WL Designers of the Year

Being named Interior Designer of the Year is such a great honour, and I am truly grateful to WesternLiving and the panel of esteemed judges for this privilege.   
I would also like to express gratitude to my wonderful clients for allowing me to create these beautiful spaces in their homes, and to everyone who was involved in helping make these projects a reality. 

I must also recognize the other interior designers who were shortlisted.  I am delighted to be included in such a talented professional group.
For me interiors should reflect an effortless elegance, that is not only easy to live with, but also easy to live in.  I believe our projects consistently show this to be a guiding principal.

See the article here.

“Our Interior Design judging panel, comprised of the top interior designers from across the West, was truly moved by Robert’s work—his attention to detail, use of fine materials and exquisite finishing truly elevate his designs,” says Anicka Quin, editor-in-chief of Western Living. "Calgary designer Douglas Cridland noted that 'while others may choose the right fabric or the right carpet, Robert's work truly shows you the layers—the work—that goes into making something great.’ We’re thrilled to name Robert Bailey this year’s Interior Designer of the Year in our September issue of Western Living.”

Happy Pride Vancouver

A rainbow of  RBI designed Opus Hotel rooms

Homes + Living Magazine

In the August/September 2013 Homes + Living Vancouver magazine, our Opus Hotel room re-fresh gets a colourful and stylish nod from writer Catherine Dunwoody.  Thank you!  

The City + The Sea / Coast Modernism

It's very cool to have our work included for a second time in Alem Dekor, this time it is our Silver Sea project that is featured in the magazine.   Much appreciation to Senem Öztürk, editor at Alem Magazine Istanbul, for her continued interest in our interiors. 

Okanagan Home Magazine

Our Naramata lake house project is the cover feature in the Globe + Mail's insert magazine Okanagan Home.  Many thanks to all involved with the editorial.  

Master Editor

D'Urso swivel chairs

Lately I've been rediscovering the work of Joseph D'Urso.  In the seventies when I first saw his work for Calvin Klein, it had all the fresh promise of a new american design direction.     Following in the footsteps of his internship with Ward Bennett,  U'rso showed us not only a new minimalism, but also a deductive design process that reflected contemporary urban lifestyle.   His furniture remains highly relevant today, in our quest for simple fully realized design pieces. They are luxurious in materiality and present a thoughtful ideal about living well, with less.  

We used two of his wonderful low profile swivel chairs for Knoll, in a Whistler chalet games room (pictured above), upholstered in a Knoll Luxe wool.   Out of production pieces can be found on the secondary furniture market.  He was interviewed in the (1981) Parsons school of Design New Freedom series, about his design sensibilities.  

D'Urso coffee table

D'Urso high racetrack table

D'Urso deep sofa

"If one isn't careful," says Joe D'Urso, "one ends up living in a storeroom".

Dream Homes

Our penthouse project at the Fairmont Pacific Rim Estates is in the spotlight once again, this time on Dream Homes.  Much appreciation to hosts Bianca Solterbeck and Peter Verge for their interest in our work and making it a very fun shoot!

Alem Dekor Magazine

It really is a small world (on-line) after all.  The Rancho Mirage home we designed for the lovely Jacquie Somerville, has been featured in ALEM Dekor Magazine Istanbul.   Many thanks to  Senem Öztürk and ALEM for this great editorial piece. Teşekkür ederim!   

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

Creed

RBI concept sketch for kitchen

As I approach my 35^th year of being a professional interior designer, I am struck not by how much has changed, but rather by how much has remained true.  Ultimately an honest authentic approach to design prevails for me.   Our design point of view is formed by our clients desires and informed by our core design values.  Interior design that is driven by an elegant expression of function, that does not care for trend or the latest colour.  I believe the  enduring choices we make, will only increase in worth as time goes by.  

This year we've been designing a number of projects which will not come to fruition, long before fashion choices will have moved on. We'll share more of our thinking + processes here on the blog and on our new Facebook page, as they (+ we)  progress.

"Modernism means freedom-freedom to mix, to choose, to change, to embrace the new but hold fast to what is good."   Edward J Wormley 1907-1995.

Art Glass

Bell Jar Pendants

Alison Berger is an artist whose medium is light and whose material is glass. Whether designing light fixtures, objects, furnishing or large scale sculptures, she uses age-old glass blowing techniques to create glass forms that transcend time and capture light.  The beauty of Alison Berger's fixtures are further embellished by a strong sense of history that is inherent in hand blown glass.  Glass art is formed from fire and earth in a magical process that is over 2000 years old.  She refers to her light fixtures as being atmospheric, small points of light emitted through dense glass; recalling fireflies.  The light fixtures we've included in our projects (shown here) defy style categories, fitting seamlessly, they are more akin to architecture than decor.  Just stunning.   Meet the Artist, Alison Berger: Museum of Glass

Pistil Pendant

Roman Ring Floor Lamp

Discipline + Revolt

When I heard of Andrée Putman passing last month, it brought to mind my first knowledge of her work.  Designing Morgans in 1984 (the first American boutique style hotel), she introduced us to a sophisticated sober elegance that was both serene and emotionally evocative. Minimal but never spare.  These were the early days of my design life, and Putman's celebrated work was a beacon extolling the virtue of design principles + theory, over tricks + trend.  As she noted "the perfect balance between discipline and revolt."  For me she has always been the model design citizen........ inspired and inspiring.  x x

Photograph leaning, Rodney Graham

To anchor and compose the unlikely, but functionally practical flat screen placement we created a stealth media unit, spanning the architecture window bay.

"Of course style and money have nothing to do with each other, good design is pure and simple, and I am interested in that family of things that will not date."  Andrée Putman 1925-2013.

Putman Style

Site Additions

Deans Knight Capital Management

We've added two new project portfolios and their descriptions to the RBI web site. Although very different in their intended use, they share common design principles.  Foremost of which is our belief in modern space, that is expressed in an honest uncomplicated way.    

Naramata Lake House

Project photography by Josh Dunford.

Palm Springs Life

Much appreciation to J. Everette Perry and his associates at Palm Spring Life Magazine, for including RBI in the PSST! section of the January 2013 issue.  It features the Rancho Mirage home we designed for our dear friend and client, the gifted Jacquie Somerville.

Hearten

As 2012 speeds to a close, I'm heartened to have had such a great journey this year at RBI.   We are privileged to work with such extraordinary people; our wonderful clients, industry professionals, builders, suppliers ........ the list is a long one.   It truly takes a village.
It is my pleasure to thank everyone involved in our day to day process of fashioning interior spaces, by making a donation to A Loving Spoonful, whose generous acts warm so many hearts. Wishing you the best of this season and a remarkable new year.
With peace, love + respect for all.  Robert