No Overmantles

Works by Gerhard Richter

Painting by Cecily Brown

When placing art in a client's environment, my first motivation is never decorative.  But rather it is about bringing richness and depth into the daily experience of living.  Living with art connects us with different points of view, and those views open doors to new worlds.

In the play Red, the Tony award wining script chronicles the abstract painter Mark Rothko's tumultuous struggles with his famous commission for Philip Johnson.  His distain for 'over mantles' (art as decor) is central in this recounting of conflicted artistic ideology.   Attending the Vancouver production of Red recently brought to mind, where art lives ...... so lives the spirit of the work and it's creator.  Art elevates space and that space can also support art, with understanding and respect for the artist who created it.

For the art works pictured here we elected a traditional approach, where colour and or texture promote it's prominence and beauty. Ultimately art does play a decorative role in interiors, but is so much more than that.

John Baldessari, MOMA 2010

Transcendent

Some interior design elements float between styles, and are equally at home in modern or traditional environments.  Aqua Creations produces elegant silhouettes in a timeless delicate ruching, that transcend style labels.  The Dippa pendant (pictured here), is a stylized organic form, as romantic as the panelled foyer it occupies, different but related sets of ideas.  I think our decision to use three colours, keeps it whimsical, while still feeling classic.  Aqua Creations is a perfect combination of artistic values and bespoke quality.

'Decorating is the art of arranging beautiful things comfortably; stick to the things you really love.  An honest room is always up to date.'  Billy Baldwin.

Visual Acoustics

Painting by Tiko Kerr, Twin Palms Pool 2011

Interior by RBI Rancho Mirage, 2011

Modernism Week is an exciting celebration of mid-century modern design, architecture and culture in Palm Springs, California.  This design aesthetic originated in the 1940's, 50's + 60's and was typified by clean simple lines which came to define desert modernism.

Modernism Week is filled with a variety of events including architectural tours, films, lectures, an architectural symposium, educational events, and chic parties...... all hosted in cool mid-century homes and boutique hotels.  It's happening February 16-26.  Get the Modernism Week  App for your iPhone, + I'll see you there.

Mural by John Henry, Palm Springs 2011

Palm Springs has such a strong site specific design vernacular, it continues to inspire + evoke a creative response.


Some favourite Palm Springs vintage furniture + accessory sources:

.  Boulevard

.  Christopher Anthony

.  Buy Design

.  Porter + Plunk

.  Hedge

.  Studio One 11

Up Date

exterior in progress

About a year ago I noted a comprehensive ground up lake house project we had undertaken in Naramata BC.  It's been a great year, working with our clients to design the house to perfectly suit their vision. As it nears completion we're getting excited to see the results of all our work.  On our last site visit there was a flurry of activity, with both wood ceilings and floors being installed.  The project is being skillfully crafted by Barnett Construction.  So much of what is reflected on the surface, or not reflected, is the result of careful planning and thoughtful execution.   Barnett Construction have been stellar to work with, translating construction documents into a built reality that befits our deign intentions.  We're planning a late spring installation, and an incredible first summer in their new lake house for our clients.

interior spaces in progress

Western Living

The Dream Homes Jan/Feb 2012 edition of Western Living features two of our projects.   One is a private jet interior, written by James Roxby Stewart.  The second is a penthouse residence interior, written by Michael Harris. It's great to have these projects included in the dream home issue, many thanks to everyone involved at the publication.  I believe all of the residences we create, become dream homes for our clients.  
Happy new year, dream on!

Making Spirits Bright

All the very best of the season to the many friends of Robert Bailey Interiors, with great appreciation to our remarkable clients, who have accompanied us on design adventures this year (and years past).  On behalf of you, a donation has been made to A Loving Spoonful, who truly make spirits bright!  May the new year be filled with joy and enable your dreams to become real.  

With peace, love + respect for all.  Robert  

 photo; WTT plaza NYC 12. 2000 / Bailey       

Modern Art Family

Recently added to our web site is the project portfolio for Silver Sea. It's the Vancouver home of an international art dealer and her family. Photographs are by Josh Dunford.
'Art does not reproduce the visible; rather it makes visible.' Paul Klee.

Plan for Silver Sea Project

We've also made some modifications to our web site, employing the talents of BB&co Strategic Storytelling to expand the depth of understanding of who we are and the work that we do.  Bill Baker is the author of a very informative blog, A Storied Perspective, that uncovers the value of storytelling to our daily lives,  and how it can engage us with its meaning, for our journey of discovery.  It's been an enlightening experience working with Bill Baker and Cookie Boyle (writer).  Our web site design is by Burnkit.

Project descriptions have been added to the RBI site

Gray Magazine

GRAY is a bimonthly print + digital magazine.  GRAY is for and about design connoisseurs who have a specific interest in the Pacific Northwest as a creative region.  Through a uniquely Northwest perspective, GRAY spotlights the very best in residential and commercial design throughout Washington, Oregon + British Columbia.  Each issue is filled with engaging features and interviews covering architecture, landscape, interior design, decor and entertaining - all things that are imagined, made or available right here.

We're delighted to have our Kinghorne project included in the premiere issue, of this great new regional publication. You can see the editorial, written by Rachel Gallaher here.  Much success to the team at Gray with their new + exciting venture!

Subscribe to GRAY MAGAZINE

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

Desert Chic

We just added our Rancho Mirage project portfolio to the RBI web site.

Photography is by Rick Szczechowski.  Special thanks to our fabulous client + collaborator JS.

'Within the total meaning of function is included the purpose to please.' Milo Baughman.

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!

F T

Many thanks to Glen Baxter and his team at Fashion TV for their World of Design segment, featuring our Fairmont penthouse project. See it here.

ARTRAVEL

Our penthouse project located in the Fairmont Pacific Rim Vancouver, has been featured in the current issue of Artravel magazine.  The bilingual publication focuses on premium contemporary architecture, design + decoration, from around the world. 
Much gratitude to Fabienne Dupuis for a very well crafted piece.  Merci Beaucoup!

Tropical Punch

Earlier this month I was in Punta Mita Mexico to install the principle rooms in our clients tropical resort home.  We had designed the beautiful exterior living spaces a couple of years ago.  The architectural style of the home is Balinese , with the main living space open on two sides and covered by a generous palapa roof.  Furnishing this gathering space, we elected to use a mix of outdoor lounge furniture facilitating a very casual lifestyle, that does not distinguish between indoor and out.  All of the fabrics, materials and even the floor lamps are 'weather + water resistant'.  The various furniture styles, art and artifacts give the space a sophisticated curated feel, belying it's practicality. 

Patricia Urquiola Crinoline chairs recall the design of classic rattan peacock chairs, and provide a delicate screen against the adjacent garden room, defining the sitting area.

This proved to be one of our more dramatic installations.  With hurricane Jova making it's way toward us and reports of severe weather expected; we had to clear the rooms shortly after they were complete.  I took a couple of record photos (here) and hoped for the best as we headed to the airport.  Fortunately Jova did not pack the predicted punch, +  we'll complete our install later this winter; in what will be more typically perfect weather conditions. 

Drift

I've been a fan of Bruce Mau Design (Massive Change) for many years.  The work of his office allies both method and depth of information;  culminating in beauty that is much more than skin deep. His thinking on design is just as thought provoking:

'Allow yourself to wander aimlessly.  Explore adjacencies. Lack judgment. Postpone criticism.'  # 8 Drift.  from Bruce Mau's, Incomplete Manifesto for Growth.  The design statement was written by Mau to outline his process, and serves (me) as a reminder to explore + enjoy the journey, not focusing on end results. 

* Thinking like a designer, study + discourse;

The book Glimmer (written in collaboration with Mau) tackles the big questions of design while the Glimmer site, continues the conversation presenting design thinkers + thinking.

Images here; our schematic concept for a new sushi bar to be located in Opus Hotel Montreal.