MODERN INTERIOR DESIGN - AVROKO

Finley Residence

Architecture & Interiors by: Avroko
Location: New York, USA
Specialty: Restaurants, Hotels, Residential, Convept Development, Furniture
Project Highlights: Sapa, Quality Meats, European Union, Park Avenue Summer
Interior Photography: Avroko

It is a pleasant surprise to find out that one of my favorite New York based interior design firms Avroko who specializes in restaurant design, also has some great examples of residential interiors. Above are some images of their residential work. During my last visit in New York I had the treat and privilege to enjoy 3 fabulous meals in three amazing restaurants Sapa, Quality Meats and European Union. To read more about their work, check out a great blog article of images from my blog friend Andrew of BuildBlog or you can view collection of my favorite Avroko designs - see my slideshow.

Park Avenue Summer

MODERN MOMA

Photography by Gaile Guevara (except of course the ones of me)

Spend a day at the MOMA in New York and you’ll know why it’s my favorite place to be! On a recent visit with my good friend Michelle, we rediscovered how subtle design details go into creating maximum effects.

Not every passing eye may notice, but I * love, love * that every where I look, the “too complicated” or “too expensive” details are represented here seemingly effortlessly. From the flush drywall reveals to the spatial planning of transitioning from one space to another … subtle application of natural light and physical movement through a volume of space … striking white walls, over sized slab stone clad walls … a cantilevered bridge carefully finished on all exposed sides intersects with a vertical opening exposing the floor plates of each gallery level … the cut outs and view points all with frameless glazing … to the flush linear a/c vents and grills … It’s the beauty of minimalism that gives this simplistic yet stylized illusion.

Just observe and you’ll see that even the people within the space, passing through admiring the artworks on display… become art itself.

P.S. Doesn’t Michelle make the best model?!

ICFF 2007 NEW YORK - HOT WHITE chairs

I attended ICFF 2007 - to see new and upcoming designs for 2007, some local New York designers, to international designers from Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Germany, UK ... it was such a great experience to meet innovative and creative talents in the design industry. I love love love - all the white!

Photography by Evanseye
CELON lounge chair by Bernhardt Design, $1500 USD

Photography by Evanseye
ONDA lounge chair by Bernhardt Design, $1200 USD

Photography by Evanseye
Resin arm chair by Martha Sturdy.

Photography by Evanseye

Mamma Rocking Chair, made from a single piece of fiber glass in a glossy urethane finish. Montreal based designer - Patrick Messier. Purchase Price $6,000 USD. Dimensions 26.2"W x 46"D x 37.36"H ** was very comfortable to sit in, it hugs you as you rock back & forth.

I was looking a little tired from all the walking, luckily Michelle and I brought along a pair of ballet slip-ons to calm the feet. Looking forward to the day that Vancouver can finally host a modern exhibit of this caliber. Feel free to check out the slide show of our travels through ICFF.

MODERN RESIDENTIAL - NEW YORK

Feature Architecture & Interior Design:
MESSANA O'RORKE ARCHITECTS
Location: New York, New York
Specialty: high-end residential, leasure, retail, commercial
Project Highlights: Storefront Loft, Ten Broeck Residence, 12th Street Residence, DKNY Geneva

New York based firm MESSANA O'RORKE ARCHITECTS represents a portfolio of residential interiors that have impeccable attention to minimalist detailing. Flush drywall and cabinetry detailing carefully executed in integration with existing structural elements such as exposed wood beams or brick walls. A seamless layering of the old with the new is beautifully shown in each of their interiors.

MODERN ARCHITECTURE & INTERIORS - RICHARDSON SADEKI

Feature Interior Design Firm: RICHARDSON SADEKI
Location: New York, New York
Specialty: hospitality (spas), retail, commercial, corporate, retail, residential
Project Highlights: Bathhouse-Las Vegas, Skinklinic-New York, Boone Residence, Dumbo Residence

"Richardson Sadeki is a design company that provides architectural, graphic, packaging and web design for companies seeking integrated concept development and a unique end user experience." - company profile

In my travels to New York, I wanted to learn more about the local design industry and become more familiar with what I consider the best of modern architecture and interiors. I am inspired by the firm's precision of detailing and their sophisticated yet subtle integration of company branding as seen in the Bathhouse project in Las Vegas and the Skinkinic previously published in Interior Design Magazine. It's exciting to hear that the firm will working on the renovation of the Chelsea Hotel Bar.

MODERN ARCHITECTURE & INTERIORS - DEBORAH BERKE ARCHITECTS

Feature Interior Design Firm: DEBORAH BERKE ARCHITECTS
Location: New York, New York
Specialty: corporate, commercial, high-end residential
Project Highlights: Marianne Boesky Gallery, Gordon Loft Residence

New York based architectural firm DEBORAH BERKE ARCHITECTS brings new insight to the modern interior. I was inspired by the minimalist architecture and light filled interiors of the MARIANNE BOESKY GALLERY. In learning more about the firm's work, I discovered the same austere yet sophisticated approach used in corporate and gallery interiors applied to their residential projects. What I love about the details of a modern interiors is the ability to create a neutral canvass that is calming to the eye and in turn highlight the personalized items that move us from artwork and furniture to sentimental collectables. I share with you the amazing designs of a firm that evokes a sense of restraint yet beautifully executed architectural details, there is something to be said for a space that moves you. I appreciate DBA's design aesthetic and sophisticated approach to architecture.

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 INTERIORS - WHITE CORIAN

During a recent sourcing visit to New York, I came across BUTTER & EGGS in Tribeca. They carry some amazing home accessories in crisp white corian solid surfacing. I did some reading to find out more about the product line and learned that the designers behind these amazing objects are a talented husband & wife team. The extensive styling/editorial background of Roseann Repetti complements the modern architectural process of her husband, architect West Chin. They formed FTF DESIGN STUDIO to produce a line of home accessories. Through the website for their architecture & interior design firm, WEST CHIN ARCHITECTS, I share with you their portfolio of amazing interiors which has evolved into a product line of home accessories, furniture & uniquely designed freestanding tubs. I admire how they have taken the opportunity to brand their work into a line of products and, even better, are using one of my favorite materials - CORIAN.

MODERN RESIDENTIAL - MINIMAL WHITE

New York based interior designer JENNIFER POST is an excellent representation of a modern minimalist who brings the refinement and restraint of uncluttered interiors. I am inspired by her interiors and her ability to work with sophisticated clientele who understand her approach to design. It is motivating to know that when I see amazing interiors such as these, there are clients out there who appreciate a modern minimal aesthetic. It is rewarding to work with clients who understand and value the design process. I love how modern white interiors create a seamless integration of function combined the unexpected beauty of artful nuances.

MODERN MOVE ... THE NEXT CHAPTER

It's been exciting to review and update my profile as I prepare paperwork for my move ... "In April of 2007, I embark on a new stage of my career as I join an architectural interiors firm and relocate to New York City. Continuing to nurture my passion and thirst for knowledge, I will further develop my resource data base and expand my network of contacts with industry leaders. My goals are to create a universal online resource that will help educate the public on the value and impact of good modern design and to create the relationships necessary to implement design community projects for improving environmental awareness." I have BIG goals for my next chapter and am looking forward to meeting new resources. Thank you to everyone across the globe for all your emails; I greatly appreciate the support.

In the next few weeks, I will begin my journey as an interior designer relocating from young, conservative Vancouver to international design center New York. My official countdown begins ...

MODERN ORGANIC - FURNITURE STATEMENTS

Inspired by the sourcing of SLICEOVICE for great design finds. Here are amazing examples of MODERN ORGANIC sculpture peices where furniture become works of art. GAGOSIAN GALLERY, New York features the work of MARK NEWSON. Beautiful additions for modern interiors that can accommodate the dramatic scale and proportion of an organic furniture statement such as the EXTRUDED CHAIR or the VARANAI SHELF in solid carrara marble. It amazes me to see the craftsmanship and detail that such talents like MARK NEWSON explore in new uses of materials. Also seen in his interior work through New York based restaurant the LEVERHOUSE, an new edge to restaurant design where it's all in the details from the custom furniture to lighting.

MODERN RESIDENTIAL - NEW YORK

50 Gramercy Park North at Gramercy Park Hotel is a residential development that combines the services of as Ian says "effortless luxury living with all the benefits of residential ownership" a collaboration between IAN SCHRAGER and London based architect JOHN PAWSON. Having worked and studied the development industry in Vancouver ... it amazes me every time I visit New York to see a new project. The attention to detail of the architecture and interiors right through to the marketing campaign - it is inspiring to see a development thought through as an integral timeless contribution to the local community. Not cookie cutter or purely a product of profit focused logistics. They say New York is one of the most highly priced real estate in North America and yet even as the downtown Vancouver core is full of residential projects at $600 - $1,000 per sq. ft. there are only very few to mention that come close to the caliber of projects such as those of New York.

MODERN RESTAURANT - BY TADAO ANDO

It is the work of amazing minds such as those like TADAO ANDO that inspire us today to look at architecture and interior design in a new light. This month marked the one-year anniversary of famed restaurant MORIMOTO in New York's meat packing district . I was privileged to have the opportunity to experience his masterpiece interior of concrete columns flanking a freestanding wall is composed of 17,400 half-liter plastic bottles filled with signature Morimoto water from Whales. The interior offers a variation of casual seating in white on white leather and wood seating and the communal table where patrons can engage in conversation with neighbors. I share with you what inspires me in my work ...

MODERN MINIMALIST INTERIORS - NEW YORK

Even before having the privilege of traveling to New York and having the opportunity to experience the interiors designed by GABELLINI SHEPPARD ASSOCIATES LLP - I have been inspired by their work of modern aesthetic in both residential and retail applications. The portfolio of the Gabellini design team represents the value of true refinement in their attention to minimal architectural detailing. The refinement of modern minimal residetial interiors ...

... to the sophisticated & tailored retail interiors for fashion icons such as Jil Sander, Georgio Armani and Salvatore Ferragamo.

MODERN RESIDENTIAL INTERIORS - NEW YORK

I find inspiration from leading modern architects such as the work of New York based firm Alexander Gorlin Architects who brings a new light to interior design. A perfect example is the modern townhouse project as as shown below where the use of interior finishes are minimal yet sophisticated in the layout of their details. A concept that is yet to be understood by the local Vancouver market - an all white on white interior. Slowly the development industry has started to address the more sophisticated international buyer by introducing projects that are more modern in aesthetic.

MODERN RETAIL - LA meets NEW YORK

JAMES PERSE LOS ANGELES meets NEW YORK
Woman's, Men's, Children's fashion retailer brings a sophisticated yet casual minimalist retail environment to reflect the refined comfort and lifestyle image of James Perse himself. Where the influence of modern minimal architecture is integral in each detail through materials, lighting and the merchandising.

MODERN FURNITURE - ISSUE #3 - NEW YORK

Only in New York ... can you find a store that showcases the sophisticated all "White on White" colour scheme. As an interior designer in Vancouver, I find some concepts are harder for the general public to accept such as a monochromatic colour scheme of classic white. It's so refreshing to enter a store showcasing bold dramatic proportions of scale with oversized light fixtures, an eclectic composition of the old and the new, high gloss lacquer classic traditional chairs upholstered in patent leather, white lacquer, white leather, white linen, chunky and oversized pieces with the clean lines of Asian influenced low seating and tables.

Another reason to go to the showroom is to be greeted by Gioacchino & Simona. It's not often to walk away from a showroom and feel genuinely welcomed ... Where first impressions mean everything and sometimes image reflects the kind of service you recieve. A casual walk in the city while wearing work-out gear & runners then sneaking a peak at a showroom for some inspiration - I was greeted at the door with the quality of service one should always feel whether you wear your armani suit or an old t-shirt and a pair of jeans.

CYRUS COMPANY
113 Mercer Street - New York, NY 10012
PH: 212 226 2364
www.cryuscompany.it
Subway: N, R to Prince Street

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