MODERN OUTDOOR FURNITURE - PART 1

Furniture designed by one of my favorite designers Patricia Urquiola for B&B Italia available through INFORM INTERIORS.  For the Modern Morroccan outdoor space, mix these sculptural woven pieces with textured fabrics in tones of warm charcoals or fresh aquas - these are perfect pieces to creating a casual yet luxurious living space.

Vancouver is one of those cities where everyone can't wait till summer.  It's that time of year again for many home owners who plan to design their outdoor spaces in time for summer. Working with several clients on their outdoor spaces here are a few of my top picks for the summer, stay tuned for more modern outdoor spaces.

MODERN ARCHITECT - VANCOUVER

A great example of modern residential design is the LeBlanc House which was the recipient of a 2007 Special Jury Award from the Architectural Institute of British Columbia.

Client: Jean Claude LeBlanc
Architect: Peter Cardew, David Scott, Angie Jim
Structural: Rob Smith
Contractor: John Mason and Associates; Peter Montgomery, Highliner Construction
Groun Floor Area: 2,961 ft2
Completion: December 2006




This house is now on the market, a perfect home for the sophisticated Vancouverite who appreciates a modern minimalist interior with the influence of west coast materials. To read more about this property visit realtor Jason Soprovich's website.

I love this beautifully executed renovation by Vancouver based design team Peter Cardew Architects. The interior has a sophisticated restraint of materials combining polished concrete floors, natural stone and a signature of BC architects - the subtle layer of maple seen in flush panel millwork. Each interior space is filled with natural light filtering through full height glazing throughout the home.

Our local 18karat recently highlighted their collection Gemma Spring/Summer 2008 in this perfect setting, a refreshing combination of earthy natural accessories and vessels. One of my favorite sources of inspiration is to look through 18 Karat's award winning styling and imagery. Photographs below 18 Karat.

MODERN FURNITURE: 2MODERN BLOG

I'm excited to be guest blogger for 2modern and share with readers design finds I come across while working on various projects, a growing collection of my favorite eye candy. There are many up and coming designers who are truly innovative in not only design, fabrication as well experimenting with fresh new materials and higher levels of impeccable quality. Here are a few of my furniture favorites:

MODERN FURNITURE - COOL SWIVEL CHAIRS (to see full article go to 2modern)

Luxy italy | big jim
31.5" wide x 32.28" high, seat height: 16.53"
for version with swivel auto return and polished aluminum base
$1,525.00 available through SPENCER INTERIORS

MODERN LOUNGE CHAIR re-inventing the bean bag chair


Available through Ligne Roset, Livingspace Interiors Vancouver

MODERN DAYBEDS - Frigerio Italy (to see full article go to 2modern)


Frigerio Italy | cooper wings daybed 90 cm
35.43" x 59.84" x 26.77"/34.25" high, seat height: 13.77"
$5,685.00 in fabric Cat Lusso available through SPENCER INTERIORS

MODERN FURNITURE - SPAIN (to see full article go to 2modern)

The "holy day" lounge chair from Vicarbe Spain designed by Jean-Marie Massaud is the perfect modern alternative to the the commonly used Barcelona Chair.
(27.5"W x 30.3"D x 26.4"H) $2,179.00 CAD from Spencer Interiors.

MODERN DAYBEDS - still sourcing (to see full article go to 2modern)

40.5"D x 80.5"W in category C fabric, includes 3 back cushions40.5"D x 80.5"W in category C fabric, includes 3 back cushions. Still in the process of sourcing a modern daybed that is comfortable to sleep on, timeless in style and at of good value to meeting our budget . A great option is the modern clean lines of the "BENSEN sleeper sofa" designed by Niels Bensen and available through INFORM INTERIORS.

MODERN INTERIOR DESIGNER - PATRICIA GRAY

I am a longtime admirer of Vancouver-based interior designer, Patricia Gray. It has been inspiring to see her work transform over the years and see her approach to modern interiors be featured in well known magazine publications like Interior Design, Western Living, Architectural Digest and of course my favorite source of information, the blogging community. Through friends Kim and Jo from one of my favorite reads in the morning - desire to inspire ... I noticed a familiar name in the comments - what a pleasant surprise to see Patricia Gray join the blogging community of design lovers! An even more pleasant surprise was to see my blogs featured on her blog roll. I felt like a little kid at the magazine aisle excited to buy my favorite design magazine ... I just had to write to Patricia to thank her for visiting. Small world we live in as it turns out we have a few more connections in common.



In my recent efforts to get back to blogging, Patricia's personal blog (at the top of a growing list of favorite design blogs) has renewed by own personal blogging energy. Here I share with you my interview with Patricia on her design views.

Interior Designer: Patricia Gray
Company: Patricia Gray Inc
Specialty: Interior Design, Furniture & Product Design, Project Management
Started: 1982
Background: Kwantlen College / Parsons School of Design - Paris, France
Current Location: Vancouver BC

INTERVIEW
- Out of all the cities in the world, why do you choose to work in Vancouver?
I was raised in Vancouver. It is my home.

- With respect to your work, what is it that you feel makes you successful? unique?
I feel successful when my clients fall in love with their homes. Unique when I am using my own designs not someone else’s.

- How do you like to approach design?
I like to start on the interior architecture of the space. I make sure the envelope is right then add in the furnishings, artwork and accessories.

- What inspires you?
I am inspired by beauty in all forms.

- What inspires your work?
My work is inspired by clients who have faith in the creative process and want me to design something that is unique for them.

- Who inspires you?
I am inspired by Albert Hadley, Michal Taylor who have been my Mentors since Design School and who I consider to be great Interior Design Icons, and recently I am inspired by Michael S. Smith for his brillance in interpreting the past in fresh and modern ways.

- What do you dislike and wish you could change about design in Vancouver? pet peeve?
I think we live in one of the greatest cities in North America. We have a contemporary, cosmopolitan design genre here that is totally unique to us. The only thing that I long for is to have more design resources available here.

- If there was one thing about your industry that you do that you could change, what would it be? ex. an interior, building, a product, process
I would change the way that Interior Designers are perceived. In European countries they celebrate Interior Designers and Architects and honor them for the contributions they are making.

- What do you feel you are contributing to the industry that is innovative and progressive?
I try to create designs for clients that are not trendy or fleeting, but that are unique and specifaclly suited to the architecture and to their specific life style requirements. That takes a lot of faith on the part of the clients and a willingness to follow through on all the details. I am very dedicated to Smart Design, Eco, Green and & Envioronmentally Friendly practices.

- Describe what your desk looks like (cluttered, heaps of magazines, bottle of Tylenol, etc.)
All that is on my desk is my laptop and the files that I am working on that day, and always fresh flowers.

- What do you need from your work environment in order to be productive?
Beauty, inspiring music, and my bulletin board where I post all my inspirations.

- Do you have a pet, what kind?
I have a 4 ½ lb Yorkshire Terrier named Nicole. She comes to work with me everyday and has her own business card: VP of Security. She is best VP of Security we have ever had. She guards the front door ferociously against couriers.

Thank You Patricia for sharing a little more about you. It is such a privilege to have personal insight from the talent behind the amazing designs we admire. To read more about Patricia , here are links to more interviews by some of the blogs I admire: Frankie of life in a venti cup and Vanessa of Turquise LA for LAapartmenttherapy

MODERN FURNITURE - DONA LIVING

"Dona Living is a wholly original new line from Valencia with refreshingly different pieces characterized by distinctive shapes, and the use of exotic woods and colourful lacquer finishes. Their trademark "Agata" Low Table in Ebony has become an instant icon, while their mythically named ottoman and low table combinations (such as "Tesa and Pairs"), have emerged as universal favorites. Most items are available in your choice of White Ash, Lati Wenge, Natural Oak, or Ebony, in combination with Red, Brown, Black, or White lacquer finishes." - available through Spencer Interiors. Modern-Contemporary furniture that is moderately priced while perfect for a kid friendly home. I love the ottomans & table compliments which are great space savers and are multi-functional for any living room or family room.

MODERN INTERIORS - DIEDIER GOMEZ

Feature Interior Design Firm: DIEDIER GOMEZ
Location: Paris, France
Specialty: high-end residential, retail, commercial, hospitality
Project Highlights: See my favorites on flickr image library

I love the use of combining oversized graphics with bold colour to create a dramatic interior concept. The work of Diedier Gomez is a perfect example of well executed concept interiors.

MODERN RESIDENTIAL - LOS ANGELES

Architecture & Interior Design by:
LORCAN O'HERLIHY ARCHITECTS
Locations: Los Angeles, California
Specialty: high-end residential, mixed-use, institutional, commercial
Project Highlights: Jai House, Gardner 1050

I am inspired by LORCAN O'HERLIHY ARCHITECTS whose residential portfolio is a perfect example of using innovative space planning to create interior spaces that are seamless with the exterior. One of my favorite projects is the Jai House for it's beautifully executed details as seen in the cantilevered stair treads and floor to ceiling glazing. Features include an open roof top patio and a covered pool which extends outwards into the landscaping, eliminating the boundaries between interior and outdoor spaces. The architecture transforms outdoor areas into functional extensions of the interior living spaces. Instead of the traditional home full of rooms, the Jai house provides open space planning for more flexibility to entertain while also giving the illusion of more space. I love the idea of watching a movie beneath the stars while comfortably lounging on the rooftop garden.

MODERN WINDOW TREATMENTS - RAVI DESIGN, VANCOUVER

When we think modern minimalism, we don't necessarily think drapery ... however, it is the added textures of lush fabrics and the tailoring of window treatments that complete a room. I love the combination of modern interior detailing combined with the softness of lush, organic styling achieved with accessories, art and of course, the addition of stunning drapery panels. There is a subtle beauty in modern minimal architectural elements such as flush drywall details, oversized windows, polished concrete floors, recessed hidden light fixtures and frameless glass panels. Key to styling an interior is the layering of the final soft finishes that transform a space into an experience, turning a house into a personalized home. Window treatments are key elements to completing an interior; they can dramatically soften a space while providing practical functions such as protecting your furnishings from UV damage or providing additional insulation. Full height drapery panels can create drama in a space by emphasizing ceiling heights or create an ethereal feeling by filtering light into a room. Vancouver-based RAVI DESIGN is an exceptional company with which to work. Recently featured in Apartment Therapy, LA as a great source for modern window treatments through their flickr images, they are an incredibly talented team that produces craftsmanship of incomparable quality. Their attention to detail is unparalleled in the world of fabulous window coverings ... I highly recommend their work and love the opportunity to collaborate with them whenever possible.

MODERN HOSPITALITY - STUDIO GAIA

Feature Interior Design Firm: STUDIO GAIA
Location: New York, New York
Specialty: hospitality (hotels & restuarants), high-end residential
Project Highlights: W Hotel - Korea, W Hotel - Mexico, Tao - Las Vegas, Private Penthouse - New York

STUDIO GAIA, based in New York, specializes in hotel and restaurant design along with high-end residential projects. They have displayed a deft skill for creating dramatic interiors with bold concepts. Carefully crafted custom furniture contributes to truly unique spaces, along with effective use of ceiling and lighting details. The W HOTEL is a great example of their ability to create a strong concept and carry it through in every detail, such as interesting space planning where they've arranged seating around a central core in their lounges. It's refreshing to see their theatrical style applied to residential interiors, as demonstrated with their New York penthouse project.

MODERN CONTEMPORARY - LUXURY RESIDENTIAL VANCOUVER

In previous articles, I've made statements to Vancouver being a conservative residential market and have mostly featured projects that represent more of a modern minimal aesthetic. I believe MODERN to remain timeless and it is the attention to details and quality of materials that remains a true test of time. While contemporary styling may be more approachable for the local market, it is such business leaders like THE QUIGG GROUP that offers luxury living in Vancouver at it's finest, ROBERT QUIGG and his team at THE QUIGG GROUP build quality homes for the refined clientele. I share with you the penthouse at the Presidio.

MODERN CONTEMPORARY - NEW YORK

THE APARTMENT creative agency
www.theapt.com

Modern Eclectic White on White

Interior design to the next level - a complete concept package where one's interior is a form of branding an individual's style statement. From the White Apartment to the Black Apartment - perfect examples of a concept well executed through the design and details of when you first enter to when you leave with a lasting impression.

Modern Eclectic - Black on Black

MODERN SHOP ISSUE #2 - VANCOUVER

BRAVURA INTERIORS INC.
http://www.bravura-interiors.com
534 West Pender St @ Seymour
Vancouver, BC V6B 1V5
T 604-872-4880
E info@bravura-interiors.com



KOOLHAUS
http://www.koolhausdesign.com
2199 West 4th Avenue
Vancouver, BC V6J 1N3
T 604.875.9004
E vancouver@koolhausdesign.com
Mon/Tues/Sat: 10 - 6
Wed: 10:00 - 7:00
Thurs/Fri: 10:00 - 8:00
Sun: 11:00 - 5:00
Sun: 12:00 - 6:00

UNIQUE LOCAL VANCOUVER FURNITURE DESIGNERS & ARTISTS



ONEPOINTSIX DESIGN INC
http://www.onepointsix.com/
878 Homer Street
Vancouver, BC V6B 2W5
T 604 684-0478
TUES - SAT: 12:00PM - 5:00



SMALL MEDIUM LARGE
http://www.sml-online.com/
334 CORDOVA STREET
VANCOUVER, BC V6B 1E8
T 603 696 5211
F 604 682 3525
E sml@intergate.ca
MON - SAT: 12:00PM - 5:00