Barely There

Jack Shadbolt, work on paper,  RBI client residence.

The framing + presentation of works of art requires individual consideration. The form of that presentation should enhance the work in its specified location, without drawing attention to itself.  For me it should be, barely there.  
One of our resources when looking to revitalize art in our interiors projects, is the highly knowledgeable, Fine Art Framing.   Their expertise regarding what best serves and supports works of art is based on a sound depth of experience and practical knowledge.

Viewing wall at Fine Art Framing

I tend to think of art framing, in a similar fashion as that which might be executed by a museum.  Understated and elegant.  We always want to address archival issues so that the work is protected from the elements.  This can include UV protection, archival matting, etc.   Works under glass should be low iron + anti reflective to minimize colour shift and image loss do to glare. As important as the functional requirements, the quality of the presentation in materials and craftsmanship must befit the importance of the work.  

Our clients newly framed collection, pictured here, was impeccably facilitated by Fine Art Framing.    

FINE ART FRAMING

Signature Look

The venerable fashion house of Missoni, has translated their signature patterns and fabrics into spectacular home decor elements; via Missoni Home.  Founded by Ottavio + Rosita Missoni in 1953, their unique vision and iconic look is entrenched in the story of fashion.  The (joyful) home collection brings their inimitable flair with colourful pattern mix to everything  from bath towels to candles. I love the way a little, (or a lot) of Missoni turns up the style volume. It's great to have this premium brand represented in Vancouver at Provide.     

Distinctive patterning and sophisticated colour palettes define Missoni.

Misson Home at Provide

Entertaining

One of the best ways to celebrate your home and style is by sharing the experience with others.  This table setting at our Rancho Mirage project, certainly gets the party started.  We used our client's favourite table ware, Balcon du Guadaliquivir by Hermes to compliment the predominate blues of the upholstery.  An added a hit of acid green in the napkins by Trina Turk.  The Indian silver beaded place mats and whimsical napkin rings keep the conversation informal + lighthearted. 

Many of ones happiest hours are spent making memories around a table set with care, for family and friends.  Cheers!

Flower Power

Art work, above sofa Vera Lutter

A devotion to flowers is imbedded in my DNA.  As a young boy my grandmother's cutting garden was like a magic world, where I'd be given free reign to gather the perfect bouquet.  She passed on her delight, that every flower was a sublime miracle, with life energy (speaking to her plants, long before it was fashionable). Flowers are filled with so much meaning, they manifest feelings of love, joy, hope, peace ............ sending a message of welcome and caring in every room they grace.

Floral compositions shown here, created by Get Fresh Flowers.

Purposeful Embellishment

Beautifully curated accessories can transform a room, they add detail, scale and personality. The stuff that surrounds us is an expression of our point of view.  One of the most remarkable sources for artisan created, home embellishments and accessories is Provide Home. Robert and David, owners and editors of the collections, have changed the face of home decor in Vancouver.  They continually seek out new and fresh innovators, to compliment their solid collections of contemporary home wares. 

Recently Provide has added bathroom accessories to their collections. These beautiful forms in marble, porcelain and lacquer,  perfectly befit the luxurious rooms they were designed to function in.  
Follow Provide's blog Edit, to see their latest finds from around the globe and right here at home.

More Flower Therapy

Making a home is a many layered thing.  While visiting a recently completed project, one of those layers was in full bloom.  Our favourite florist had just delivered some amazing flora + fauna creations.  Robert Munro's visceral understanding of embellishment is always perfectly aligned with the surroundings he designs for.  These artful expressions, remind us of our connection to the natural world, and instinctively recall our inherited history.   Parfait!

Extreme orchids in an organic container play against the simplicity of the glass kitchen cabinets.

Tropical colours + forms echo the large contemporary painting by Graham Gilmore.

Family Values

My earliest memories are those of dream like comfort nestled in a generously made bed.  My mother (schooled by her mother) always lavished this temple of rest, with crisp cotton, hand combed wool, and the finest feather down.   For our family beds are the preeminent luxury.  Perhaps that is why one of my most enjoyed tasks, is that of dressing this feature element in every bedroom we design.  
Fitting out a bed, brings together texture, pattern + colour, that are the unification of the room's style.  I tend to favour custom upholstery bed heads, with shams + covers in rich, soft to the touch fabrics. Sheeting and cases of Egyptian cotton or linen that are ironed to a satin sheen. 
One of our favourite sources for bed linens is Bernstein + Gold, they represent premium manufacturers such as Signoria, The Purist, plus luxurious pillows and duvets.   Sumptuous beds are an invitation to relaxation and carry with them the promise of sweet restful dreams.   
Sleep well.  Wake even better.

Composing a Story

For me a really great home is an expression of its inhabitants. This is true in all of the selections made, but perhaps even more so, in the choice of accessories. These items tell the story of who lives here, their point of view, their passions, travels, and desires. I am always delighted when a client is a collector, it can start a dialog for the design of their residence, and provide unique opportunities in the making of a special place. While some are very specific, others can be more random and eclectic.

To create dynamic relationships between objects I will often inject strong contemporary objects within arrangements. One of my favourite sources for these, is Provide, they represent modern artisans who fabricate beautifully crafted works.

The composition on this large bamboo coffee table is a great example of objects playing against each other, to tell a story.