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 DAYBEDS

As I have mentioned in a previous post, I have started blogging for 2modern with regards to furniture sourcing. To read more on where to find specific furniture models check out my article on 2modern.

MERIDIANI - belmondo dormeuse day bed available through SPENCER INTERIORS
Dimensions (86.47" x 34.25" x 30.7"H)
$4,772.00 CAD fabric category C

MAXALTO - #9950 Apta Collection day bed available through INFORM INTERIORS
Dimensions (78.75" x 29.5" x 25"H)
Pricing on this piece in fabric ranges from $4307 to $6164.
B&B and is net priced – which means the discount is already built in to the pricing.

CASSINA - MISS daybed available through ITALINTERIORS

DWR - Havana sofa bed available through DESIGN WITHIN REACH
Dimensions (88.5" x 39" 24.5" H Arm H 20.5" Seat H 13") $3,300 USD in oatmeal or brown.

Sourcing the perfect seating for home-office guests

MODERN Challenge: Dual-purpose design in single-room space.

When it comes to having an office / den that can also accommodate home visitors, there seems to be limited choices in comfort and style at an affordable value.

I'm working with a lovely couple of young professionals who have requested additional seating that can easily be converted into a bed in their office. When not being used as a guest room, the sofa bed could provide a place to sit down for casual business conversation while the other is sitting at the desk.

From what I’ve discovered, most pull-out sofa beds are rather uncomfortable. I also find it hard to convince a client to invest in a piece of furniture that is more gimmicky than functional. I always say that if you are choosing to add furniture to your collection, go for comfort and timeless style in small spaces.

MODERN Solution: Chaises and day beds that are classic, timeless, multi-functional (without the gimmicks), and most importantly – comfortable!

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 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 TRANSITIONAL - KELLY HOPPEN

Feature Interior Design Firm: KELLY HOPPEN
Location: London, Britain and Paris, France
Specialty: high-end residential, commissions including hotel, restaurant, office, aircraft
Project Highlights: Private Residences, British Airways, Royal Mougins Golf Club, Cartier
Photography by: Thomas Stewart, Vincent Knapp

I am inspired by world-renowned British designer KELLY HOPPEN, whose work over the years has motivated me to pursue my love of interior design as a profession. I admire Kelly as an excellent role model for her ability as a talented designer and creative stylist to turn her passion of design into a successful business. The Kelly Hoppen signature style has transformed the art of consulting into a brand of it's own. Recently, the firm has re-launched the KH website to feature the KELLY HOPPEN HOME line with BHS. Kelly now leads a team of 30 with offices based out of London and, more recently, Paris. I am excited to see her signature line of product accessible to a client market that has long admired her sophisticated sensibilities and approach to design. Kelly has been highly-influential in my career as a source of inspiration and as a professional leader.

MODERN FURNITURE - SPAIN

"VICCARBE collection shows the value and references for a contemporary style with a wide range of products for comfortable living. It is distinguished by great simplicity, innovative elegance and global brand awareness ... This collection is ideal for people who live in the present and think of the future" - viccarbe.
Vancouver based furniture store SPENCER INTERIORS will be featuring a new line of furniture from VICCARBE. A great line of furniture for those of us who are modern minimalists. The simple clean lines and tailored detailing of each piece is a timeless addition to any room. What I love about European furniture is the accuracy and precision of proportions - combining extra deep seating with low wide arms makes for a perfect place to relax and lounge.

MODERN KID - MINI PANTON CHAIR

For the MODERN KID here is a great find to bring classic modern design to the homes of MODERN parents. The signature PANTON CHAIR available through VITRA or NOVA 68 is a great addition to a fresh modern playroom or for outdoor use in the summer. Who says that adults are the only ones with an edge for design? I love to view our kids as mini versions of ourselves and you'd be surprised as to how savvy kids can be with respect to design aesthetic. To all my dear family, friends and clients who just announced new additions to their families - here is a fabulous source for all you design lovers!

MODERN CHAIRS

One design source challenge for local Vancouver clientele is trying to find the right arm chair for that special room. Unfortunately, with only a handful of showrooms, clients are left with few options for seeing the quality of product and actually testing a chair in person. The difficulty is not in convincing a client to invest in quality. What is difficult is convincing a client to invest over $5,000 in a chair with only a picture in a catalogue. Where does one go to in order to find the right chair? Well, the internet is a great start for sourcing. Fortunately, with travelling back & forth to New York and visiting showrooms, I can also offer my personal opinion on comfort from trying chairs myself. However, some of the couture and avante garde pieces may require a visit to the Milan show if I want to see the real thing in person. I welcome readers' comments for those of you who have had the opportunity to see my favorite chairs in person.

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 INSPIRATION - CATHERINE MEMMI

I'm excited to be introduced to this amazing world of blogging, THANK YOU to my NYC based special source of knowledge! I've been introduced to blogging and on-line network. Through flikr, I was recently contacted by amazing talents and am honored to have people whose work I admire personally contact me. It is these moments that I feel very grateful to do what I love best - sourcing and sharing with those who appreciate modern interiors and design. Since I first started my life in design - 2 of my favorite topics are of MODERN MINIMAL INTERIORS such as those of CATHERINE MEMMI and the detailing of MODERN FURNITURE found in product lines by MDF ITALIA. It is such a privlege to have correspondence from Marco who was one of the founding designers at MDF and has since developed his architectural company MILANO LAYOUT. I share with you where I find inspiration and the people who inspire me.

MODERN LOFT - DUFNER HEIGHES

Inspired by the work of New York based architects DUFNER HEIGHES for their attention to detail and their means of styling in casual yet tailored manor. I have always been an admirer of GABELLINI & ASSOCIATES and then to discover the work of now independant Daniel Heighes Wismer (who's portfolio included retail work for Jil Sander and Coach while at Gabellini) - is exciting to see his experience tranform into residential interiors. Now in collaboration with another talent Gregory Dufner, they have also developed in addition to their residential portfolio, a line of custom furniture.

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 TRADITIONAL FURNITURE - VANCOUVER

EVEN SHAUGHNESSY IS BEING INTRODUCED TO A MODERN CRISP NEW LINE OF FURNITURE. ELEGANT YET SOPHISTICATED THESE PRODUCT LINES BRING THE TRADITIONAL INTERIOR INTO A NEW LIGHT.

Spencer Interiors
www.meridianisas.it






Italinteriors
www.casamilano.com