Wednesday 21 December 2011

Happy Holidays!!!

Today is our last day at the studio before the Christmas break and we are as you can imagine very, VERY excited.

 

The decorations are up and the Xmas cards all delivered.  We are ready to start enjoying the holiday season.  This year we wanted to share a bit more of us in our Xmas Card. So, we decided to share our fondest memories, holiday traditions, favourite jingles and must-have holiday treats of the season. 

 

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Once a year the time is here!

 

A time to light-up and decorate, to wrap and peel, jingle and shout, so get outside and build a snowman – Get creative, then cozy up by the fire, raise your glass of Baileys and wash down those tasty treats.

 

Makes you wish it was Christmas everyday!…

 

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To decorate the studio we got some Poinsettias to bring the spirit of my culture to Victoria.   Did you know that this flower is originally from México?

 

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Ever greens, roses with some pinecones and mercury acorns set the mood of the season.

 

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An addition to our traditional seasonal decor we found these gentleman that great our guests.

 

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HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO YOU

AND YOURS FROM ALL OF US

AT MEADE DESIGN GROUP!



MEADE DESIGN GROUP - THE BLOG. Copyright 2007-2011

Thursday 15 December 2011

The Hudson

Meade Design Group is proud to introduce one of our recent interior design projects at The Hudson Building in Victoria BC. 

 

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An international tech company was in need of a suite where their executives could stay in the city without the need to book a hotel.  The requirement was to design a home away from home on a short time line.

 

The executives for this company are mostly men and the inspiration was a masculine lodge blended with mid century modern influences. 

 

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Rust oranges, warm wood tones and geometrics add personality to this small space.  For accessories we went for a mix of tribal and industrial elements. 

 

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One of our favourite features in the space was the use of a Threads wood grain wall paper in creams and taupes to add texture an interest.  It was also our start point for achieving the lodge aesthetic.  It was accentuated with rough sweater inspired pillows and a warm palate of painted accent walls to offset the building’s standard white interior.

 

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The leather chair brings a bit of the industrial vibe along with the pharmacy inspired lamps.

 

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The space flows seamlessly into the bedroom where a contemporary painting put together the colour scheme and white bedding with embroidered forest keeps the bedroom crisp while maintaining our modern lodge concept.

 

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MEADE DESIGN GROUP - THE BLOG. Copyright 2007-2011

Monday 12 December 2011

Eye Candy of the Week – Kasanna Lamp

Kasanna-Lamp

 

PRODUCT

Kasanna Lamp - 01F1018

 

MANUFACTURER

Kasanna

 

COLLECTION

Feel the Iron

 

DIMENTIONS

48 cm x 40 cm

 

MATERIALS

Gold Leaf, Silver Leaf, Nickel & Gold Plated

 

DESCRIPTION

Lately I have been looking for lamps that have movement and a sense of style that reflects the past in a contemporary way.  Today I am presenting the Kasanna Lamp, a lamp designed in Spain that is very memorable, yet unique.  The quality is remarkable and the black drum shade with gold leaf would be the perfect addition to any room.

 

YUMMY FACTOR

HOT !!!



MEADE DESIGN GROUP - THE BLOG. Copyright 2007-2011

Monday 28 November 2011

In Conversation with Ernest de la Torre

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Ernest de la Torre

 

Ernest de la Torre has turned heads in the design world as of late, appearing in the likes of Elle Décor, House & Garden, features in several books, blogs and charity events.

 

His style is a blend of classic, soft, and relaxing mixed with unexpected touches that make each space uniquely his. Features such as custom textiles, wall treatments, furniture and hardware make regular appearances in his projects.

 

Ernest's firm - de la Torre Design Studio, was established in 2001 and has grown to have it's own staff and work on projects throughout the United States. He cites his influences stem from his hometown of Lake Forest, Illinois around the architecture of David Adler and Mies van der Rohe. His design experience however, was obtained from New York's Peter Marino Architects and education from Sotheby's Fine and Decorative Arts in London. He also went on to work in the Ralph Lauren Home Division on designs for furniture, lighting, tabletop and textiles.

 

I really appreciate the de la Torre aesthetic, and how he concentrates on the finer details in his designs. I cannot wait to get Ernest's input on design, please read on to get in on the conversation...

 

Iván Meade - What was your first experience with design?

 

Ernest de la Torre – I tackled my family’s hobby farm in Madison, Wisconsin when I was just old enough to drive. It was a wonderful turn of the century all American farm house, and I painted and stencilled every room myself! I think my parents thought I was a little crazy.

 

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Interior Design by Ernest de la Torre

 

Iván Meade - What is the most practical thing that you own and what is the most rare?

 

Ernest de la Torre – My Blackberry is my most practical;  I quite literally can’t function without it! The most rare thing I own would be my sanity during an installation.

 

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Interior Design by Ernest de la Torre

 

Iván Meade - How has your Cuban heritage influenced your style?

 

Ernest de la Torre – My parent’s home in Lake Forest was furnished with antiques from France, England and Spain, some of which came from our townhouse on El Prado in Havana. Like Buenos Aires, Havana and its residents were heavily influenced by European Beaux Arts architecture. In our home there, French decorative arts ruled; my great Uncle was a prominent fashion designer in Havana and spent half the year in Paris which skewed my family’s taste towards everything French with the treasures he brought back to Cuba.

 

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Interior Design by Ernest de la Torre

 

Iván Meade - What makes a tastemaker nowadays?

 

Ernest de la Torre – Someone willing to take risks in design yet remain elegant.

 

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Interior Design by Ernest de la Torre

 

Iván Meade - What do you look for in a furniture piece? Or, in other words, you are very selective in what goes into your designs, what makes a piece important enough to be used in your projects? When do you feel that you need to introduce custom-built pieces?


Ernest de la Torre – When selecting an existing piece, I look for unique, well-crafted, or occasionally iconic pieces.  I do not like to use pieces that are omnipresent, so most of what I do is custom.  Custom pieces always fit my client’s needs best and let me express my creativity.

 

 

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Interior Design by Ernest de la Torre

 

Iván Meade - Who would you like to design something for?

 

Ernest de la Torre -   Ideally a client who lets me fulfil my creative aspirations while fulfilling their needs and desires.   I have been lucky to have many great clients from all different professions and lifestyles that have let me do just that. 

 

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Iván Meade - What have you found makes a great and memorable room in your experience?

 

Ernest de la Torre – Balance, in all aspects!

 

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Interior Design by Ernest de la Torre


Iván Meade - What project has given you the most satisfaction?


Ernest de la Torre – Honestly each one of my projects has been very satisfying so I can’t choose one; each project allows me to realise ideas I have that I need to express to be happy.

 

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Interior Design by Ernest de la Torre


Iván Meade - What are you excited about right now in the world of design?


Ernest de la Torre – There is an explosion of real artisans working in new and rare materials. I love embracing them and creating one off designs for my clients.

 

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Iván Meade - Lastly, you have already created a stunning body of work with many mediums and styles. What would you like your legacy to be?

 

Ernest de la Torre – I would like people to look at my designs and see in them my love of design in all its aspects; and in the fruits of that labor, enjoy the unique and beautiful environments that have made my clients lives better.

 

I invite you to visit Ernest de la Torre’s website at:

 

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MEADE DESIGN GROUP - THE BLOG. Copyright 2007-2011

Monday 7 November 2011

Eye Candy of the Week – Marcel Wanders China

 

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PRODUCT

Marcel Wanders Collection to M&S

 

MANUFACTURER

Marks & Spencer

 

DESIGNER

Marcel Wanders

 

MATERIAL

Fine China

 

DESCRIPTION

If you are looking for a special set of china for this coming Christmas – The new collection from Marcel Wanders is exciting, innovative, affordable and fun.

 

The Marcel Wanders collection is the perfect synthesis of uniqueness and beauty. Inspiring designs capture the imagination and create an atmosphere that 'makes our most exciting dreams come true'.

 

This beautiful dinner plate is crafted from elegantly fine, creamy china and features delicate gold detailing of the iconic Marcel logo. Ideal for special occasions and adding intensity and style to the dinner table.

- Marks & Spencer

 

YUMMY FACTOR

Scrumptious!!!



MEADE DESIGN GROUP - THE BLOG. Copyright 2007-2011

Wednesday 26 October 2011

IN CONVERSATION WITH DUANE ENSING

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Duane Ensing

 

As seen in SNAP November, 2011

 

I had the pleasure of meeting Duane Ensing earlier this year and knew he would be the perfect candidate for our 'In Conversation With…' series because not only is he a very talented and creative individual, he is also a local!

 

Duane Ensing Landscape Design is the go-to place for landscaping. They can cover the full gambit of landscaping needs, from consulting, to project management, to a full design/build including outdoor kitchens, lighting, drainage/irrigation, patios, water features and more. Duane is getting noticed for his work on a global scale, with features in Architectural Digest, Boulevard, and Homes & Living in addition to local newspapers. His outdoor spaces seem tranquil, relaxing, current, and of course - beautifully maintained.

 

I can't wait to hear what's next for Duane, please read on to get in on the conversation…

 

Iván Meade - What was your first experience with landscape design?

 

Duane Ensing - One of the greatest memories growing up in Vancouver was spending time downtown looking at and experiencing urban venues like Robson Square and the life that the landscape can bring to the space around you. I saw how the environment was changed by the use of art, architectural and landscape elements. I also loved the changes in gardens from season to season in successful landscapes. Those are some of the things that first piqued my interest and wooed my imagination.

 

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Landscape by Duane Ensing

 

Iván Meade - Who or what has influenced your style aside from nature itself?

 

Duane Ensing - Coming out of University with a BFA in Visual Arts has impacted the way I see the world and has allowed me to challenge and explore the limits of design we see everyday. I love architecture and working with it in the landscape to create a permanence that it can bring. Architects like Tadao Ando and Santiago Calatrava to name a couple, move beyond the traditional, but keep the simplicity and effectiveness of the design to the table. I like that, and aim to develop spaces and sculpt the landscape to work together in a cohesive design.

 

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Landscape by Duane Ensing

 

Iván Meade - What attracted you to a career in landscape design?

 

Duane Ensing - After starting in the landscape industry, I soon decided that a lot of what I saw on landscape plans was really quite generic and mundane to me. I picked up a pen, paper and my arts schooling, and began designing and sculpting landscapes. I found that the transition between creating sculptures at UVIC and creating landscapes were very similar in terms of building three dimensional settings in which to experience life. The time I spent working in a garden centre and installing landscapes aided in the knowledge base of what it takes to make a garden grow and be a successful space, aesthetically and practically.

 

I love meeting people and the challenge of a new solution to develop. The attraction of landscape design for me is the attraction of art and the creation process. Transitioning a piece of land into a space that inspires, extends your outdoor living environment or engages your senses are all ways to build and cultivate the imagination.

 

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Landscape by Duane Ensing

 

Iván Meade - What are gardens for?

 

Duane Ensing - When I think about gardens, I see engineering, I see architecture, I see nature. They are structured, complex and yet so simple. They are static and ever-changing. I see a garden as window into a room, a sculpture to examine, a book to read and a painting to engage with.

 

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Landscape by Duane Ensing

 

Iván Meade - Your designs are stunningly well balanced, modern yet timeless, spacious but not stark. How do you keep current in the garden design industry?

 

Duane Ensing - I like to keep up with several digital blogs and magazines, both garden and architectural, but also mix it up with unrelated industries to see if some new seed can be sown as a launching pad for my imagination. I love the surprises that emerge out of the mind.

 

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Landscape by Duane Ensing

 

Iván Meade - One of my favourite characteristics on your landscape design is the use of water as a visual element - Why is water so important in your designs, what are your thoughts behind the use of water?

 

Duane Ensing - Water is everywhere. Life is everywhere. I like to include water in many of our projects to help bring life into the space and to develop an identity that works with the location, nature and our client. Designed right, and executed well, the inclusion of a water feature can establish an atmosphere and presence in a package that delivers for a long time, and with less maintenance and frustration than many people realize.

 

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Landscape by Duane Ensing

 

Iván Meade - How do you choose and position sculpture/art in the garden?

 

Duane Ensing - Art is all about relationship, on so many levels. What it evokes, how people react and interact with it. It can create surprise. It can help you speak. I find the best kind of solutions come through time as we build a relationship with our client. The personality of a client reveals to us what we choose and where it is placed.

 

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Landscape by Duane Ensing

 

Iván Meade - What kind of things do you have to keep in mind while creating a landscape design that the client might not realize is important for you to know?

 

Duane Ensing - I love getting to know my clients. Asking questions and keeping up with how they direct conversation reveals a lot about them, but I've found that moving the conversation to a dialogue unrelated to the landscape has led to many interesting and unexpected comments that have greatly impacted the design.

 

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Landscape by Duane Ensing

 

Iván Meade -  Does your personality come out in your gardens?

 

Duane Ensing - Absolutely. Exercising my fine arts degree has helped me develop a style that enables me to express myself through what I do. Is it always the same? No, but there are definite elements which repeat that are expressed in the canvas of each landscape. Do I have one particular style? I'd have to say no again; rather its an expression that permeates each design.

 

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Landscape by Duane Ensing

 

Iván Meade - How do you want people to feel in your gardens?

 

Duane Ensing - I want you to look past the plants, and I want you to look at each leaf. I want you to see the landscape, but I want it to disappear. I want you to see natural beauty and I want you to be intrigued by intentional design. At the end of the day, I want our client to have peace with the creation we leave, and be able to relate well to the design intent.

 

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Landscape by Duane Ensing

 

Iván Meade - What’s the most important lesson you have learned about making gardens?

 

Duane Ensing - That's a great question, and one that will be different for each designer. I believe as a designer, it would be scale and rhythm. These are two elements that are really uniquely key in any landscape space, but from a personal perspective, developing a trust relationship with a client is key by exercising honour and integrity at every turn on the path we are walking together.

 

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Landscape by Duane Ensing

 

Iván Meade - What project are you most proud of?

 

Duane Ensing -   I have pride in each project as it is designed and built, even as it continues to evolve  into the final product, but I'd have to say my proudest was one of the most fun projects as well. Great clients and an open palate to 'paint' with. It was a complex site, but the design and intent was carried out and completed in a way that allowed it to attain the 'People's choice' award, along with several other awards. It was the success of the completed spaces that satisfied me. I look at each space on it's own and treat each on like a separate project. At this site, the house, the landscape, and its context worked really well together in theory and fully built. I like to challenge myself to develop a broader sense of 'landscape' and 'garden' at each turn of the road, and to maintain an open mind to what lies ahead.

 

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Landscape by Duane Ensing

 

Iván Meade - What's next for Duane Ensing Landscape Design?

 

Duane Ensing - I have a strong desire and enthusiasm for design, and I so enjoy landscape design, but I also crave spending time re-establishing my own art and sculpture more. I'd really like to involve my children in this too and have them develop a journey and understanding of their own. Working with plants and working in art. Teaching them and leaving a legacy of what relationships and family mean. I'm currently expanding my own artistic palate to include painting - a medium I haven't worked with at school, but have recently found new passion in.

 

I invite you to visit Duane Ensing’s website at:

 

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MEADE DESIGN GROUP - THE BLOG. Copyright 2007-2011

Saturday 22 October 2011

Eye Candy of the Week – Lui5 & Lui6 Arm Chair

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Lui5 by Phillipe Bestenheider

 

PRODUCT

Lui5 & Lui6 Arm Chair

 

MANUFACTURER

Fratelli Boffi

 

DESIGNER

Philippe Bestenheider

 

MATERIAL

wooden frame with hand-woven caning


DIMENTIONS

103/72/123 cm


DESCRIPTION

I just discovered this beauty!  As you well know by now:  old world + new world = my favourite combo ever in anything.  The use of the pentagon shape makes this chair simple yet, elegant in its complexity. The mix of materials has enough tension to bring the piece to a new place.  The Lui5 by Philippe Bestenheider is definitely a statement chair, and I can see that it may not be too comfortable, but I just  love so much the lines, the presence and the memorability that has keeping me thinking about the fact that I wish I could design something like this.  

 

To even bring this piece further you have to see the Lui6 – I just want a pair for my country home and a pair for my sleek city pad. But first I need to get my country home and then to make sleek my city pad.

 

image Lui6 by Phillipe Bestenheider

 

Which one is your favourite and why?

 

The Lui5 armchair looks back to the early 20th century in Europe. The classic wooden chair with cane seat serves as point of reference. The curved soft forms of the original model, however, are abandoned in favour of simplified lines and crystallised forms that multiply in space. The name is a clear reference to the pentagonal form which becomes the unit of measure of the structure. It is repeated from the cross-section of the legs to the construction of the panels forming the seat, back and armrests. Lui5 is also available in an upholstered version. – Philippe Bestenheider.

 

YUMMY FACTOR

HOT, HOT, HOT!!!



MEADE DESIGN GROUP - THE BLOG. Copyright 2007-2011

Saturday 15 October 2011

Introducing… Meg de Candia

This is quite possibly our most fashion forward logo yet.

 

We were thrilled when international handbag designer Meg de Candia asked Meade Design Group to help her re-brand herself with a new logo, business cards, and an invitation/brochure design.

 

I also believe we had all the right ingredients for this project.  The trust of a talented designer, a gorgeous product to inspire us and a dream come true for any designer – Carte Blanche.

 

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We wanted to create a look that would hold it's own against heavy-weight brands such as Calvin Klein, Michael Kors, Balenciaga and Kate Spade. Not to toot our own horn, but we think we did with this clean but edgy logo with strong diagonal lines, juxtaposed directions and stacked typography.

 

The logo also lent itself to a stunning use of repetition with her images and a beautiful custom pattern that was used inside the business cards and layered onto the image at the back of the brochure with a detail shot of the gorgeous hides she uses in her designs

 

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Please visit the identity and print galleries to see the complete project.



MEADE DESIGN GROUP - THE BLOG. Copyright 2007-2011