Deep Roots

When I was studying interior design in the late 1970s, one of the most influential designers of the time was Ward Bennett.  His pared down furniture and interiors relied on strength of form, and the intrinsic beauty of materials.  He presented a view of minimalism that was comfortable and luxurious.  I've always naturally gravitated to his work, as much now as I did over 30 years ago.  We used his Sled chair (1963) in this dressing area for it's quiet honest elegance.  Just classic, no twist.

Scissor Chair 1980s

 A number of his furniture pieces remain in production, and are manufactured by Geiger International. 

Home Fires

The Fireplace has long been a central organizing feature of home design, originally out of necessity and more recently out of desire. Currently the kitchen maybe seen as the heart of most homes, but historically it was the hearth. Even the most modern of homes celebrate the fireplace as a dominant  focal point and gathering place. Fire is one of the classic elements of the earth, and we relate to it on a primal level.

Todays hearths come in all manner of style and fuel type.  In these projects we've incorporated a variety of fire boxes, from traditional wood burning to alternative fuel units ( which do not require venting).   We've also designed custom gas burner units to better suit our design intentions when standard product would not.  Working often with Vancouver Gas Fireplace to provide both depth of product and industry expertise.  The variety of great fireplace options available make designing any room around this archetypal symbol of home, all the more accessible and diverse.

Much Appreciated

A big thank you to Kim at Desire to Inspire, for her recent post highlighting the work of our office.  I enjoy checking out her blog often; especially Pets on Furniture.  Where my own little Pierre got some love. 

Let There Be Light

Lighting is perhaps the single most important factor in creating and experiencing interior spaces.   Both materials and form are enhanced with a well considered lighting design.  In successfully illuminated spaces, light needs to be emitted in a variety of ways, and from multiple directions / levels.  Anticipating how a room will be used, and designing for these functions creates space that is both flexible and rich in content.  

Using two tables in this large dining room provided a more intimate setting for entertaining smaller groups, but our client wanted to have the option of dining at a single large table for special occasions.   We worked in conjunction with Joel Berman Glass Studio, to create a feature light fixture that would allow for both these (+ other) options. The sculptural glass panels are lit by small LEDs  while the table surfaces are perfectly illuminated by recessed down lights.  Margot Richards was the lighting consultant for the entire project, and certainly cast her bright knowledgeable light.  The penthouse was recently featured at Home DSGN.

Ever Green

A client of ours recently purchased a home in Palm Springs and asked us to undertake design of the interiors.  What's unusual about this project is that we decided to source most of the furniture from the, (not so secret) wealth of vintage furniture in the region.  Our design direction is a glamorous 70's / 80's vibe and a little bit Hollywood.  As designers we are accustomed to planning well in advance, ordering furniture and installing a preconceived vision.  For this home the design process has been much more organic, and a great rush! Finding remarkable pieces, by notable designers like, Milo Baughman, Warren Platner and Steven Chase  to name a few.  We've also found wonderful high quality items by top furniture and accessory manufacturers of the time.  One unseen benefit of shopping the secondary furniture market is the green aspect, reuse and shop local. Assembled above are a few of our finds.  The house will be complete for the fall season.  Special thanks go out to our wonderful client, who has inspired us and the decor. 

Opposites Attract

Renovating this traditional home, entailed gutting all three floors, reconfiguring rooms and refreshing the interior to better suit a contemporary lifestyle. From the outset our clients asked us to only respect the classic detailing, to a point.  Kitchen, bathrooms, and millwork were to be modern, and not mimic a bygone time.  With this direction we selected to unify the home's shell throughout with modest details, quietly reflecting it's origins and designed crisp modern cabinetry in counterpoint.  

These photos were taken during our substantial completion walk through (there's still stuff to be done).   Wide plank European oak flooring is used throughout.  In the custom lacquer kitchen all appliances are by Miele.  A frame-less Spark fireplace insert is surrounded by book matched callacata marble for the sitting room feature wall.

This elegant marriage of past and present  is now a relaxed back drop for a young family to create their own life and times.

Media Savvy

There is a kind of fear factor that can happen with the mere mention of integrated home technologies.   Working with a firm that can alleviate this fear of the unknown, is critical in the development of a fully functional residence.  One firm we've enlisted to demystify home operating systems for our clients, is Millson Technologies.  For us all technologies have to be seamlessly united with the interior design, plus controls need to be simple and intuitive for our clients.  A well designed infrastructure to operate, lighting, window coverings, audio and visual components, creates the invisible luxury of uncomplicated living.  Millson provided this expertise for a recent project we designed.  Pictured here, the family room (home cinema), is flanked on one side by custom walnut millwork built by Soma Furniture.  It incorporates both audio and visual components.  One touch multiple functions now playing!

Survival Of The Fittest

As designers we are faced daily with the proposition of selecting furniture, from a seemingly endless offering.  Accessible technologies have facilitated the rapid 'concept to market' proliferation of new product,  feeding our design hungry culture.  Only time will tell if these 'current' designs have visual and functional endurance.  A chair that has maintained it's position via natural selection, is Eero Saarinen's executive chair.  Getting full marks in both comfort and beauty, as much today as when it was introduced in 1957.  We paired these enduring sculptural chairs with a bronze based artisan table, in this light filled breakfast room. 

Saarinen executive chair 1957

Dog's Life

Man's best friend plays a central role in so my of our lives, it's only natural that the well considered home also account for their comfort and well being.  When designing to include pets in the occupant mix, we select forgiving finishes to minimize stress; for these treasured family members and their guardians.  My own pampered pooch (Pierre) regards our sofa, as his domain, (hence the drool proof velvet).  In some cases specific features can be included to facilitate their care.   A favourite example is the dog shower we designed tucked around the corner, in this modern laundry / mud room.

The cabinets provide ample storage, food, leashes, toys, and extra towels, are all hidden away.  A quartz counter and utility sink make for easy clean up and the standing shower is perfect (warm) after a run on the beach.  Then it's cookies and a lazy nap in front of the fire. It's a very good life.

Plus Three

KINGHORNE

We've added three new private residence portfolios to our web site. Each project is as unique as the clients they were designed for. Photography is by Josh Dunford.

MARINASIDE

DEEP COVE

Reflection

With the start of a new year, it seems apropos to reflect on the past before we address what's next.  There have been several absorbing projects this past year.  Some coming to rewarding actualization and some great new seeds. Two notable works our office is about to undertake (on the immediate horizon) are, an extensive renovation to an alpine home in Whistler BC and a new restaurant for Opus Hotel Vancouver.  Both will allow us to expand our design vocabulary. Looking differently and re-thinking, what has come before. 

In the walnut lined study (2005) pictured here, an Anish Kapoor sculpture reflects + alters it's surroundings, including the large standing painting by Chris Ofili, and classic Eames lounge.  Welcome the new + twenty eleven.

Ground Up

One of the most comprehensive projects we've under taken this year, is a lake front summer residence in Naramata B C.  In collaboration with architectural designer Jamie Dobson, we've been able to design this home from the ground up.  Our clients had a previous cabin on the site and were very clear on their requirements for the new structure. The project program drove the design, from the inside  out.  How the interior spaces relate to each other, and to the exterior  determined the overall form.   It's been a great pleasure working on this project and I believe the results will be much more than satisfying when it's complete late 2011.  I think it's going to be a great new year! 

'A good house is a created thing made of many parts economically and meaningfully assembled.  It speaks not just of the materials from which it is made, but of the intangible rhythms, spirits, + dreams of peoples lives...... In it's parts it accommodates important human activities, yet in sum it expresses an attitude toward life.' The Place of Houses; Moore, Allen, Lyndon.

Happy Holidays

In gratitude to our tremendous clients,  who enable us to do the work we love, a donation has been made to A Loving Spoonful.  We wish you all the very best of this season, and that joy will have a place in your heart all your days.

Please note, our office will close for the holidays on December 24 . 10 returning January 5.  11.

Sommelier

One of the great pleasures in life is the enjoyment of wine.  Almost every project we design incorporates some accommodation for the storage and protection of it.  Cellars can be large or small, but in all cases require temperature control and fittings to display this consumable collectible.  Even for the well versed the stocking of a cellar can be a daunting task.  Many of our clients have turned to House Wine to assist in the procurement of wine that best suits their tastes and needs.  House Wine dispenses expert consultation services to improve everyones appreciation and enjoyment, of this history rich product.  Subscribe to their newsletter to stay well informed. 

The cellars pictured here are from various Robert Bailey Interiors projects.  "Come quickly, I am tasting stars"..... Dom Perignon.  Tis the season!

Casual Luxe

All aspects of this custom west coast home, were designed to suit a young active family.  Our clients direction was that the end product had to be child and pet friendly, without sacrificing grown up luxury + comfort. Natural materials dominate throughout, giving the home a casual, easy to live in / with character.  Interior design elements, materials and furnishing, were elected for their inherent visual forgiving-ness, robust construction, and easy maintenance. 

In the interconnecting stair, custom concrete treads from Solus,  are suspended off a powder coated steel structure.  Walnut and blue stone contrast with smooth plaster and large format porcelain flooring, in the principal living room.  Wear tested upholstery and waterproof leather complete the bespoke soft seating.    A chic modern home for the whole family.  You can touch.