Iván - What is your favorite local find? Where did you get this item – how long have you had it?
Colleen - My print of "The Chinese Girl" by Vladmir Tretchikoff. I was wandering through an antique emporium and saw the print from far away. It just captured my attention and I knew it was important. It was in a kitschy 60's frame. I have had it since 2003.
Iván - Why is it important/inspirational to you?
Colleen – Reading about and discovering [the artist] life was so interesting...it is about perseverance and following your passion.
Iván - How does this item reflect upon your personal design philosophy ?
Colleen - "Express your passion - do what you love - no matter what" Quote from Vladmir Tretchikoff Says it all, don't you think?
Iván Meade – What is the best moment of your day?
Colleen Buker – The first sip of coffee ....... The brand: Kicking Horse Coffee. The blend - Hoo Doo Jo
Colleen - When I threw my red stuffed horse out of my crib.... I was space planning.
Colleen – I believe you must be able to live in your space.....the elements which bely comfort are paramount.
Colleen – Tommi Parzinger - designer & Alberto Giacometti - modern sculpter - painter Iván - and those still working? Colleen – Tom Stringer - Helene Aumount - Katherine Newman
Colleen – Sometimes my inspiration is based on a reinterpretation of an existing piece ….. sometimes it is modeled from a beautiful line or piece of wood. I like to create pieces which marry elegance and comfort, blending the masculine and feminine. In this I hope to create pieces which have a lasting appeal.
Iván - I know that one of your favorite activities is to visit art exhibitions – I also noticed that you always use real art in your projects. Do you select your art pieces to work with the room or the room works around the art pieces?
Colleen - In most cases the art has been selected after the room has been designed. The clients are in regeneration.....they have expanded to a new scope and so does the art collection. In other cases I have client's art collection which is the consideration point to centre the design.
Iván - It’s the big installation day. What could have gone wrong did go wrong. How does Colleen Buker deal with that?
Colleen - At the moment of discovery - I first register disbelief, second I am in denial and third I am disappointed. Once I have worked through the initial --------- I quickly assess the level of issue or issues at hand and move to correct what needs to be done.
Iván – The popularity of the design shows on TV has brought interior design into homes all across our country. If you had a show, how would you educate the viewers about interior design?
Colleen - It is difficult in a half hour time frame to show the amount of time & effort required to plan, develop and execute a project, but I feel this would be very important to present to viewers in setting reasonable expectations for their own projects. I would include budget costs for rooms developed as well.
Iván – A decor fad you hope never to see again?
Colleen – The do it yourself paint technique called "smooshing"
Colleen – I am currently designing a custom sectional for a clients media room in their French inspired home. I am very excited about this project.....
Colleen - It is in life's spontaneous out cast moments when the door opens gifting us laughter, love and creativity. Take time for those moments!
MEADE DESIGN GROUP - THE BLOG. Copyright 2007-2011
3 comments:
Great interview, I love hearing about Colleen's success, she is a very talented and sweet individual!
Colleen is great! Always friendly and personable, and genuinely has an eye for great looking furniture. I want that highland bathroom!
I love these interviews.
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