The Plan's the Thing

When I approach a new project, armed with our client's wish list and functional requirements, everything starts with the plan.  I try to work from a place without preconceptions, letting the program inform the space with meaning.  Design enrichment's follow this form as it reveals it's self, and a fully resolved plan manifests into a concept.   Planning provides the foundation of an intelligent three dimensional intention.  

Given an existing master bathroom with defined peripheries (6 feet by 16 feet), we were asked to expand the functionality and render it in an elegant veneer.  Rethinking the progression of activities, allowed for an expanded shower (wet room), separate toilet room, adding a make-up vanity plus a second sink.  A limited material vocabulary that is simply detailed, unifies and expands the space.

All things considered luxury is not about scale, but comfort and ease. 

No One is an Island

Having design history teaches you the importance of knowing as much about what you don't know, as that you do. Bringing together a project team of highly skilled specialists, translates into a superior outcome and a more valuable adventure. One of the most tangible and enriching is the art consultant.   The 'art world' is for me, a vast wilderness that I love to explore, but require a well qualified guide to navigate.

Susan Almrud is that go to docent. With a wealth of knowledge and experience, she intuitively understands space and it's inhabitants, deftly selecting works to grace their lives. Beyond the aesthetic contribution, her appropriate real time adeptness, opens up opportunities for collectors + art lovers alike. Generosity of spirit, warmth and top model good looks are just icing on the cake.

In a recent project, work by Darren Almond.

Well Done

The crafting of a luxury custom home relies not only on the selection of beautiful materials, but equally on the way they are detailed and transition from one to the other. The highly customized home pictured here has taken over three years to complete. It's rich material palette is quietly integrated with extensive architectural millwork throughout. This thoughtful fabrication of cabinetry was provided by Radius who's fit + finish, is uncompromising in it's execution. As a creative consultant you are only as good, as those who provide the built reality of your designs. In this case, I think we look quite good.

Amnesia

It seems to me that once the demo is cleared, a sort of memory loss takes place. We've been modifying the original design of this penthouse over the past 10 years. Keeping in step with the way our client lives and his style. More recently we were asked to address a master bath that had not been previously altered. This undertaking quickly grew to finally, removing all traces of the original interior details throughout. I came across a before shot and was taken aback by the pre-demo interior. Focused on the new design I had not fully noticed the remarkable change we initiated. The new (clean slate) look has the refinement of a tailored suit, and is edited to reveal pure form.

The new images will make there way to the web site soon.

Now Open

We had some fun last fall designing Foundlings. it's a new women's accessory shop located on Vancouver's west side. Our clients asked us to create a stylish dressing room atmosphere, for their first retail venture. Beyond the mood of the space, function played a pivotal role in creating showcase cabinetry for a variety of small wares. An 'Art Deco' ethos seems natural in designing this glamorous space to highlight beauty and vanity. As a counterpoint to the all white interior, we conceived a very pink, custom hand painted wall covering, which imprints the space with a unique personality. It has proved to be the perfect back drop for the retailer; who transforms the shop with the perpetual introduction of new merchandise. Now go shop!

Sweet Spots

I would like to thank Erin Donnelly for her editorial in the November/December issue of Canadian Interiors. Her piece highlights our design work on Opus Hotel Montreal and it's hot spot, KOKO restaurant + bar. Thanks so much for the appreciation!

We're currently putting a new spin on Opus Hotel Vancouver. With a refreshed Lobby Bar debuting later this winter, and re-mixed looks for the signature rooms by the end of 2010. I look forward to seeing these new looks, as they come to fruition and evolve the Opus brand.

Holiday Wishes

In the spirit of this season + recognition of our wonderful clients, we have made a donation to Friends For Life Vancouver. Wishing you all the very best now and into the future, may these holiday wishes be yours, all year long. Enjoy!

Flower Therapy

Flowers and floral constructions have long been associated with special occasions. But I'm of the opinion that everyday is an occasion worthy of celebrating with beautiful flowers. The colours and forms of nature can be transforming. Touching all our senses, they promote a feeling well being.

Whenever we complete a project I always look to Get Fresh Flowers to provide this essential component to every room. Robert Munro and his team consistently bring innovation to their extraordinary artful designs. These sophisticated seasonal arrangements were both created by Get Fresh Flowers. Large and exuberant or small and contained, they both add joy to the room they were designed for.

True Colours

I always feel privileged to work with clients on a second, or as in this case our third project together. Their wonderful vacation home is located in Punta Mita Mexico. The first phase of our work was to extend the pool terrace and add a roof deck to better enjoy all aspects of the Mexican day + night. We were certainly inspired by the exquisite natural beauty of the location, and it's abundant floral vegetation. But also by our vivacious and stylish clients. Mexican rose marble and a local wood stained dark, provide the built hardscape. While generous scale furniture fosters lounging and just taking in the spectacular views. The saturated colours of the Bougainvillea informed our fabric selection, which seems perfectly at home under the clear pure tropical sun.

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.

Classic White

Certainly one of the most enduring colours for a kitchen is white. It just always looks fresh and timeless, virtually in any style. These images are from a condominium project in which we demolished everything and started over. The all white kitchen complete with the dining island is set against picturesque Marinaside views. I'd never consider myself a minimalist, but this elegant glass kitchen does not need decoration; it's inherent in the rich material. The polished glass surface becomes kinetic, reflecting all that comes in contact with it.

Rugs To Love

In a number of projects we have had the great fortune to work with Zoe Luyendijk, who is an amazing rug designer. Her designs have provided concrete foundation for so many of our rooms. Rugs are often envisioned as anchors for furniture. But great rugs can do so much more, they unify and enhance spaces, bringing luxury and art to daily life. Working with Zoe is always a pleasure, which is manifested with the unrolling of a magic carpet. Pictured here in a London Mews house (nearing completion), we used several of her remarkable designs. All of these rugs are hand made and executed in wool and silk, some of which have in excess of thirty custom colours. I look forward to future projects in which to incorporate her beautiful bespoke rugs.

KOKO

Last year we designed KOKO Restaurant + Bar, located in Opus Hotel Montreal. We've been very pleased with all the recognition received. Notably the award from International Restaurant + Hotel Awards, for Best Conceptual Design. The concept jumping off point was the Art Nouveau building housing the spaces. We channelled the decadent salons (of that time) like those frequented by Oscar Wilde and incorporated the exotic drawings of Aubrey Beardsley all in a vocabulary of today. Many thanks to the team that made this project such a success. With a special nod to Nettie Hew, Jon Gieser + Chad Falkenberg, who worked tirelessly and always in good humour.

Art Matters

It never ceases to amaze me how art work enriches the spaces we design.  This triptych by Vancouver artist Tiko Kerr, (in a client's study) sits perfectly on the floral grass cloth.  It's graphic forms and synchronized colour, combined with perfect proportion, take this room to a higher more soulful level.

In Be

In the summer issue of Be magazine, they've featured a residential penthouse we designed a couple of years ago. This project was for me, pivotal in changing focus and finding my delight, in designing homes for remarkable individuals.  Full project portfolio + on our web site.