Colour Study

As interiors designers we spend everyday, working in the laboratory of colour. The study and exploration of colour and it's application, is one of endless possibilities + lessons.  Even our most subtle work (albeit muted) is about colour and how it conveys a point of view.  In our much more expressive work (pictured here) rather than whisper, it shouts. 

I love fully saturated colour and am always delighted to use it full strength, when the right opportunity presents its self.  Colour selection always starts with emotion for me, theory defines and expands its execution. But mostly (I think) colour should be fun.    

"Colours, like features, follow the changes of the emotions."  

(Pablo Picasso)  

"He who wishes to become a master of colour must see, feel and experience each individual colour in its endless combinations with all other colours." (Johannes Itten)

The Art of Colour: The subjective experience and objective rationale of colour: by Johannes Itten.

Happy Pride

It's the Pride festival in Vancouver, have a great weekend.  Celebrate!

Opus Hotel Vancouver, (Dede) Penthouse suite

Household Arts

There's a hundred years of history behind the French company La Cornue.  These craftsman connoisseurs remain committed to excellence, with the handmade production of their extraordinary cuisine arts cookers.  Built for longevity of noble materials, the cookers are at home in modern or traditional environments.  

We have the privilege to design in a variety of styles, and the same design principles apply to all our work.  Form and materials to last over time, for of our client's pleasure, and enjoyment of use.

The CornuFe' 110 is the star of a restrained classic kitchen we designed, part of a completely renovated heritage home.  Shaker style white lacquer cabinets with polished chrome hardware. Counters Okite on the work benches, polished grey marble island top. Back splash brushed stainless steel 1 by 2 inch off set tile, Ican. Integrated refrigerator and freezer columns, Thermador.  Faucets Victorian series, by Jado.  Polished chrome pendants, from Circa Lighting.  

CornuFe' 110

Who's Who

Designing this resort home was much more ad-libbed than scripted. The style direction from the outset was to be retro inspired, but fresh and modern in it's manifestation.  We sourced all of the vintage furniture + artifacts in California.  Finding the majority of them in Palm Springs, and filling in the gaps, on 1stdibs.  With new fabrics and some refreshing of finishes everything looks like it just came off the showroom floor.    

There are so many wonderful pieces, each with their own provenance: Living room, wall sculpture and floor lamp by Curtis Jere. Credenza by Karl Springer.  Lounge chairs by Milo Baughman + Warren Platner. Dining room, vintage table from Brueton, with chairs by Milo Baughman, vintage Murano glass collection on lucite/glass shelving unit.  Den, chest by Steve Chase, antique Balinese day bed, vintage white Italian ceramics. 

Master bath, wall sculpture by Curtis Jere.  Master bedroom, pony chaise by Le Corbusier, side table Charles Hollis Jones, vintage lucite desk with Mies Brno chair, bedside tables by Brian Cox, vintage lucite chandelier (unknown).  All snapshots taken during our June install, the custom rug and outstanding bits, will all be in place for the fall season.

P H

The Penthouse project we've added to the web site, was designed for an international couple who make Vancouver one of their global destinations.  Successful work is the result of many factors ... but chief among them, is client trust.  We have immense gratitude for our client's  continued belief in the work we do, and (always) for the pleasure of working with them.

Photography, Josh Dunford.

Out There

For the outdoor living areas of this Palm Springs home, the retro elegant Canasta line by Patricia Urquiola (B+B Italia), seemed like the quintessential solution.   With it's 70's cool silhouettes, inspired (scaled up) adaptation of Vienna Straw and groovy needlework pillows, it perfectly fits the playbill.  A fresh modern approach with a vintage feel, and no comfort spared.  Umbrellas by Tucci, fire bowl Solus Decor and Trina Turk  pool towels.  

Our client is the uber glamorous writer and style maven, Jacquie Somerville.  Jacquie's creeds include, living life to the fullest and definitely getting out there.   (jacquiesomerville.com). We've had an awesome time this week completing her happening resort home.  The eclectic interiors, installation photos will follow shortly.   

Material Matters

The application of natural marble material to interior surfaces gives a strong sense of permanence, and each application is as individual as the stone it was quarried from.  The inner beauty of marble is a continual source of wonder.  Once cut from the earth each veneer is a one of a kind 'work of art'.        

When specifying stone we tend to opt for more sober selections, after all it's a (very) long term decision (could be a lifetime).  In addition it is imperative for us to individually select the slabs for every project, and equally, to engage the services of an expert fabricator/installer.  If you're building for keeps, god really should be in the details.

Sequence cut marble slabs, as seen in the warehouse of Bordigon Marble and Granite, Vancouver, British Columbia.

Everyday

The bathroom of today has evolved dramatically over the years, with greater attention given to the ease and pleasure of use. Getting all the basics right creates a foundation and functionality, that assists in living well with comfort.  To get through our daily grooming rituals having everything within reach is vital.  We used full height (side loading) pull out towers in this master bath, so products and appliances are convenient while counters stay clutter free.  Mirrors with wrap around task lighting have the bonus of an integrated TV at the primary vanity; from Electric Mirror.

There's a separate (sit down) make up area, again with flawless lighting. The large steam shower is fitted with compulsory rain head and hand held shower wands.  All plumbing fittings and bathroom accessories are from Gessi.  Washbasins by Flaminia, tub and toilet by Duravit.  A finish vocabulary that includes french limestone and custom stained ash cabinets makes this room, handsome everyday utility.

For Arts Sake

I'm very pleased to be travelling to Hong Kong for ART HK 11 this month. One of the great benefits of working in the design industry is it's interface with the world of art.  I've had life long love affair with art, and no matter where I travel experiencing art is part of that journey.  In the past I've had the good fortune to visit various international art fairs, auctions + exhibitions.  Art HK is a wonderful opportunity to see the best of Asia, both established and emerging artists.

We often rely on an expert adviser, for the selection of art work in our projects.  Susan Almrud, has assisted our clients in their acquisition of important works, and in so doing added greater richness to our interiors.   Susan does so much more than just prudently recommend art, she educates and excites with her enthusiastic depth of knowledge.  Touring the fair with her will be very enlightening.  "To be with art is all we ask",  Gilbert + George. 

Kibong Rhee, End Of The End 2011

Painting by Kibong Rhee, (South Korea).  Extraordinary dream like works, painted on translucent layers, suggesting traditional landscape painting.   

Staying In

Movies can take us to another place.  So when designing this home cinema we wanted the space to initiate that transcendence and provide a provocative experience, vastly different than the rest of the home.  A (dark blue) mono chromatic colour scheme absorbs light (from reflecting back to the screen) and the fabric wall panels provide acoustical balance.  Comfort was paramount and resulted in our decision use ultra lounge seating in soft leather, from B+B Italia. Cashmere embroidered throws and plush pillows allow everyone to get nested.  Staying in to enjoy a film feels a lot like going out, only better........ plus there's a bar.

We worked with Millson Media to specify and install the cinema technology. Project construction and millwork were managed by Heron Construction.

Cloud 9

Perched high above the city, this expansive master suite is a peaceful sanctuary of tranquility.  We Selected luxurious materials and custom designed almost all of the furniture, to visually and literally quiet the space.  Hard surfaces are kept to a minimum, casegoods have leather wrapped drawer fronts, a tailored wool carpet covers the floor, and the entire room (at the touch of a button) is surrounded by voluminous silk drapery.  Both the drapery and custom bed dressings are fabricated in Jim Thompson silks.  Desaturated neutrals create a tonal cocoon that is soothing to the eye and mandated to be soft to the touch.  Free standing lighting by Maison Liaigre  and Porta Romana.  Cashmere throws from, Holland + Sherry.

Cocoon; "Something that envelops or surrounds in a protective or comforting way."

Contextual

the scene

Inspiration came from many sources, for our design of a home in Palm Springs.  The desert landscape and context, furnished us with an exuberant array of colours and textures to draw from.  Cactus blooms, lavender mountains at sunset, a diversity of palm trees and crystal blue skies, all (+ so much more) influenced the colour and patterns we selected. Fabric sources include, Schumacher, Designers Guild, Pollack and Donghia.  Once completed these materials will transform our vintage treasures (found in situ) and our client's oasis in the desert will perfectly suit it's unique setting.  We're looking forward to a fun installation in June!

fabric + paint selections

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.

Translation

The language of design, is decidedly not spoken by everyone.  When we're presenting a design concept to clients one of the most effective means of crossing this language barrier is to prepare a sketch rendering.  This tried and true visual tool, conveys our intentions while also helping us determine them (through the drawing process).  Saving both time and design loops for all concerned.  

Renovating a residence for a new client, required moving the kitchen to a different location in the home.  This sketch with collage elements enabled us to get consensus, moving the detailed construction drawings forward with confidence, that we were all on the same page.  

Design after all is a visual discourse.

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.