studio in the heart of downtown Victoria – www.themeadegroup.com

PRODUCT

Jolle Chair

COLLECTION

Piet Boon Zone

DESIGNER

Piet Boon

COLOURS

Black, Dark Brown, Chestnut, Cognac, Natural

MATERIALS

Laser cut frame painted black, interior-sprung (webbing) and cold foam seat cushion, and cold foam filled back cushion covered with Dacron.  The chair is entirely upholstered in thick, luxurious  saddle leather.

DIMENSIONS

Width: 105 cm
Depth: 85 cm
Height: 75 cm

WEIGHT

24.2 Kg

DESCRIPTION

Meticulous attention to the finer details of style characterizes this
elegant, light armchair. JOLLE has a solid steel frame and is upholstered in chic leather.

YUMMY FACTOR

Quietly Satisfying!!!

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Carrie Fundingsland of HousePlay Inc. is a recent recipient of House Beautiful Magazine’s list of the next 20 designers to watch, her portfolio is filled with warm, lively, and beautiful spaces that have been admired by clients, celebrities and critics alike. She also maintains an online store called “House and Wear” and is launching a new line of eco-friendly fabrics in late 2010, drawing inspiration from nature and her cultural influences from being raised on a reservation in her hometown of Montana.

Carrie went to U of M to study Art History, she then found her passion and continued her education at the Art Institute of Seattle for the interior design program, graduating in 1995. She began her career at Pindler and Pindler where she developed her fondness for fabrics, in 1999 she moved to LA and became the head of the interior design department at an antique and custom furniture store, where she has said that she was able to develop her customer relations skills and furniture manufacturing. It wasn’t until Carrie became pregnant with her first daughter that she branched out on her own to form HousePlay Inc., and she has never looked back.

Vignette by Carrie Fundingsland

Carrie has been fortunate enough to design around the world, in her hometown of Montana, Tel Aviv, Shanghai, Park City, Palm Springs and of course, locally in LA. She works with a range of clients in a variety of styles, most are repeat clients who as Carrie to assist them with their office or second home after their pleasant first experience. Her designs are fresh, warm, comfortable, chic and refined. Her combinations of rustic elements, style periods and textures maintain her personal aesthetic while adapting to different client needs and styles; one can see that she never forces her style on her clients homes, each space is uniquely tailored to the needs of the home and its inhabitants.

Please read on for this talented designer’s input on design…

Iván Meade – What was your first experience with design?

Carrie Fundingsland – My earliest memory is from when I was about 8 or 9 years old. I remember completely rearranging my parents’ living room while they were both away at work. I grew up in the country and as kids, my brother and I were left alone to our own devises. I was always moving art or furniture, and creating vignettes from whatever had caught my eye that day while meandering in the mountains behind my parents’ property.

Interiors by Carrie Fundingsland

Iván Meade – Who or what has influenced your style?

Carrie Fundingsland – I get a lot of inspiration from textiles. Whenever I start a new project the first thing I do is pull fabrics. A whole house can fall into place for me if I find that one perfect piece. I may never even use it in the project – I’ll just draw color combinations or vibe from it and go from there.

Interiors by Carrie Fundingsland

Iván Meade – How would you describe your style?

Carrie Fundingsland – I like no fuss. And balance. I can stand in an empty house and within a few minutes, I’ll know by the energy of the home where and what colors should be used, how the furniture and flow of the house should be, even down to the artwork and accessories. This can get me in a bit of trouble sometimes, making it hard to find what I saw in my “vision”, but at the end of the day, my initial instinct has never done me wrong.

Interiors by Carrie Fundingsland

Iván Meade – Your website mentions that you started your own firm after becoming pregnant with your first daughter, have your children inspired your work/career in any other ways?

Carrie Fundingsland – I have two girls and they both inspire me in different ways. Anika, my oldest, loves color. Her goal is to wear “every color of the rainbow” at any given time. She has no fear when it comes to mixing patterns and colors and this helps remind me to take risk. Afton, on the other hand inspires me in a whole different way. Everything for her has to be exactly how she imagines it to be, no deviation. She’s stubborn and will fight you tooth and nail until she gets what she wants. I admire her confidence and her determination.

Interiors by Carrie Fundingsland

Iván Meade – I enjoy that you feature children’s rooms you have designed on your website (not many designers do), which I think is so fun. Are they a favourite room of yours to design?

Carrie Fundingsland – I do enjoy working on children’s rooms. I like getting in the room and sitting on the floor, looking at the space from a child’s perspective and designing it according to how they’ll see it. I also love when the parents are open to letting their child participate in the design process. They usually have definite ideas on how there space should be, down to the color and where they want their furniture. Of course, I don’t always go with all of their suggestions, but I will design around a lot of their thoughts and input.

Interiors by Carrie Fundingsland

Iván Meade – What is your design philosophy?

Carrie Fundingsland – It’s very important to me to design around my clients’ taste and style, rather than my own. I want the house to reflect whom they are and what their lifestyle is, not how I would live in the space. I think that’s why I’ve been so successful. You can see by my website that I am comfortable doing any type of house, whether it being a Spanish Revival, a Mid-Century Modern, or a Traditional. It’s important to me that I don’t have a “signature” style. It would be my worst nightmare if someone could walk into a home and know immediately that I am the one that designed it. I love it when my clients or colleagues walk into a new space I’ve created and they say “wow, I had no idea you could do ______.” It keeps them guessing and interested in what I do.

Interiors by Carrie Fundingsland

Iván Meade – In addition to your design firm, you also run an online store with many unique lines. Any plans to sell your own line of home or fashion accessories?

Carrie Fundingsland – I’ve thought about it, but honestly enjoy finding the up-and-comers and giving them exposure. There are so many talented people out there. I really just use the online store as my own personal, little jewelry box. Everything on the site, are items that I love and would use in my own home.

Interiors by Carrie Fundingsland

Iván Meade – What are 3 things you can’t live without?

Carrie Fundingsland – Good lighting – lamps, sconces, recessed, natural, you name it. I’m very particular about lighting. I also couldn’t survive without natural linen. Something about the texture, the color, the way it drapes – for me it’s essential. And, last but not least, my family. Without their love, support and encouragement, I’d be nothing.

Interiors by Carrie Fundingsland

Iván Meade – What are you excited about right now in the world of design?

Carrie Fundingsland – I love what’s happening in landscape design – people using indigenous plants, growing their own food, creating outdoor living spaces. I think it’s so exciting. I’m working on a project right now that has an entire kitchen, dining and living room in the garden. It’s so much fun!

Interiors by Carrie Fundingsland

Iván Meade – What would be your dream project?

Carrie Fundingsland – I have an idea for a project in Montana that would incorporate everything I love – fine food and drink, nature, art, and gathering of friends and family. When I’m working long hours, I use that dream of mine as my motivation.

Interiors by Carrie Fundingsland

Iván Meade – What project has given you the most satisfaction?

Carrie Fundingsland – I take pride in everything I do, whether big or small. I treat every project the same, regardless of size or budget. To me it’s about forming long lasting relationships and trust. I do have to say, my own home is what gives me the most satisfaction though. Creating a space that reflects all that I am and is a comfortable space for my friends and family to relax in is by far my proudest achievement.

Interiors by Carrie Fundingsland

Iván Meade – Oftentimes designers have other creative hobbies, you also have an art history background – do you partake in any creative pastimes?

Carrie Fundingsland – It’s funny that you ask. Just last night I was running through my head all the things that I miss doing – hobbies I did before running my own business and raising a family. I am really interested in fashion design, nothing to mass market, just unique pieces I can wear myself. I also miss painting. I’ve barely picked up a brush since I left art school. I’d love to find the time to take some fine arts classes, perhaps in oils or charcoal.

Interiors by Carrie Fundingsland

Iván Meade – Designing your first line of fabrics must be an amazing experience. The news section of your website states that it will be inspired by nature and your culture from growing up on a first nations reservation – could you elaborate for us?

Carrie Fundingsland – It’s actually a collaboration with my mother. She’s a fine artist and sculptor, and has a long history of working with leather. We have very different visions – she’s very detailed, where I am more loose and free flowing – which has made it a bit challenging working together. The line is going to be a modern take on Western and Native American themes. I’ve also incorporated a lot of plants native to the area I grew up in. We’re starting with prints and then hope to add in some textures.

Interiors by Carrie Fundingsland

Iván Meade – What is your next design venture?

Carrie Fundingsland – I am just starting a new project in Hancock Park, a Historical District located here in Los Angeles. It was built in 1914 and architecturally is one of the most stunning homes I’ve ever been in. It’s only on its third owner, so the home is mostly untouched. The new owners are young and hip, but want to keep the integrity of the home. We’re going to use a fresh palette and give it a bit of a modern edge while still staying true to the architecture and details. What’s also fun about this new project, is it is one of my husband’s favorite homes in Los Angeles. We’ve been driving by it for years so he could just ooh and aah. He used to be an architect, so this project is just as exciting for him as it is for me.

Interiors by Carrie Fundingsland

Iván Meade – Lastly, you have already created a stunning body of work with many mediums and styles. What would you like your legacy to be?

Carrie Fundingsland – I don’t think good interior design is going to save the world, but I do hope what I do can inspire people to look at things a little differently. I like a bit of whimsy – or the unexpected – just enough to keep one’s interest, or get a reaction. So many people are on auto-pilot that if what I’ve created can shake them loose, even for a minute, I feel like I’ve succeeded.

I invite you to visit Carrie Fundingsland’s beautiful portfolio at:

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Jenny Martin

As seen in SNAP, February 2010.

Jenny Martin is a local design talent here in Victoria, BC; she combines her education at U of M (for Architecture) and VIU (for Interior Design) with years of experience and travel to form a beautiful fusion of classic elegance and West-Coast style.

Her firm, Jenny Martin Design (or JMD), has completed many residential projects including custom and seasonal homes in addition to commercial endeavours such as offices, developments, retail shops and restaurants. Many of these projects have been featured in national and international publications including Style at Home and Kitchen Trends.

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I wanted to learn more about this talented designer and get to know her, so I asked her for an interview to get her input on current trends and her personal take on design. Please read on to learn more about Jenny and her firm…

Iván Meade – What is your favourite design find?

Jenny Martin – I don’t think I can pick just one! I have a favourite design find everyday! We are constantly sourcing the globe for the perfect piece or material for each project. But if I had to pick just one… I would have to say it’s the work of local artist Laura Harris. 

Art by Laura Harris

Iván Meade – Why is it important to you?

Jenny Martin – Laura’s artwork is such a source of inspiration, her abstract use of colour, light and texture is absolutely stunning.

Interiors by JMD

Iván Meade – How does this item reflect upon your personal design philosophy?

Jenny Martin – I like to create spaces that are calm, comfortable and inviting. Our lives are hectic enough, Laura’s artwork works perfectly in simple inviting spaces, her paintings are strong and vivid while still serene and peaceful.

Interiors by JMD

Iván Meade – What was your first experience with design?

Jenny Martin – I grew up with parents who owned a company that built stage scenery, window displays and casino interiors; from around the time I could walk I’ve been surrounded by creative problem solving artists!! My parents were, and still are, a great source of inspiration.

Interiors by JMD

Iván Meade – Who or what has influenced your style?

Jenny Martin – Nature, fashion and photography. I love watching how spaces photograph, it makes future designs even stronger knowing how light responds to forms and textures.

Interiors by JMD

Iván Meade – How would you describe your style?

Jenny Martin – Ever evolving. My goal as a designer is to really understand my clients’ desires and create spaces that reflect their personal style and life experiences while solving their design challenges. I think you get to see more of my personal style when asked to design show suites and lottery homes. Its inevitable when given cart blanche!! That being said, deep down I’m an artist and doing the same thing twice isn’t appealing so I guess that’s why my taste is constantly evolving!

Interiors by JMD

Iván Meade – What designers of past and present do you admire most?

Jenny Martin – I love the work of Barbara Barry and Kelly Hoppen. I love the sophisticated elegance Barbara Barry brings to her work (furniture, fabrics and interiors.) Kelly Hoppen does a incredible job of marrying east and west to create simple contemporary spaces which she accessorizes fearlessly with repetition of vases, silks, linens and velvet to create a calm Zen aesthetic.

Design Icons.. There are so many that I Admire; Corbusier, Coco Channel, Mies Van Der Rohe, Charles Eames, Aalto, Frank Lloyd Wright…

Interiors by JMD

Iván Meade – What do you consider to be your greatest strength and your greatest weakness?

Jenny Martin – My greatest strength is my ability to understand what a client wants. I (knock on wood) have never had a client say, “no, that’s not at all what I was thinking..” It’s about listening and actually understanding what they’re thinking, not about selling them something.

My greatest weakness – Perfectionism… To some people the details are unimportant, to me they are key elements that bring the vision to life.

Interiors by JMD

Iván Meade – You began your career in hospitality design, but seem to have shifted more into residential in recent years. Do you have a favourite sector of design that you like to work in? If so, what is it that you enjoy about that type of project?

Jenny Martin – I really enjoy working with residential clients, from small renovations to huge custom homes, working with the end user is so much more personal. That being said, retail design is high on my list too. The turn around for retail design is fast and exciting and we can get really creative with the design concept!!

Interiors by JMD

Iván Meade – What are 5 things you can’t live without?

Jenny Martin –

1) Light – I have a fascination with how light makes everything come alive. It doesn’t matter how beautiful a space is laid out, designed or decorated if the lighting isn’t there it will all fall flat.

2) Travel – I love collecting inspiration from around the globe, a couple months ago I was lucky enough to go to Israel and visit the historic cities of Jerusalem, Masada and the Port City of Jaffa. Its inspiring to see building that are still absolutely stunning thousands of years later.

3) Design Books and Magazines. 
4) Knowledge – I am always learning about the latest and greatest innovations in design materials, applications and environmental options. It’s inspiring!!

5) The Sun – It re-charges my soul!!

Interiors by JMD

Iván Meade – What are you excited about right now in the world of design?

Jenny Martin – I love designing with light! I love the way spaces can be transformed with properly layered architectural lighting mixed with accent lighting.

 
Relying on decorative fixtures to light a room is a mistake; you should be able to dim those fixtures to a level that highlights them as the art pieces and fill the room with ambient light from an alternate source.

Interiors by JMD

Iván Meade – I noticed in your portfolio that you worked with a graphic design studio on their new offices, what was it like to work with a graphic designer on their interior? Were you able to feed off of each other’s creativity?

Jenny Martin – It was a fabulous experience! Graphic designers, like us, are visual people with the same obsession for colour, form and composition so it was a lot of fun helping them shape their ideas into a work environment that was both functional and funky and with a tight budget!

We were working with a historic building downtown and wanted to keep it edgy and open. By incorporating air-line cable and suspended plexi-glass panels we were able to create division while still keeping areas open for collaborating ideas.

Interiors by JMD

Iván Meade – What would be your dream project?

Jenny Martin – I would love to work on another Lottery Home, a “W” hotel, or a Las Vegas Casino!

Interiors by JMD

Iván Meade – What project has given you the most satisfaction?

Jenny Martin – We’ve recently been working with Innovative Access Solutions renovating homes to make them more accessible for the people living with disabilities. One of the latest projects involved designing a space station kitchen for a young man living with autism. It’s rewarding to see how the right design elements can make such a difference in the quality of their lives.

Interiors by JMD

Iván Meade – Just because I feel as though we need to get to know each other little better as colleagues, I thought it would be fun to ask you a fun fact about yourself; what is something about Jenny Martin that our readers won’t know?

Jenny Martin – I love cooking, and lately I’m addicted to Thai! In the New Year I’m hoping to make it to Thailand to take an authentic cooking course.

Drafting by JMD

Iván Meade – Can you tell me what your next design venture is?

Jenny Martin – After working with so many great clients on so many incredible projects, I’m really excited starting construction on our house this spring.

I’m just putting the finishing details on the constriction drawings and I hope to have them in for permit in the next week or two. We’re going to incorporate as many environmentally responsible design elements as possible to comply with “Built Green.”

 Interiors by JMD

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Iván Meade – Lastly, you have already created a stunning body of work with many mediums and styles. What would you like your legacy to be?

Jenny Martin – I would like to be remembered for designing spaces (and furniture) that stand the test of time and are as beautiful 50 years from now as they are today.

I invite you to discover Jenny Martin work at her website :

Ivan Meade is a local designer and principal of Meade Design Group, a multidisciplinary interior and graphic design studio in the heart of downtown Victoria – www.themeadegroup.com

PRODUCT

FYN Bridge Chair

MANUFACTURE

Roche Bobois

COLLECTION

Les Contemporains

DESIGNER

Design Studio GioFra

MATERIALS

Chrome steel frame upholstered in split leather. Available in 34 colours.

DIMENSIONS

L.56 X H.75 X D.61 cm

DESCRIPTION

I love the lines and the personality of this chair by french maker Roche Bobois.

The visual weight of the piece is very comfortable to the eyes and you cannot beat the fact that you can get this chair in 34 different colours.   

This chair is what I call a truly transitional piece.  You can use this chair in a contemporary setting or mixed with antiques.

YUMMY FACTOR

C’est Fantastique !!!!

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Jason Martin is a new and innovative designer based in Los Angeles, California with his firm, Jason Martin Design. I greatly value his work and believe that we share many of the same philosophies/priorities at the onset of the project; such as respecting the architecture of the space, creating something timeless that can evolve over time with elements of the unexpected and sophisticated combinations. Clean lines, ornate details, bold graphic patterns and an array of materials coexist harmoniously to create comfortable and beautiful interiors and furniture.

Jason also has a brilliant mind for marketing; his program, DIY+ is an affordable solution for clients who cannot afford his full range of services. For a predetermined price, Jason will create a concept for the space including a plan book showing suggestions for furnishings, layouts and materials. In addition to the clever DIY+ program, Jason is also a fellow blogger and maintains a great blog at http://jasonmartindesign.blogspot.com/ which is savvy not only to design but current events and local issues as well.

Vignette by Jason Martin

Originally a co-owner of Silho Furniture, Jason has a rich background in design experience and has changed his focus to designing interiors and furniture for private clients.

Jason is sure to be going places and has already been featured on several blogs and was even named one of House Beautiful Magazine’s list of the next 20 designers to watch.

Keep your eyes and ears open for this one, and read on to learn more about this promising newcomer (you will surely intrigue and impress any fellow design aficionados when you direct them to his website and blog!).

Iván Meade – What was your first experience with design?

Jason Martin – At 16 my first real job was assisting a husband and wife design team in my hometown of Amarillo, TX. They had a retail store too. It was very old school and traditional-  we did everything for the clients. Even during the holidays I would string lights for the clients’ Christmas trees. That job started my appreciation for the rules of classic design.  I was well versed in the ways of Mark Hampton, Parish Hadley and the like at an early age.

  Interior by Jason Martin

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Iván Meade – Did you always want to be an interior designer?

Jason Martin – Yes, and it’s a good thing because I am really not qualified to do anything else.

  Interior by Jason Martin

Iván Meade – Do you consider being young in the business as advantage or a disadvantage?

Jason Martin – Definitely an advantage.  I think I am very lucky to have figured out what I wanted to do at an early age. I can’t remember ever seriously wanting to work anywhere other than around furniture and design. From my first job on, I pretty much took any position that was even remotely related to either. So by the time I went out on my own I had done just about every job you could in retail or design. And from that, I know how hard you have to work at every level. 

  Interior by Jason Martin

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Iván Meade – How would you describe your style?

Jason Martin – I really have no idea but I hope that it can’t be summed up in a tight little phrase.  I think that is the death knell of any style.  My aesthetic is modern, certainly not a minimalist modern but it is tailored and clean. I always try to achieve a classic sense of balance and proportion. And I like spaces that have tension in the materials and furnishings. Oddly enough, I think that tension goes a long way to making the room feel warm, relaxed and happy.

  Interior by Jason Martin

Iván Meade – Who or what has influenced your style?

Jason Martin – I have always played this game in my head – I try to figure out what something or someone would translate to in design. Like what is the spatial equivalent of a Nick Drake song; how would you pull off that spare but warm feeling he achieves in Cello Song. Or what would a Thom Browne suit look like if it were a room.  It is easy to be too literal and rigid with inspiration. Sometimes it’s better if the back-story of a design is harder to figure out.

Interior by Jason Martin

Iván Meade – What are you excited about right now in the world of design?

Jason Martin – The possibilities. When do we ever take the time to stop and reflect on how our industry is progressing? If we don’t take the opportunity to do that now, in this slowed down economy, we never will. I think we should take our cue from what is happening in food- let’s move on from big, cheap and quick and focus on slow, sustainable and quality.

Interior by Jason Martin

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Iván Meade – What does it feel like to be announced as one of Top 20 Young Designers in America by House Beautiful?

Jason Martin – It is a great feeling to be recognized by a publication like House Beautiful. They are one of my favorites and it is definitely encouraging to hear that a top magazine expects you will be at the top of your field. For them to make a list of designers to watch, especially when so many design magazines are struggling, is a very positive thing. It shows they too are looking forward and are excited about what is to come.

Iván Meade – What project has given you the most satisfaction?

Jason Martin – There isn’t one specific project but there is always a point in each design where the space starts to reflect the client’s personality. That is the most satisfying part of my work.

  Interior by Jason Martin

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Iván Meade – What would be your dream project?

Jason Martin – I would love to be able to design a whole neighbourhood. Not like a new development but maybe a block or two in a “down on its luck” section of town.  Every city has them – those streets you can tell were once really charming but now you drive down them and think, “What happened here?” I love the idea of reviving places that others have written off as too far gone. I think good design can spread just as quickly as neglect can.  I am a sucker for a stray dog too!

Interior by Jason Martin

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Iván Meade – You have a very interesting new service called DIY + Do It Yourself Plus – Services like this are new in what some people call the democratization of design or making the design affordable to everybody – What is your view on this?

Jason Martin – I am all for the democratization of design. I hate the idea that design is only for the privileged.  The better design gets at every level the more society understands its importance. I think good design should be available as long as you are willing to take the time to do the work. What I am doing with DIY+ is taking the guesswork out of hiring a designer. I tried to make it as black and white as possible so a client knows the price, the plan and the process before they sign on.  I think putting the client at ease with the method has a strong positive influence on the design.  The trade off with DIY+ is that my job is creating the master plan. The actual work of carrying out the plan is up to the client.

  Interior by Jason Martin

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Iván Meade – I believe one of your strengths is in furniture design. All your pieces are always exquisitely well done – Where do you get your inspiration?

 
Jason Martin – My first venture into furniture design was with my former business partner, Michelle Wayson (we owned Silho Furniture together). We really tried to design pieces that we felt were missing from the market. The idea was to build what we each were looking for to furnish our own homes- something with better quality and design than you get at chain stores but more affordable than at designer showrooms.  For the most part that is how I still design for my clients. I think they appreciate having furniture that they won’t see in a friends house or on sale in a catalogue next month.

  Interior by Jason Martin

Iván Meade – What is your next design venture?

Jason Martin – Lately I have been so focused on designing for private clients that its been too long since I just sat down to design out of inspiration rather than specification. If the opportunity came along I would love to create a line of furniture to sell in a showroom again. I also want to branch out into fabric, wallpaper and accessories. What designer wouldn’t?

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The sophisticated and contemporary interior design of Viceroy Riviera Maya will be created by Kelly Wearstler, while featuring contemporary Mexican architecture  envisioned by Legorreta + Legorreta, OHL investors group and  the ultra famous The Kor Group  are proud to unveil Viceroy Mayakoba, Riviera Maya.

 Architecture by Legorreta + Legorreta

The Residences at Viceroy Mayakoba are beyond stunning.  The Architecture showcases incredible high ceilings  with coves that reflect light in unexpected ways, the large windows create an open feel playing with the ocean on one side and the jungle on the other.

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The patio is one of my favourite moments  – the architecture becomes the frame of its surroundings and the table part of the architecture.  The rustic bench has a modern feel bringing a textural quality while the sphere seats bring a sculptural sense to the space while serving like furniture.

Interior Design by Kelly Wearstler

Step into a distinctly elegant vision that interprets classic Mexican moods in a modern context. Custom furnishings, exotic finishes and a very natural colour scheme inspired in the Mayan culture.

This place is also a historic opportunity to discover the wonders of my homeland.  Many of the most notable Mayan sites are an easy day trip from Viceroy Mayakoba. Among them are Coba, one of the largest Mayan cities, Chichen Itzá, famous for the 91-step Kukulcan pyramid, and Tulúm, a walled Mayan port city perched above scenic beaches.

“The true beauty in nature, as in human beings, cannot be discovered at once.  The same is true for buildings.  We enjoy the challenge of discovering them little by little, each time in a slightly different way. To us architecture without touch of mystery is not genuine”

Legorreta + Legorreta

 VICEROY – MAYAKOBA

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As designers ourselves, we know Mr.David Easton best as a master of wallpaper and fabric design. However, Mr.Easton is also an architect and interior designer, known for much more. He is one of the leaders in neoclassical design and architecture but can tackle any style. His architectural work is stunning and looks like it could fit right in with a heritage town, or stand out on its own in a modern city. His use of materials, proportions, balance and detail is impeccable. David’s residential and hospitality interiors range from classical, to comfortable contemporary. He is a master of layering patterns, textures, colours and forms to create rooms that are beautiful but completely liveable; they can be traditional without being stuffy, and comfortable without being too casual. Never too masculine or too feminine. He has a way of always bringing a sense of sophisticated elegance into everything he does.

David Easton’s lines of fabrics and trim (with Lee Jofa) and wallpapers (with Cole & Son) are not only stunning, but extremely versatile. He has a paper or fabric to match every design period or, create a fabulous juxtaposition with different styles. He also has brilliant collections with Walter’s Wickers (wicker furniture) and Robert Abbey (light fixtures), that are certainly worth looking through.

Mr.Easton received his degree in architecture from Pratt Institute in 1963 and had the opportunity to study with several influential mentors such as Sibyl Moholy-Nagy (the widow of one of the founders of the Bauhaus) and Edward Wormley (whose Dunbar line of furniture now holds a permanent place in the Museum of Modern Art). After working for firms, (including Parish-Hadley, where he discovered a love for decorating) he was able to open his own firm in 1972, propelling himself into celebrity status in the 1980’s with his English-style interiors. More recently, David has become enamoured with a more streamlined, contemporary style.

  Architecture by David Easton

Mr. Easton has had many honours bestowed upon him. In addition to his enlightening lectures, he has also been awarded the Classical America’s Arthur Ross Award (twice), the Lifetime Achievement award at London’s Design & Decoration Awards, and was inducted into the Interior Design Hall of Fame in 1992. He has also graced the pages of Architectural Digest, Elle Décor and House and Garden, among others.

Please read on to learn more about this talented designer…

Iván Meade - What was your first experience with design?

David Easton – This is a strange answer – but the first impact I had of the “design world” was spending summers at my grandmother’s house outside of Chicago and going to Marshall Fields & Company’s 8^th floor where, as a child, I could get off the escalator look across a small garden into a house beyond and walk into that house with a Living Room, Dining Room, Bedroom etc. which was a fantasy for me and still remains what I feel a direct impact – and part fantasy obviously.

Interiors by David Easton

Iván Meade - Who or what has influenced your style?

David Easton – I’ve had an architectural and decorating education and there are many threads woven into that but I would say in a very general way, A) the history of the past and B) the exciting new world of the future and its technology and incremental change which is going to affect design beyond anything history has ever provided before.

Interiors by David Easton

Iván Meade - Once I read that you have always been attracted to neoclassical in its purest, almost modern, form – How would you describe your style?

David Easton – Yes I have been influenced by neo-classicism, the neo-classicism of especially Schinkel in Germany has always been a strong influence in my design and I feel that because neo-classicism while it had two feet in the past also had a foot in the future and Schinkel and Sohn certainly developed a cleanness of line and a purity of design in a traditional way that gave it a new step forward.

Architecture by David Easton

Iván Meade - What designers of past and present do you admire most?

David Easton – Albert Hadley, whom I’ve had the honor of working with many years ago.  He is a gentleman, and a true artist.  He successfully bridges the gap between the past and the future. 

  Interiors by David Easton

Iván Meade - What inspires your fabric and wallpaper designs? 

David Easton – I think there are 3 issues that are involved 1) involved in the practice of architecture and decorating and so I’m constantly in contact with needs and comments 2) my longstanding relationship with Lee Jofa in designing textiles and 3) travel – I have an insatiable desire to travel I have been over most of this globe as high up as Bhutan to as low down as the Archipelago and am now planning another trip to Turkey, Australia and New Zealand and next summer back to Turkey, India and – these three have all been enormous influences in my interest in textile design

Wallpaper Design by David Easton

Fabric Design by David Easton

Iván Meade - Do you have a favorite technique or printing process that you like to use for your fabric and wallpapers?

David Easton – I love woven textures. In the printing process I particularly prefer fabric with a slight texture and am amazed at the richness of the process of metallic colors in these fabrics.

Interiors by David Easton

Iván Meade - Do you think technology has affected the creative process of your product lines?

David Easton – Absolutely – the issue of doing carpets in Hungary traveling two hours to watch people manufacture carpets is a world that’s in the past and the future is the technology of everything.  From the very instance of a sketch or design idea thru computer technology, computer rendering etc. is given a cleaner more critically defined design to product all over the world and that is true of the things I’m doing today.

Interiors by David Easton

Iván Meade - What do you consider to be your greatest strength and your greatest weakness?

David Easton.-

Strength: the ability to envision and draw both architecture interiors and a live product of furniture, lighting and textiles. To be able to sit down, sketch out a house, place it’s furniture, organize it’s general landscaping and then to be able to go beyond that to be able to detail millwork, place electrical plans etc. is a blessing both by hand and not in my case by computer – I assure that I have a strong feeling that computer technology and CAD systems covers a multitude of sins in terms of the fact that the line by computer makes everything look perfect when it takes the eye and the movement of a pencil across a piece of paper!

Weakness: trying to accomplish more than I am able – as time goes on I’ve learned how to edit and I’ve learned how to deal with more than an 8 hour 5 day a week life – but I’m excited by what I do and I am enticed by the creative process that’s involved.

Interiors by David Easton

Iván Meade - What is your guilty pleasure?

David Easton – I know that I sound like an early puritan – but I can’t think of very much that I feel guilty about – if there was one thing it would be trying to balance together too much – trying to manage my life, my design office, travel and many friends it becomes a full time ballet.

Interiors by David Easton

Iván Meade - What are 5 things you can’t live without?

David Easton – Friends, travel, challenge, a glass of red wine, books

Interiors by David Easton

Iván Meade - What are you excited about right now in the world of design? 

David Easton – Challenge!! The exciting changes that are taking place in our new global world is something that bring attention and excitement to everything we’ve ever done in the past as we proceed to do it in the future whatever our professions may be.

Interiors by David Easton

Iván Meade – Do you have a piece from any of your collections that is your favorite?

David Easton.-

Lee Jofa – a new fabric line which is a global line of design which was inspired by traveling to Asia and Africa.

Lee Jofa Products by David Easton

Visual Comfort – a new star fixture

Guy Chaddock – a curved “Scaparelli” sofa

Safavieh – a new line of very flat woven textured carpets in asymmetrical and sometimes ethnic patterns, softer color and more modern.

 SAFAVIEH – David Easton Collection

Iván Meade - What would be your dream project?

David Easton – The next project that includes a piece of land with a house to be built, interiors to be completed and the interior furnishings to be designed and working with a marvelous landscape architect to put it all together – we’re now working on a project somewhat like that in Mexico.

Interiors by David Easton

Iván Meade - What project has given you the most satisfaction?

David Easton – Any project that has involved the house, it’s gardens and landscape – we’ve had many wonderful projects and I can look back on one project in Virginia where it involves a house, stables, a chapel, a log cabin and other buildings on the estate – peripherally a project in Scotland and a boat – those are exciting. That’s the kind of totality that takes up your life and gives you a big canvas to work with and an exciting and enticing goal to complete.

  Interiors by David Easton

Iván Meade - What is your next design venture?

David Easton – We are working on a boat that is being built outside of Amsterdam, as well as several projects in New York City.  There are also several projects in Chicago and a lovely development in Malibu, CA.

Interiors by David Easton

Iván Meade - Lastly, you have already created a stunning body of work with many mediums and styles. What would you like your legacy to be?

David Easton – I have a very long view of past, present and future.  I think the era of a Palladio, a Schinkel, or a Robert Adam is a period of time that is over and in this global world there will be much work but it will be simpler and less complicated.

If there was a legacy I think it would be the legacy, simply felt of having done what I consider created beautiful homes for people and the issue of people I’ve met and worked with – both young architects and designers in the office – the craftspeople I’ve met and worked with across this globe and all of this would be a legacy that I left with the people I’ve encountered on this wonderful journey.

Interiors by David Easton

I invite you to visit David Easton’s website to enjoy his outstanding body of work.

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This holiday season I needed to reconnect with some of my roots and I decided to enjoy the wonders that the Mayan Riviera has to offer in my home country of Mexico.  Poor me.

Feathered Serpent

One of my favourite moments was when I went to visit the archeological site of Chichen – Itza. 

Chichen-Itza, is now included as one of the new 7 wonders of the world; the Kukulkan Pyramid, is located in the Peninsula of Yucatan, in the Yucatan State; Mexico, between Valladolid and Merida and is just 120 km from Merida or 220 km from the Mayan Riviera.

The Kulkulkan Pyramid

A happy tourist in my home-land

“The Maya name "Chich’en Itza" means "At the mouth of the well of the Itza." This derives from chi’, meaning "mouth" or "edge", and ch’e'en, meaning "well." Itzá is the name of an ethnic-lineage mayan  group that gained political and economic dominance of the northern peninsula. The name is believed to derive from the Maya itz, meaning "magic," and (h)á, meaning "water." Itzá in Spanish is often translated as "Brujas del Agua (Witches of Water)" but a more precise translation would be Magicians of Water.”– Wikipedia.

I was so inspired by this anthropologic site that I took several shots that I would like to share with you.

The Thousand Columns

Temple of the Warriors

Great Ball Court

Sacred Box Seat of the Great Ball Court

Sacred Box Seat

Sacred Cenote of Chichen – Itza

There is a funny anecdote about this “Cenote”.  When I was a handsome high school student, one of my best friends used to make fun of me saying that the colour of my eyes were as green as the waters of Sacred Cenote of Chichen – Itza.  And to my surprise, now that I have seen it, the murky waters where indeed the colour of my beautiful green eyes.

World famous British singer, composer and pianist Sir Elton John will be performing a unique concert at Chichen – Itza on the 3rd of April of 2010.  A concert I would love to see.

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As seen in SNAP – January 2010

Local Interior Designer and Artist, Gillian Ley has been creating beauty in Victoria since relocating here in 1979 where she started her career working for an interior design and architectural firm. Her company, Ley Art & Interiors Ltd. was established in 1990. Her prestigious projects include Clive’s Bar Lounge in the Chateau Victoria Hotel, The Royal Victoria Yacht Club, The Union Club, The Greater Victoria Harbour Authority properties in addition to various commercial, hospitality and residential interiors. Her interior design work has been featured in The National Post, Western Living, The Times Colonist, Dental Practice Management Magazine and many well known publications. Her style is fun, elegant and striking with bold emphasis on colour, pattern and texture. This is one designer who is not afraid of doing something a little outside of the box. She combines this daring sensibility with clean lines, interesting focal points, textures and details to create spaces that are Gillian Ley originals. She has a look that is all her own and her loyal clientele keep coming back for more.

Gillian’s fine art has been well received; her paintings and illustrations can be seen at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, The Gallery at Sooke Harbour House and her work is in private collections across North America. Her diverse abilities have included teaching Watercolour and Interior Design courses at the University of Victoria and Camosun College. Her vibrant work is full of bold colours, strokes and combinations. Mostly still-life works, common illustrative subjects are flowers, fruits and vegetables, and still lifes. Her mediums of choice are watercolour, acrylic, ink and gouache.

Gillian is an associate member of the IDIBC, and a graduate of the three-year interior design program at Algonquin College in Ottawa. Her inspiration is fuelled by regular world-wide travel and regular trips to Italy to Design Shows which include the Salone Internazionale Del Mobile in Milan and Arbitare Il Tempo in Verona .

I am always interested in learning more about my local colleagues and was very pleased that Gillian agreed to an interview. Please read on to learn more about this talented local interior designer/artist…

Iván Meade – What is your favourite design find?

Gillian Ley – Well this has to be an exquisite handmade 19^th century altar cloth that I found in the bottom of a pile of old tattered textiles about 20 years ago in an antique shop in Bordeaux. It adorns the wall above my canopy bed.

Interiors by Gillian Ley

Iván Meade – Why is it important/inspirational to you?

Gillian Ley – It is a part of the history of textiles. It had been neglected and tossed in the bottom of a bin. It needed restoration and I love revitalizing objects. The texture and complexity of this work is unfathomable in our mass merchandised world today. The detail in the embroidered tulle, the sutache work and the hand dyed and handmade silk tassels create an astonishing composition. Combined with the texture and the tone on tone coloration results in richness and beauty.

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Interiors by GIllian Ley

 
Iván Meade - How does this item reflect upon your personal design philosophy?

Gillian Ley – Emphasis, texture and attention to detail are key elements in my work. In the most modern environment introducing something from the past can add visual punctuation to an environment. I believe in mixing the unexpected to create drama and interest.

Interiors by Gillian Ley

Iván Meade – What was your first experience with design/art?

Gillian Ley – I was encouraged at an early age to participate in painting, theatre and gallery visits. There is not one thing that stands out. Visits to live theatre in London with the fabulous sets were mesmerizing to me as a child. I have fond memories of traveling at an early age to museums and galleries in different countries. Design influences included pressies from my mother’s travels which included Mary Quant cosmetics (oh I loved that iconic flower on all her glossy black packaging) and a further introduction to fashion and design came from dresses and hats from Carnaby St.

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Interiors by Gillian Ley

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Iván Meade – Who or what has influenced your style/art?

Gillian Ley – Fashion, art, antiques, history, architecture and travel have been and continue to influence my work. Icons like Coco Chanel, Philippe Starck, Peter Max, Peggy Guggenheim, Tony Doucette, Marciano Fortuny, Andrew Wyeth, William Morris, Jamie Drake, Ilsa Schapperelli, Marcel Wanders and far too many others to list here.

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Interiors by Gillian Ley

Iván Meade – How would you describe your style/art?

Gillian Ley – Eclectic, elegant with an ‘edge’, vibrant, textured, warm and approachable.

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Interiors by Gillian Ley

Iván Meade –What is a must-have element in any room?

Gillian Ley – Emphasis and texture or a design can end up looking anaemic and lifeless.

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Interiors by Gillian Ley

Iván Meade – What is a must-have element in any painting?

Gillian Ley – That’s a tough question Ivan. My work’s dominate characteristic is my use of color and shape. That is what draws the viewer to my work

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  Fine Art by Gillian Ley

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Iván Meade – What is your design philosophy?

Gillian Ley – The end result is that the environment I have designed must reveal its purpose, be functional, uplift the occupants, be approachable and reflect the client.

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Interiors by Gillian Ley

Iván Meade – Since your firm has almost reached its 20^th year in business, you must have seen plenty of design trends come and go; do you have a favourite trend? And one that you would like never to return?

Gillian Ley – I am interested in this current period of design particularly. Everything is accessible on a global level. Everything can be personalized and customized with ease. Whether it is custom sneakers, monogrammed linens, custom furniture and kitchens or slogans on your walls, people yearn to connect more personally with their surroundings in their own signature way. The explosion of fabulous spas and cutting edge hotel design draws me as a traveler and designer. Phillipe Starck and hotelier Ian Schaefer, the founder of the boutique hotel concept has revolutionized hotel, bar and restaurant design worldwide.

A trend that I hope doesn’t resurface, well, it would have to be those insipid pink-gray and forest green-peach colour combos!

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Interiors by Gillian Ley

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Iván Meade – How else has Victoria and its style changed over the years?

Gillian Ley – Victoria’s English influence and charm has kept it very comfortable in its more traditional surroundings. Modern developments and influences by architects like Arthur Erickson have had a profound and welcome modern visual impact on our streetscapes.

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Interiors by Gillian Ley

Iván Meade – What are 3 things you can’t live without?

Gillian Ley – Design Books and Mags, travel and art!

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Interiors by Gillian Ley

Iván Meade – What are you excited about right now in the world of art/design?

Gillian Ley – The global collaboration and merger of artists, architects, filmmakers, interior designers and industrial designers. The avant garde Yoo Design Studio and their collaborations with designers like Marcel Wanders are invigorating and are leading interior trends globally.

Interiors by Gillian Ley

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Iván Meade – What does “design value” mean to you?

Gillian Ley – Self expression in combination with understanding and reflecting my client’s needs, responding to a projects criteria, utilizing the elements of design, with the environment and health also play key roles.

Interiors by Gillian Ley

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Iván Meade – What would be your dream project?

Gillian Ley – A luxe boutique hotel and spa.

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Interiors by Gillian Ley

Iván Meade – What project or piece has given you the most satisfaction?

Gillian Ley – A project which overlapped 2008 -2009 where we designed a high end dental practice and also worked on this client’s new and extraordinary Upland’s residence at the same time. These were exceptional clients with a deep appreciation for design, quality and craftsmanship, with open minds. It was a privilege to work with them.

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Interiors by Gillian Ley

Iván Meade – You have had many successful exhibitions (both solo and group), media features and illustrations throughout your career as an artist. Was there a pivotal moment that was exceptionally rewarding for you? Or that made you feel as though you had “made it” as an artist?

Gillian Ley – I studied with the late Fleming Jorgensen in his night classes at the University of Victoria. He was able to reach me in a way that I took notice. His guidance, honesty, humour and charming teaching style gave me confidence with my art. A funny experience happened in one class where I was struggling. He looked at the piece I was working on and held it up for the class to see, and announced, “Gillian this looks like a bad party that won’t end”. Luckily I have a sense of humour and this spurred me on to keep pushing the edge with my work to find my style.

Fine Art by GIllian Ley

Iván Meade – As an artist and creative individual, is there any medium or style that you haven’t experimented with that you would like to try?

Gillian Ley – I would love to explore textural elements and collage with my acrylic work.

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Fine Art by Gillian Ley

Iván Meade – What is your next art/design venture?

Gillian Ley – With my busy Interior Design practice my objective is to carve out more time for painting and to participate in more shows. It’s a delicate balance.

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Interiors by Gillian Ley

Iván Meade – Lastly, you have already created a diverse body of work with many mediums and styles. What would you like your legacy to be?

Gillian Ley – To be a respected and fondly remembered business woman, who contributed to younger up and coming artists and interior designers.

I invite you to visit Ley Art & Interiors Website for more information about Gillian Ley’s stunning body of work.

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If you are curious as to who is on the list of top designers and who are the up and coming names pick up a copy.  I know you will find YAM magazine to be of top notch quality.  As a graphic designer and aficionado of design I really appreciate the elegant layouts and crisp graphics.  Also of great importance to me is that YAM is printed using Green choices such as FSC Mixed Sources.

This article was a great opportunity for Meade Design Group to shed light on the vibrant design community of Victoria, BC and a great way to close off 2009.  Meade Design Group welcomes in 2010 – a year that we hope will be colourful, rich in texture, bright, tastefully accessorized and above all well designed.

YAM Magazine

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PRODUCT

Arcos Vase

MANUFACTURE

Asprey

DESIGNER

Damián Garrido

MATERIALS

Sterling Silver

DIMENTIONS

39.5 cm wide by 41.5 cm high

DESCRIPTION

I just love the volume of this piece and the fact is made of sterling silver.  As you well know I am a big fan of sterling silver – It is my favourite material.  I also like the fact that they are two great pieces in one piece.  I am not so much fan of motion pieces but this is an extraordinary exception.

With a tag of £17,000 I guess this piece is a real eye candy, as much as I would like to have it. It is only ever for me to gaze upon.

YUMMY FACTOR

Unattainably Delicious  !!!

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Atmosphere Interior Design was founded in 2004 by Trevor Ciona and Curtis Elmy and has been bringing sophisticated design to Saskatoon ever since. One may recognize this design duo from their many appearances in Western Living or their prestigious collection of awards. However, their design firm produces stunning work and they have a great design studio and blog “Atmosphere Randoms” to complete the design package.

Trevor successfully completed his Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design at Mount Royal College in Calgary and Curtis was formally trained as a graphic artist. Both have acquired substantial experience in retail – Trevor in architectural and design retailers, and Curtis was the graphic artist for a successful retail outlet. Another facet the pair have in common is their willingness and ability to achieve optimal client satisfaction and giving each home a unique personality.

“Trevor and Curtis have focused on studying the market so Atmosphere Interior Design is in touch with reliable resources of sophisticated, classic, traditional and contemporary design, sourcing furniture and design materials and products from around the world”. – Atmosphere

I am always excited to find successful Canadian design talents and wanted to find out more about this great canadian firm, please read on for my interview with Trevor and Curtis…

Iván Meade – What was your first experience with design?

Trevor Ciona – My childhood bedroom. I was allowed to design it entirely, at the age of 10. I had the first room in Saskatoon with black carpet, the walls were black with white and grey wallpaper –and red was my accent. I selected all of the furniture, which I later sold (at an outrageous price) to my younger brother. I still love black, white and grey, so it was an experience that was truly telling.

Curtis Elmy – My first experience with design came a little later in life when I furnished and decorated my first apartment while attending University. The budget was tight so it wasn’t much, but I loved that it was mine and represented my independence and the beginning of a life that I would create for myself.

Interior Design by Atmosphere I.D.

Iván Meade – What is the one thing in life you cannot live without?

Trevor Ciona – Jack Black Lip Balm

Curtis Elmy – Tom Ford Cologne

** But seriously we would both say each other

Interior Design by Atmosphere I.D.

Iván Meade – Your interiors are not just beautiful and contemporary but they are also very livable. How do you achieve that?

Trevor & Curtis – We design our own homes in a way that is entirely livable for us; however, we appreciate that the materials and finishes that we can live with, may be far too high maintenance for the average person. All of our clients LIVE in their homes, and don’t want to be slaves to the design, so, we focus on finding a balance where we can achieve the same look, but with a far less demanding attention. Luckily, we don’t mind being design slaves and live quite happily surrounded by polished, mirrored and lovely, breakable objects.

Interior Design by Atmosphere I.D.

Iván Meade – What motivates you to do your best on the job?

Trevor & Curtis – Many of our current clients have been referred to us by past clients, which is a huge compliment and responsibility. We want to make sure that we always create a result that lives up to the work that led them to us, and to do it with a spin that makes it uniquely their own.

Interior Design by Atmosphere I.D.

Iván Meade – How is the design scene in Saskatchewan? What do you like about it and what you don’t like about it?

Trevor & Curtis – The design scene in Saskatchewan is definitely growing. When we initially moved back to Saskatchewan from Alberta to start our firm, many people told us we were making a mistake. 6 years later we are pleased to say that our decision was the right one. The relationships we have built with our clients and within the local industry are what we find most rewarding about working here.

Occasionally we run into challenges finding just the right pieces in stock in Saskatoon, for a designer this can be a huge problem. But, what we can’t find locally we manage to find online, through catalogues or have custom made. One way or another, we get what we want.

Interior Design by Atmosphere I.D.

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Iván Meade – How have you influenced your community with your designs?

Trevor & Curtis – We often feel pressure to do things the way they have always been done, but we stand our ground. We continue to push the envelope and source new products and materials to bring to Saskatoon to keep things fresh and exciting. We also feel that by operating a professional, publicly recognized design firm, we’ve helped to created respect locally for our industry – it’s not just decorating and picking paint colours, it’s the entire package.

Interior Design by Atmosphere I.D.

Iván Meade – What are you excited about right now in the world of design?

Trevor & Curtis – It’s exciting that design currently has such a strong presence – on television, in magazines, on-line and in our surroundings. There is a growing respect for the industry and acknowledgement of how important great design is to our everyday lives.

Interior Design by Atmosphere I.D.

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Iván Meade – Your interior design firm seems to have the right attitude towards technology, What attracted you to social media?

Trevor & Curtis – Our business philosophy is to be different and stay ahead of the curve, and social media was just the next logical step for us. Social media is so important to any business for advertising and as an educational tool. There are no excuses for not being current or in touch with what your clients are expecting.

Interior Design by Atmosphere I.D.

Iván Meade – I found out about your firm through Twitter, when each of our blogs were nominated by House and Home as some of the best blogs in Canada. What does it mean for you to tweet, and to blog your ideas in design, your travel experiences and basically open your personal life to the web?

Curtis Elmy – I am the tweeter, and along with Heather, I work on the blog. It means a lot to us to be able to express ourselves to people who have an interest and appreciation for the field of interior design. It’s also a great way for us to show how proud we are of what we do, and how much we appreciate our clients for allowing us to be creative through them. A very wise client, who introduced us to blogging, assured us that using Twitter and a Blog is not a form of boasting, it’s an extension of one’s confidence and that we should embrace it.

Interior Design by Atmosphere I.D.

Iván Meade – Who would you most like to collaborate with on a project?

Trevor Ciona – Kelly Wearstler

Curtis Elmy – Jonathan Adler

Interior Design by Atmosphere I.D.

Iván Meade – Curtis, How did you find the transition from graphics to interiors?
Curtis Elmy – It was a fairly natural transition, I feel the two avenues of design are very similar. A computer background is a huge asset when it comes to producing accurate technical drawings for our designs. Being a graphic designer has also helped tremendously as we are able to design and refresh the look of our website, blog and marketing materials in-house.

Interior Design by Atmosphere I.D.

Iván Meade – How have you found that the current economy has been shaping design trends?

Trevor & Curtis – The trend for us has been a move toward more custom furniture. Throughout the recession Saskatchewan’s economy has remained fairly strong, so while we may not have felt the effects in terms of budget or a slowdown in work, we have noticed a significant difference in the availability, quality and selection of items that we had relied on in the past. Many manufacturers have seriously cut back their catalogues, so, to fill the gap we design the pieces we need and have them custom made for our client.

Interior Design by Atmosphere I.D.

Iván Meade – On your website you can read about the “new mystery showhome” you are working on.  Can you elaborate on this project?

Trevor & Curtis – It will be the first showhome that we have designed in its entirety – modern & glamorous while still being very masculine. We are introducing great wallpapers from all over the world, unique millwork designs and a sexy freestanding tub. It is approximately 3600 sq.ft. and an official announcement will be made shortly.

Iván Meade – Speaking of mysteries – Also on your website, under team, there is a mystery woman with no write up… who is she and what role does she play at Atmosphere Interior Design?

Trevor and Curtis – She would be Heather! Heather is our Project Coordinator and plays a significant role in managing all of our projects, clients and assisting us with the day to day requirements of our firm. We have expanded our offices to include a "Design Showroom" showcasing the best wallpaper and fabric books in the city. Heather assists customers who are designing on their own with access to our great collection of designer exclusive products.

Interior Design by Atmosphere I.D.

Iván Meade – Lastly, you have already created a stunning body of work with many mediums and styles. What would you like your legacy to be?

Trevor and Curtis – We want to be known for influencing a strong progression in our interior design community. We want young designers to see what we were able to accomplish through our work ethic and strong client relationships. There are always buildings and spaces that have a distinct signature, and our dream is that Saskatoon will have many with ours.

I invite you to visit their stunning body of work in their website and interesting articles in their blog:

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Today I was feature on “Question Period” – I feel very honoured to be interviewed by Efrén Quiroz – One of the best Art Critics and supports of the Art Scene in Victoria BC. 

Efren’s blog Exhibit-V provides an extensive monthly calendar of openings, ongoing art exhibitions and the most reliable list of art galleries in Victoria B.C. Canada. Video clips of exhibitions and the people attending the events, as well as interviews with artists.

I invite you to read the interview here:

http://exhibit-v.blogspot.com/

You can also see here the video that  Efrén Quiroz director of Exhibit- V made on my opening night at PS Gallery back in the summer.

This way you can have a pick of my art pieces – Enjoy!

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Teresa Ryback

As seen in SNAP, December 2009

Principal and Founder of tdSwansburg design studio, Teresa Ryback, is an expert in creating simple and sophisticated interiors. Teresa founded her firm in 2000 in Vancouver and opened an office in Victoria after she and her husband relocated to Vancouver Island. Her work has been featured in numerous publications and earlier this year she was recognized in Spectacular Homes of Western Canada, an exclusive showcase of Western Canada’s finest designers (Hardcover). tdSwansburg has garnered both multiple CARE and Georgie Awards for design excellence.

tdSwansburg specializes in residential and hospitality design but the firm’s portfolio is filled with an array of projects including grand prize lottery homes, specialty spaces and international projects. There is a consistent theme of simplicity, complex tone-on-tone colour palettes, classic elegance and subtle detailing throughout tdSwansburg’s work. With the belief that interior design and decoration should elevate the architecture of a home, one can clearly see how passionate Teresa is about her work.

Please read on to learn more about this local talent.

Iván Meade – What is your favourite design find?

Teresa Ryback – As a designer, I have collected pieces that I love including many mid-century classics but, my favorite piece is a future classic: the Foscarini Caboche Grande Suspension Light designed by Patricia Urquiola and Eliana Gerotto.

Interior by tdSwansburg Design Studio

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Iván – Why is it important to you?

Teresa Ryback – It brings me joy-! This modern fixture is a beautiful translucent jewel that floats in the space; I never get tired of looking at it. 

Interior by tdSwansburg Design Studio

Iván – How does this item reflect upon your personal design philosophy?

Teresa Ryback – "Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication" – This piece embodies my design philosophy: simple, elegant, timeless and functional with a touch of glamour-!

Interior by tdSwansburg Design Studio

Iván Meade – What was your first experience with design?

Teresa Ryback – I am an Artist first and my early experiences include carving soap figures and creating charcoal sketches of my surroundings, my family, my friends and my pets-!  Early in my career, I co-owned a boutique specializing in hand painted fashions and hand painted interior decor accessories.  I still enjoy oil painting and have an art studio in my Island home.

Interior by tdSwansburg Design Studio

Iván Meade – Who or what has influenced your style?

Teresa Ryback –  The purity of Neoclassicism and the elegance and glamour of the Art Deco era.

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Interior by tdSwansburg Design Studio

Iván Meade – How would you describe your style?

Teresa Ryback – I would describe my style as a refined, elegant approach to West Coast interiors. The blending of natural woods and stone with luxurious materials and modern design elements–tdSwansburg’s projects reflect modern sophistication with an affinity for nature.

Interior by tdSwansburg Design Studio

Iván Meade – What designers of past and present do you admire most?

Teresa Ryback –   I love the work of  Billy Baldwin as he was a classicist and a modernist and I also admire the bold, confident style of Dorothy Draper. Current designers that capture my attention are Philippe Starck and Barbara Barry.

Interior by tdSwansburg Design Studio

Iván Meade – What do you consider to be your greatest strength and your greatest weakness?

Teresa Ryback –  My greatest strength is my ability to visualize a space completed, including the smallest details. My weakness… I’m an impatient perfectionist.

Interior by tdSwansburg Design Studio

Iván Meade – You have done a great deal of lottery homes, what keeps you coming back for more?

Teresa Ryback – Once we present our design vision for the project and it is accepted by the board members, we are given the freedom to design a luxury dream home. In many of the projects, we work with the architects and builders assuring the integrity of the final vision is intact. Most importantly, the Lottery Home projects serve great causes such as the BC Children’s Hospital and Peace Arch Hospital foundation.

Interior by tdSwansburg Design Studio

Iván Meade – You mention on your website that environmental responsibility is a large part of your design philosophy; what steps have you taken to ensure that your firm does its part in global conservation?

Teresa Ryback – In addition to being members of Built Green British Columbia and The Canada Green Building Council, in 2007 we completed a Green Demonstration Home introducing green initiatives that could be incorporated into residential construction to Vancouver Island. When working with residential clients, we educate them on sustainable design options. Further, I believe that keeping ourselves educated, as designers, allows us to serve our clients better. I frequent design shows such as NeoCon West and I will be attending the ABITARE IL TEMPO 2009 in Verona, Italy.

Interior by tdSwansburg Design Studio

Iván Meade – What do you think most Victoria homes are missing?

Teresa Ryback – The design services of tdSwansburg design studio-!

Interior by tdSwansburg Design Studio

Iván Meade – How/why did you start your own firm? Could you tell me a little about the history of your company?

Teresa Ryback – I paralleled my design education with work experience, learning the diversity of a career in Interior Design.  In 2001, I was given the opportunity to present a design proposal for the 2002 BC Children’s Lottery Home. I was competing against large, well established firms and was awarded the contract. I completed the 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005 homes winning my first two Georgie Awards. The exposure from these public projects positioned tdSwansburg design studio in the luxury residential market. We have not looked back-!

Interior by tdSwansburg Design Studio

Iván Meade – What was it like to be published in Spectacular Homes of Western Canada?

Teresa Ryback – It was an honour to be invited to participate in the publication. Spectacular Homes of Western Canada allows the firm to showcase it’s work not only in Western Canada but nationally and abroad.

Interior by tdSwansburg Design Studio

Iván Meade – What are you excited about right now in the world of design?

Teresa Ryback – I am excited about all the inspiring and innovative materials – from wallpaper to countertops-!

Interior by tdSwansburg Design Studio

Iván Meade – What project has given you the most satisfaction?

Teresa Ryback – Every successful project we complete gives me satisfaction. My favourite projects however, are the 2005 BC Children’s Lottery Home and the 2007 Win’ Fall Lottery Home because of the creative freedom that was entrusted in us.

Interior by tdSwansburg Design Studio

Iván Meade – What would be your dream project?

Teresa Ryback – My dream project is to design a restaurant in an historic architectural setting. While preserving the history of the space, I would infuse modern materials and fixtures. The fabrics and wallpaper would flaunt traditional motifs reintroduced in contemporary colourways.

The space would be comfortable, yet intimate with stylized private rooms.

Interior by tdSwansburg Design Studio

Iván Meade – What is your next design venture?

Teresa Ryback – We are working on several luxury residential projects and multi-residential communities. Our next design venture is a waterfront resort property.

Interior by tdSwansburg Design Studio

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Iván Meade – Lastly, you have already created a stunning body of work in your own signature style. What would you like your legacy to be?

Teresa Ryback – ­­That I inspired…

I Invite you to vist Teresa Ryback’s website for more information.

Ivan Meade is a local designer and principal of Meade Design Group, a multidisciplinary interior and graphic design studio in the heart of downtown Victoria – www.themeadegroup.com

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Cobi Ladner

Cobi Ladner was the editor of Canadian House & Home magazine for over 15 years (beginning in 1992). During her time at the magazine, Cobi and her team catapulted it to the forefront of the Canadian design scene. Canadians look to the magazine for inspiration, tips, tricks and resources with trust and confidence; readers are both enthusiastic and loyal – and with good reason – Cobi is a true pioneer of interior design in Canada.

Cobi’s talent is well warranted; she holds a degree in Radio and Television Arts from Ryerson University.  Prior to her career at Canadian House & Home, she honed her editing skills at two of the countries largest magazines:  Chatelaine and Canadian Living. Currently she is also a board member of the Mississauga Living Arts Centre.

Cobi’s new venture is www.cobistyle.com, where she not only promotes her design services, but also has developed a “Cobi Brand” – a style that is both “fun and personal”. This new company involves three facets, which is an excellent business model allowing cross-promotion and the makings of an empire. They consist of: cobi Comunications (a blog and website where fans can chat and be inspired, live appearances, and future plans of printed media), Cobi Creative (interior design services and events), and Cobi Collection (a line of comfortable, classic and chic home and lifestyle products).

Iván Meade - What was your first experience with design?

Cobi Ladner –  Oh gosh, you know, I was just at my 20 year Ryerson reunion party and a few of the women told me they always thought my dorm room was decorated so great – who knew?  I was only using hand-me-downs from mom and dad!  But I would say my first apartment not far from Yorkville, Toronto in the 80’s.  I was junior decorating editor at Chatelaine which meant we could use it for all kinds of photo shoots and makeovers.  I had a bubblegum pink bathroom with a custom-made candy stripe fabric shower curtain, bird of paradise bedding (like I said, it was the 80’s grass cloth in the dining room, Marimekko wallpaper in the kitchen, I thought it was all very chic.

Vignette by Cobi Ladner

Iván Meade – What designers of past or present have inspired you?

Cobi Ladner –  So many, it’s hard to choose.  But I have to say that it isn’t always the designers who knocked me out – it’s the creative homeowners with no experience.  I like it when a home really reflects the owners rather than just a design style.  Often the personal elements can go missing in professional residential designer work and I think it’s a shame when they do.

Inspiration by Cobi Ladner

Iván Meade – One of the things that I found you brought to Canadian House & Home was that you presented interior design as not just aesthetics, but a lifestyle. How does this reflect in your design philosophy?

Cobi Ladner -  Well my philosophy is pretty simple.  I believe that homeowners should feel happy and comfortable in their home when they use it, and it should showcase their unique journey through life to others when they entertain.  Your home is a wonderful place for self expression but through mass production of goods, it’s becoming harder and harder to make your home reflect your own taste.  I think the best interiors happen when someone has not only great taste, but the creativity and confidence to show their personality in their choices.

Inspiration Board by Cobi Ladner

Iván Meade – As the editor of a very popular design magazine, you must have seen several interior design trends come in and out of fashion. Do you have any that you miss? Or, any that you are very glad have not returned?

Cobi Ladner -  I don’t mean to sound like a contrarian, but I just don’t really think that trends should have a lot to do with how someone decorates their home (and I’ve been preaching that for a while).  Although fashion trends are fun to watch come and go,  I would never invest in something trendy for my home beyond the odd accessory or lamp.  Of course things should look fresh and current and I love to find something ‘new’ but I would never buy something trendy just because it is.  But now I feel badly that I didn’t answer your question!  You know what I don’t miss?  Big ruffly bedskirts.  They always seemed dusty to me and I couldn’t find all the stuff I pushed under my bed.  A bed with legs is so much more elegant and clean looking (because I can’t shove all that stuff underneath – it is cleaner!).  Same goes for sofas.  I don’t like skirts.

Interior by Cobi Ladner

Iván Meade – What was your favourite experience as the editor of Canadian House & Home?

Cobi Ladner -  Oh, now you’re going to make me feel nostalgic.  It would have to be having people stop me on the street – anywhere in Canada – and tell me that they felt like they knew me.  Everyone was always so nice and seemed to really want to connect with a real person in the sometimes intimidating world of design.  I felt so lucky to be that person.

Interior by Cobi Ladner

Iván Meade – One of the highlights from your time as editor at Canadian House & Home was the article that featured your own kitchen renovation. Was it daunting to open your home, personal style and private life to the public?

Cobi Ladner – It was very daunting!  I always felt vulnerable when my own home was showcased.  For one thing, I’m a real person with a real budget and restrictions just like anyone else.  And for another, I worried about being judged (since I was in a position where many thought I could judge).  You know, people often told me they were intimidated to invite me to their home – would it be ‘good’ enough? – but I always turned the tables and said, ‘how do you think I feel?  Everyone expects my house to be perfect!".  Isn’t it crazy what we do to each other?

Cobi Ladner’s Cottage

Photograph by Hello Magazine

Iván Meade – The “Cobi Style” design philosophy is described on your website as “…built not only on a unique style but a unique attitude” it goes on to say that “The attitude is lively, approachable, charming and fun”. How do you apply this mantra to your interiors?

Cobi Ladner –  Well I can’t do anything that’s too serious or stuffy.  I just can’t imagine living that way.  I think homes should be lived in and enjoyed.  It makes me sad if I see a picture perfect home that has no signs of real life.  I think interiors should reflect the owners – their past, present, loves, interests, passions…all the things that make their life unique.  We all have a story – our home should tell it.  The other thing I feel strongly about is feeling grateful.  We should all be so grateful to have a warm home to complain and deliberate over, don’t you think?

Cobi Ladner’s Cottage

Picture by Hello Magazine

Iván Meade – As a blogger myself, I was very excited to find your blog and to see the personal side of your knowledge and opinions in interior design. How has the creation of your blog benefitted you?

Cobi Ladner –  Well I’m so used to blabbing on about my life…how could I stop now?   I’m kidding, but I suppose there is some truth in that.  Even though it often causes me angst, I seem to enjoy writing about the trials and tribulations of ‘life at home’.  Now that I’m just writing for myself and not another brand, I feel quite free to just tell it like it is.  That’s the great thing about blogs, they’re so real.  Imperfections and all.  

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Iván Meade – As a graphic designer, in addition to my work in interior design, I noticed that your website is very fun, unique and colourful which is refreshing and reads very well with your design philosophy. Is this fresh new look going to be carried throughout the “Cobi brand” (ie. the products and print work to come) as an image that will be immediately recognized as your own? If so, great strategy and Kudos to you!

Cobi Ladner –  That’s an interesting question.  I have used a lot of colour because I do believe that colour is one of the quickest ways to put personality into your home (and your website .  I speak a lot about colour, but not because I’m a ‘colour freak’, in fact my own home is a real mix of neutrals and colours, but because I think colours have been forgotten over the past 10 years or so.  We’ve been so concerned with creating things in ‘good taste’, we’ve forgotten about creating things that are fun to look at, or even pretty.  You would think ‘pretty’ was a bad word in many design circles.  I don’t think that’s true however for most homeowners.  I think people respond to pretty things and colours and frankly feel starved for some juice in their interiors.  We’ve been beiged to death!  In the new year I plan to show more interiors on my site that show what I’m talking about but in a nutshell, I love neutral interiors that have shots of strong colour to wake things up.

Cobi Ladner’s Cottage

Picture by Hello Magazine

Iván Meade – What is your vision for the future of the world of interior design?

Cobi Ladner –  My vision is for there to be more diversity and life in our homes.  Just like a party that doesn’t have any music, I think things have gone a little flat in the last while and I’d like to turn up the volume a bit.  I think we all need to loosen up a little and have some fun. 

Inspiration by Cobi Ladner

Iván Meade – I read that you wrote a children’s book once you had your own children that was published through McArthur and Company – “Why is an Orange Called an Orange?”. I believe that the personal accomplishments are often the most rewarding, what was this experience like for you?

Cobi Ladner -  It was a wonderful experience to do a children’s book.  You’ll never get rich doing books in Canada but few things can compare to the feeling of accomplishment you get from having something bound on paper forever.  It’s funny that the book was about colours and goes so well with my site.  I did it many years before I had ‘cobi’ on the brain.

Iván Meade – Lastly, your work has done wonders for the interior design industry in Canada. What would you like your legacy to be?

Cobi Ladner -  Just to help people be happy and comfortable in their own home – I figure that shouldn’t be hard.  

I invite you discover and learn more about Cobi Ladner

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Yesterday was my first day in Mexico City.  I have to say that I am really excited to be back in my country, to see family and friends and to enjoy what my country has to offer.  One of my favourite things in Mexico are the colours of my country which have been the link that have reconnected myself with my  own roots. 

Every time I ‘m back in Mexico City I noticed big changes in the city,  but maybe the nostalgic moment of the time was bringing back great memories of my childhood.

Today I want to share a different eye candy of the week.  Today’s candy is the vibrancy of the colours in my culture.  These are the colours you can see in one day.

Morning Market in Anzures

Sculpture in Paseo de la Reforma

Pedro Friedberg’s Ultrafamousr Hand Chair Sculpture

Angel of the Independence – Paseo de la Reforma

“El Caballto” by Sebastian

Day of the Death Altar – Downtown

Mexican Dolls

My dessert of the day – Coconut Créme Caramel 

Handmade Embroidery

Sandy Nygaard

As seen in SNAP, November 2009

Sandy Nygaard has been creating comfortable, unique and enduring interiors for the last 15 years. Her refined eye has developed a style that is all her own – understated, contemporary, warm, and full of textural tone-on-tone details in natural materials with an emphasis on West Coast style.

As the principal designer of Nygaard Interior Design, Sandy takes on a wide range of projects, from homes to restaurants, from offices to retail and she puts her own spin on the projects with wonderful execution. She does however, keep the clients’ needs and style at the forefront of her designs – incorporating Asian details, a Tuscan palette, or whatever their needs may be into a Sandy Nygaard original.

Sandy and her firm has recently been featured in the book “Spectacular Homes of Western Canada” by Panache, with a four page spread of one of her residential projects. An excerpt from the book sums it all up nicely – “After more than 15 years in the industry [Sandy] continues to derive energy and excitement from the cohesive design process, creating lasting design and unique living and working spaces.”

Please read on to learn more about this local talent.

Iván Meade – What is your favourite design find?

Sandy Nygaard –  That is hard to answer. I find things that inspire me all the time. I can’t say there has been one thing that has made me say  – that’s it, that is my favourite !

Interior by Nygaard Interior Design

Iván Meade – What is important to you in design?

Sandy Nygaard-   what’s important to me in design is simplicity. Things I find that I get excited about are often about materiality, colour and texture and how it can be integrated into a space .

Interior by Nygaard Interior Design

Iván Meade – How does this reflect upon your personal design philosophy?

Sandy Nygaard –. I think it is a challenge to not overdesign .    Therefore,  using natural materials and letting them be what they are can bring the energy into a design.    You don’t have to add a lot of extra stuff to make it exciting.    Simplicity in design allow the colours and textures of the materials do all the work.

Interior by Nygaard Interior Design

Iván Meade – Can you tell me what your next design venture is?

Sandy Nygaard – I have many projects on the go.

Interior by Nygaard Interior Design

Iván Meade – What was your first experience with design?

Sandy Nygaard – Being involved in the design of a house I was going to live in.  Coming from a 2 dimensional fine art back ground I thoroughly enjoyed the scale and 3 dimensionality.

Interior by Nygaard Interior Design

Iván Meade – Who or what has influenced your style?

Sandy Nygaard – It is evolving all the time.

Interior by Nygaard Interior Design

Iván Meade – How would you describe your style?

Sandy Nygaard – contemporary, clean, uncluttered.

Interior by Nygaard Interior Design

Iván Meade – Being in business for over 15 years I’m sure you’ve seen many styles come and go in Victoria. What do you think is the worst trend we’ve seen here on the island?

Sandy Nygaard – I do not think Victoria is a bubble and has it’s own worst trend. I like where we are now, the doors are open to all influences and design.

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Interior by Nygaard Interior Design

Iván Meade – How/why did you start your own firm? Could you tell me a little about the history of your company?

Sandy Nygaard – I studied and have my degree in Fine Art. We were designing and building a new house and I totally got side track ed . I loved considering space, function , light and colour and actually living in the art.

Interior by Nygaard Interior Design

Iván Meade – Although you are known for your contemporary spaces (such as Carriero hair salon), you have also created some stunning traditional spaces (such as the Rogers Chocolates stores). Which shows your versatility as designer – Is it fun to change it up once in a while?

Sandy Nygaard –Definitely.

Interior by Nygaard Interior Design

Iván Meade – What are you excited about right now in the world of design?

Sandy Nygaard – the use of materials as a focus versus adornment.

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Interior by Nygaard Interior Design

Iván Meade – Your work at the Brentwood Bay Lodge and Spa is one of my favourite projects you have done I believe is one of the best examples of Contemporary West Coast Style. What was your inspiration for the project?

Sandy Nygaard – For all projects the architecture of the building comes first.  What the architect is expressing is the beginning of the story, I try to respond and respect that and finish the story on the inside.  The building is contemporary, strong, and about the west coast materials. The interior had to carry those elements  through or it would not have been successful.

Interior by Nygaard Interior Design

Iván Meade – What project has given you the most satisfaction?

Sandy Nygaard – There are not many that I have been dissatisfied with. I truly enjoy the process, getting to know the clients and working with them to create the end product. It is these relationships that fuel the design, good or bad. I have been lucky to have had wonderful clients that have allowed me to respond to their needs and create spaces that satisfy all of us.  Some of these houses have received National recognition.   It’s nice to know that the designs you create reach beyond the clients and are recognized nationally.

Interior by Nygaard Interior Design

Iván Meade – Lastly, you have already created a stunning body of work in your own signature style. What would you like your legacy to be?

Sandy Nygaard – I am not concerned about my legacy I am working in the now! 

Interior by Nygaard Interior Design

invite you to discover Sandy Nygaard work at her website:

NYGAARD INTERIOR DESIGN

Ivan Meade is a local designer and principal of Meade Design Group, a multidisciplinary interior and graphic design studio in the heart of downtown Victoria – www.themeadegroup.com

Combining the gracious style of Meade Design Group team, the influence of reality TV, a touch of Beyoncé, and setting it all at Meade Design Group’s studio gives you this memorable moment: Dancing with the Chairs.

Last years official “Willy Nilly” moment – A MEADE DESIGN GROUP MODERN FABLE

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Today the Olympic Torch started the rally around Canada in preparation for the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games.  Victoria, British Columbia was the starting point and all the community has come together to prepare for this very special day. 

We were very fortunate that the Olympic Torch passed by our studio earlier today.  

The city placed these cool banners all around and we are lucky to see them every day from our window.

After a long wait and some delay, finally the torch passed by the studio.

Torch Design

Inspired by Canada; Made for Canadians

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A little bit of history…

The 2010 Olympic Torch, designed and manufactured by Bombardier in collaboration with the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC), is a symbol of the 2010 Winter Games, and will carry the Olympic Flame across Canada on its 45,000-kilometre journey. Twelve-thousand torchbearers will hold an Olympic Torch as they move through 1,037 communities across Canada.  Over 90 per cent of the Canadian population will have an opportunity to see the beauty of the Olympic Torch and experience the warmth of the Olympic Flame.

Designer/Manufacturer: Bombardier/VANOC

Inspiration: Canada’s open land, vast potential and smooth, fluid lines left in the snow and ice from winter sports

Height: 37.125 inches / 94.5 centimetres

Weight: 3.5 pounds / 1.6 kilograms

Materials used: Stainless steel, aluminum and sheet moulding compound

Burn time: At least 12 to 15 minutes

Fuel used: Blend of Propane, Isobutane and Hydrocarbons

“Vancouver 2010 – Official Olympic Site”

“When they hold it in their hands, I want them to be proud.”  – Leo Obstbaum, director, Design

For Leo Obstbaum and the design team that developed the 2010 Olympic Torch concept, the project was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

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Yesterday, Chris Burdge, founder and owner of bWEST, published a very interesting interview about us and our involvement in Social Media.  

To read the complete article please click the picture

I have to admit this interview was a very different exercise for us – We do interviews all the time, but this is the first occasion we are the  interviewee.  If you want to learn more about us in the Social Media side of things this is a good opportunity.

Living in Victoria BC, Vancouver Island and being part of the design industry has its limitations, but being part of the social media movement has given us a voice to express our ideas and promote our business to the rest of the world.

If you are in need of some social media advice I invite you to contact bWEST. 

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Brooke Giannetti

Brooke Giannetti not only does beautiful architectural design with her husband (Steve), stunning interior and furniture designs; she also maintains a very cool blog (Velvet & Linen) and runs a shop with her namesake – Giannetti Home.

Brooke’s interiors are very chic and warm with a feeling of someone really living there, not too stuffy or untouchable. Sophisticated and eclectic with carefully chosen juxtapositions, but always inviting. Her designs certainly evoke positive emotions and nostalgia.

Giannetti Home is very similar, an ever evolving showroom full of rustic pieces from around the world that have age and character.  Brooke also has her own line of furniture which is very clean, slim and sophisticated, it would work with an array of styles.

The Velvet & Linen blog follows Giannetti Home’s current projects and inspirations, as well as little tidbits showing the personal side of Brooke, including a very sweet open letter to her 16 year old son.

Giannetti Home has been featured in several newspapers (including The Washington Post), magazines and blogs. She also appeared on The Skirted Roundtable, a popular blog that posts podcasts of roundtable-style discussions about interior design and blogging from a weekly radio show.

Please read on to learn more about this talented designer and blogger…

Iván Meade – What was your first experience with design?

Brooke Giannetti - I would have to say that my mother introduced me to the world of design. Although she was not formally trained, she was always doing something to own home. She even allowed me to design my own bedroom when I was thirteen. Lavender on the walls and carpet with white accents. I owe her a great deal for that!

 Interior by Brooke Giannetti

Iván Meade – Who or what has influenced your style?

Brooke Giannetti - Steve has been a huge influence because he has been so supportive and has allowed me to explore my own style without judgement.

European design has also been a big influence. For the past year, blogs like Cote de Texas, Things That Inspire, Marley and Lockyer, Belgian Pearls (a new favorite), and all of the beautiful Swedish blogs have exposed me to a whole new world.

Interior by Brooke Giannetti

Iván Meade – How would you describe your style?

Brooke Giannetti - Right now my style is a combination of Belgian, French and Swedish with a little industrial thrown in. I love the cleaned up version of Belgian design as seen in the Beta Plus books, but with a little French and Swedish softness thrown in the mix.

Interior by Brooke Giannetti

Iván Meade – What designers of past and present do you admire most?

Brooke Giannetti – Windsor Smith for her daring and the lightness she instills into all of her projects. They always put a smile on my face. Joe Nye and Madeline Stuart for their incredible attention to detail. Barbara Wiseley. I could live in her own home. Our friend and Steve’s client, Kelly Harmon. She creates the most serene idyllic homes.

John Saladino, the master of scale. His books have a permanent place on my desk. I love his ability to combine rustic with modern.

Interior by Brooke Giannetti

Iván Meade – What inspired you to begin a blog?

Brooke Giannetti – My friend Mary suggested that I start a blog. I had no idea what they were. I really started Velvet and Linen as an on-line journal to document all of my projects as well as the things that I love.

Interior by Brooke Giannetti

Iván Meade – How has the blog influenced your designs and your career?

Brooke Giannetti – The blog has been an unexpected gift. I think Velvet and Linen has enabled me to become clearer about my design style. There is nothing like having to put things in writing to get some clarity. The blog has also given our work a huge amount of exposure. With many of the shelter magazines shutting their doors, blogs have become a wonderful venue for our work.

Interior by Brooke Giannetti

Iván Meade – What do you consider to be your greatest strength and your greatest weakness?

Brooke Giannetti - Steve would say that my greatest strength is my lack of formal training. I design from my gut. My biggest weakness is when I allow insecurity to sneak into my head. 

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  Interior by Brooke Giannetti

Iván Meade – What is it like balancing a store, blog, design business and family all at once? How do you manage?!

Brooke Giannetti - It’s crazy. The only way I manage is because I have a wonderful support system.

Interior by Brooke Giannetti

Iván Meade – What are 5 things you can’t live without?

Brooke Giannetti - Steve, Charlie, Nick, Leila, my Veranda magazine subscription!

Interior by Brooke Giannetti

Iván Meade – What are you excited about right now in the world of design?

Brooke Giannetti – I think that the internet has opened up the world of design to everyone. You can live anywhere and see what people around the world are focusing on in design. To me that is very exciting.

Interior by Brooke Giannetti

Iván Meade – The products in your store seem to be constantly changing due to all of the one-of-a-kinds you sell. What is your favourite piece in the store right now?

Brooke Giannetti - Although I love the Swedish antique pieces in our store the things that really excite me right now are our furniture line and Steve’s paintings.

Interior by Brooke Giannetti

Iván Meade – What is it that you love so much about antique Swedish pieces?

Brooke Giannetti - The clean lines combined with simple details. They work so well with the industrial pieces that we love.

Interior by Brooke Giannetti

Iván Meade – What would be your dream project?

Brooke Giannetti - A beach house for a client who says: "I love what you and Steve do. Do what you want. I’ll be back in a year."

Interior by Brooke Giannetti

Iván Meade – What project has given you the most satisfaction?

Brooke Giannetti - Right now our own home in Oxnard. Steve and I use it as our science design lab. We try out all of the things that nobody else will let us do, yet…

Interior by Brooke Giannetti

Iván Meade – What is your next design venture?

Brooke Giannetti - We are designing more furniture pieces as well as an accessories line. It’s so much fun to concentrate on small pieces. It’s like jewelry for the home.

Interior by Brooke Giannetti

Iván Meade – Lastly, you have already created a stunning body of work with many mediums and styles. What would you like your legacy to be?

Brooke Giannetti - Three happy kids.

I invite you to visit Brooke Giannetti  stunning body of work

GIANNETTI HOME

VELVET & LINEN

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Well, it seems like the stars are perfectly aligned these days.  Yesterday we found out that we were named as one of the best interior design blogs in Canada by Canadian House and Home, yesterday as well we started working on our first project in LA, and at the end of the day we received the Homes & Cottages Magazine with our project Spring Bay on the cover and a  wonderful 10 page spread.

We would like to thank our clients Richard Wadsworth and his partner for the opportunity to work in this great project.  Also thanks to Betty Campbell for her brilliant writing and Jo-Ann Richards for her stunning photography.

This is definitely the best way to finish the week!

If you want to read the article and check out the photos you can visit:

HOMES & COTTAGES

Also in March 2008 we wrote an entry about the project:

A SUCCESS STORY – SPRING BAY

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Canadian House & Home has named our blog [Meade Design Group -The Blog] in their Great Canadian Blogs Volume 2.  We were really excited to be selected by one of the most influential design magazines in Canada as one of the best interior design blogs in Canada.

Blogging has given us so many rewards as an Interior Design Firm in Victoria BC,  but it is so great to receive national exposure.

Click on the image to check out our mention:

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Medoc Flooring

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PRODUCT

Listone Giordano “natural genius” | Medoc Flooring

“The distinctive feature of the “Medoc” is the “trunk” outline which takes up the trapezoidal shape of old floorboards, as planks were not straightened in order to avoid any waste. Uneven saw cutting accentuates fascinating lighting effects and unexpected ancestral sensations.

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DISTRIBUTOR

European Hardwood Flooring Centre Ltd.

DESIGNER

Michele De Lucchi + Philippe Nigro

DIMENSIONS

Width: 130 – 190 mm (trapezoid shape)

Length: 944 mm

Total Thickness: 18 mm

Hardwood top layer: 3.5 mm

VENEER

French White Oak – from the Cîteaux forest, in Burgundy, planted around 1000 a.d. by the Trappist monks.

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CONSTRUCTION

Counter-balanced Engineered

DESCRIPTION

This floor has some great qualities;  first of all, It has a very architectural feel in its shape and form.  It will add both visual and tactile texture to any interior.

Second, this floor has a great patina and it is a great example of how you can bring natural patina to your space and still keep it sleek and contemporary.

Lastly, the Medoc Flooring is what Interior Design in Victoria needs! 

YUMMY FACTOR

Molto Delicioso!!!

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Scot Meacham Wood

Scot Meacham Wood is a fellow designer/blogger with whom I have established a great rapport. His blog, The Adventures of TartanScot, features all of the images, events and design tidbits that inspire him as an Interior Designer/Stylist.

Scot is an expert at comfortable, transitional, interiors. I think he has a real strong-point in lodge and smoking room style inspired interiors. When one browses his portfolio an instant sense of warmth, cozy comfort and welcoming is sure to follow. However, that is not to say that Scot is not a master at creating a more modern interior, his contemporary spaces are every bit as well done. His sense of balance with multiple patterns and colour palettes is superb, he also tackles asymmetry very well. I also admire Scot’s ability to create an instant mood for each space he designs.

His company, Thane Studio, also styles events; from dinners, to garden parties to – my favourite, – holidays. He continues his lavish design ideas throughout the venue, no detail is overlooked, creating a truly memorable event for anyone on the guest-list. With “M events” being the latest addition to Meade Design Group’s service offerings, I am finding Scot and I have more in common the more we learn about each other – aside from our outstanding taste in all things related to design!

I greatly look forward to sharing my wonderful connection with you, please read on to learn more about this talented designer and blogger…

Iván Meade – What was your first experience with design?

Scot Meacham Wood – Well, as a professional, it was an amazing four bedroom home in the Atherton area, near San Francisco.  The homeowners had known me from my days at Ralph Lauren and we were a perfect match.  They had just finished a complete re-model of the house and needed my assistance to re-imagine the existing furnishings and completing the styling of the house.  It was just terrific fun – and the house looked (and still looks!) absolutely stunning.  And best of all, we are all still great friends.

And as an amateur, my mom allowed my brother and I to design our own bedrooms when I was about 12 years old.  Looking back now, it must have looked like something from Mount Vernon when I was finished.  Very traditional.  Very proper.  Then I switched rooms with my older brother several years later . . . and spent the rest of my childhood in the room he decorated with tiger printed wallpaper. 

Interior Design by Scot Meacham Wood

Iván Meade – Who or what has influenced your style?

Scot Meacham Wood – I would have to say that travel has been one of the strongest influences on my design.  I lived in Asia for a short time during my childhood, and have traveled extensively through Europe as an adult.  Seeing how other cultures view their lives, and their styles, truly inspires me.

Interior Design by Scot Meacham Wood

Iván Meade – How would you describe your style?

Scot Meacham Wood – A modern take on European style but, with a bit of Southern hospitality.

Interior Design by Scot Meacham Wood