tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58341120412253787292024-03-16T00:38:02.839-07:00Meade Design Group - The Blog - Interior Design Victoria BCChronicles the interior design and graphic design projects of Meade Design Group in Victoria BC. The Blog explores where Ivan Meade and his group get inspiration from and how design concepts go from inception to execution.MEADE DESIGN GROUPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11032090157498083589noreply@blogger.comBlogger453125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5834112041225378729.post-23526661006075225692014-11-17T13:49:00.001-08:002014-11-17T13:49:43.388-08:00WE HAVE MOVED!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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MEADE DESIGN GROUPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11032090157498083589noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5834112041225378729.post-40477246110003095952014-05-31T10:38:00.001-07:002014-05-31T10:42:06.662-07:00DO SOMETHING ORIGINAL FOR DAD!<p>Get JUNE-14 marked in your calendars for a special Tintype Portrait session on location at <a href="http://www.citizenclothing.ca/">CITIZEN</a> CLOTHING to celebrate the rugged handsomeness of your father<strong>.</strong></p> <p><strong></strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-hXph6AdAk-4/U4oTkWjM17I/AAAAAAAAKd0/WbTKUx6qYkE/s1600-h/image%25255B59%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-tRJWBUpKyS4/U4oTlNsF8gI/AAAAAAAAKd8/Oe0IRe8nFgM/image_thumb%25255B51%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="304" height="436" /></a></p> <p><strong></strong></p> <p> <br /></p> <p align="left">A tintype portrait is a true heirloom gift and on Father’s Day weekend we are hosting a Saturday Tintype Portrait event with a difference as we strive to raise awareness and funds to support the fight against testicular cancer. </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="left">So bring dad to <a href="http://www.citizenclothing.ca/" target="_blank">Citizen Clothing</a> for a unique, fun experience and a one of a <br />kind portrait 4X5 Tintype $ 60 and we’ll donate $15 from each portrait to </p> <p align="center">- <a href="http://testicularcancercanada.ca/" target="_blank">TESTICULAR CANCER CANADA</a> - <br /></p> <p> </p> <p align="left">Each tintype is a unique image made on blackened metal using LUZ studios vintage cameras and brass lenses, using traditional wet plate collodion methods developed back in 1851. It takes approx. 30 minutes to receive your wonderful varnished & beautifully smelling plate (we use lavender oil, as part of the varnish!) While you wait for your tintype you can explore Citizen & shop more for Dad....  </p> <p> </p> <p>Here are some excellent examples of good fellas who have exposed their natural handsomeness to tintype plates</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-bh1uRJfKHJY/U4oTme3AgjI/AAAAAAAAKcc/8YjyblSBdb4/s1600-h/image%25255B27%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-MnNDyj2_bHI/U4oTm_FqSnI/AAAAAAAAKck/FK9HTAtH5Tk/image_thumb%25255B33%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="270" height="346" /></a></p> <p align="center">Patrick Tier by <a href="http://www.luzstudios.com/" target="_blank">Quinton Gordon/Luz Studios</a></p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-N4o3mHtylFE/U4oTn1ikQRI/AAAAAAAAKcs/FAYoBDbaKGY/s1600-h/image%25255B22%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-JIUQrMJ58uA/U4oTol0wsyI/AAAAAAAAKc0/Pxn3gbSt3hc/image_thumb%25255B30%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="270" height="351" /></a></p> <p align="center">Ivan Meade by <a href="http://www.luzstudios.com/" target="_blank">Quinton Gordon/Luz Studios</a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-3WuphkUKdpw/U4oTpGskXhI/AAAAAAAAKc8/6uBkFYkJujg/s1600-h/image%25255B17%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-AaJC7_MUHZw/U4oTpteTBlI/AAAAAAAAKdE/3xDOtk7n0HI/image_thumb%25255B27%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="270" height="336" /></a></p> <p align="center">Jeff Michaud by <a href="http://www.luzstudios.com/" target="_blank">Quinton Gordon/Luz Studios</a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-rsnIZDbXS5k/U4oTqg1UUdI/AAAAAAAAKdM/HnB7aqgQsmE/s1600-h/image%25255B32%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-FGm_Logumsg/U4oTrZH8CsI/AAAAAAAAKdU/ap5GB0fL3Fc/image_thumb%25255B36%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="270" height="307" /></a></p> <p align="center">Quinton Gordon by <a href="http://www.luzstudios.com/" target="_blank">Quinton Gordon/Luz Studios</a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">CAN'T MAKE IT TO THE EVENT?</p> <p align="center"> <br /></p> <p>You can still support the cause!  <br />If you are unable to make it to the Tintype Photo Booth on location at Citizen Clothing; June-14 2014, you can purchase a $60 Gift Certificate for a 4x5 Tintype Portrait to support Testicular Cancer Canada.  Remember $15 from each tintype will be donated to <a href="http://testicularcancercanada.ca/" target="_blank">TESTICULAR CANCER CANADA</a>.</p> <p> </p> <p>*Portraits will be done later at LUZ studio; 569b Hillside Ave. Victoria BC...we just ask that you book your portrait by July-14, 2014 </p> <p> </p> <p>Follow the link to purchase your gift certificate online & we will contact you with more details on booking your portrait. </p> <p> </p> <p align="center">This unique portrait will be something that you & your Dad will cherish forever... <br />+ <a href="http://www.savethosenuts.com/" target="_blank">SAVE THOSE NUTS</a> -</p> <p> </p> <p align="center">Gift certificates will be available to purchase until Jun-15, 2014</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p><strong></strong></p> <p><a href="http://savethosenuts.com" target="_blank"><img title="Logo-Nuts" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Logo-Nuts" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-D4q-lEsucPM/U4oTrxI6eqI/AAAAAAAAKdc/IgAHRSprJVw/Logo-Nuts%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="270" height="296" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p align="center">SPONSORED BY:</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.luzstudios.com/" target="_blank">LUZ STUDIOS</a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.citizenclothing.ca/" target="_blank">CITIZEN CLOTHING</a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://imetropol.com/" target="_blank">METROPOL</a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.meadedesigngroup.com" target="_blank">MEADE DESIGN GROUP</a></p> MEADE DESIGN GROUPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11032090157498083589noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5834112041225378729.post-25588045818440324212014-03-26T20:41:00.001-07:002014-03-26T20:43:22.891-07:00SAVE THOSE NUTS<p>"April is Testicular Cancer awareness month, and as many of our readers know, I was diagnosed with stage III-B testicular cancer in the summer of 2011 at the age of 37.  Although there were many sources of information on Cancer available, I struggled to find information on my particular condition. Furthermore, I was shocked to hear that none of my peers were educated about regular check-up procedures to prevent this from happening to them. Had I known more about preventive measures and the early signs of detection, I would have acted on my symptoms sooner and could have avoided the spread of the disease within my own body.</p> <p> </p> <p>My prognosis is much better now, and although I am still fighting, I am confident that the great team at the BC Cancer agency are keeping me healthy and looking out for my best interests. </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZZRtWqNnWa4/UzOd1TWa3hI/AAAAAAAAKbE/4f1-jris3aw/s1600-h/image%25255B34%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-GrPrcT8E4I8/UzOd1z5gzsI/AAAAAAAAKbM/ePYnlm4rev8/image_thumb%25255B15%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="374" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p>I wanted to put a positive spin on my experience, and use the resources at my disposal (the graphic and web design side of Meade Design Group) to encourage men to give themselves regular checkups, and spread the word about this disease. I am pleased to be partnering with Testicular Cancer Canada in the hope that this campaign proves to be informative and encouraging for anyone who finds themselves up against testicular cancer.</p> <p> </p> <p>So far, our campaign is focusing on outreach, via information cards and posters (which can be found at local storefronts such as Citizen, Habit, Still Life, Mango, Flavour, Outlooks, and many other locations – contact us if you are interested in any of these items to help spread the word!) and our website: <a href="http://www.savethosenuts.com">www.savethosenuts.com</a>.</p> <p> </p> <p>The information cards (shown here), boast a lot of information for their small size. Outside is a bold graphic, aimed to catch the eye of those at the highest risk, with the URL for the website; inside, a step-by-step guide on how to check yourself for signs of early detection.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-mAuaXbIpeH0/UzOd2zRF-9I/AAAAAAAAKbU/nBpYLeX66aU/s1600-h/image%25255B17%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzFT4_HA1VcjBHyZifxyzIbAi-FMqaA_s8ms0o6PvI3A9AOpoJS3Zr9EPdiaHklJ9nL24ZcbRhJunUfvl4q6UK-TNDAL1Bypnxt6GiT3VGobSHKqfcRSpo7MNkUO2axhFSicypIFMyec_f/?imgmax=800" width="370" height="373" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p>If you see one of these posters (below), that means you can find our information cards inside – and that the business is awesome, because they are supporting our cause! We hope to see more and more of these around town!</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-dLI2HCRZSyQ/UzOd4aSDTuI/AAAAAAAAKbk/Q7zq0-dRSNU/s1600-h/image%25255B45%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-nBIJtsWH83k/UzOd48ZaslI/AAAAAAAAKbo/Ec9NTHjq66c/image_thumb%25255B21%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="844" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p>The most comprehensive facet we have introduced so far is our website, where visitors can get all of the information about regular self-checks and how to do them, along with the signs and symptoms. A valuable asset for me, is the stories of testicular cancer survivors – which we have dubbed 'testi-monials', it's encouraging to know that there are others fighting alongside you. If you are a survivor, or have a story you would like to share, there is a link to add your very own 'testimonial' to the campaign. We hope the website will be a great resource and connect the community of those affected by the disease.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://www.savethosenuts.com/" target="_blank"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-oYb2l9qV-7A/UzOd5mDkwyI/AAAAAAAAKbs/grNSQzNCORk/image%25255B40%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="100" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p>Another great feature of the website is the donation link, where you can make your own donation to Testicular Cancer Canada, which was where I turned to when I was diagnosed. Since Testicular Cancer Canada is based out East, we have partnered with them with our campaign to spread all of their good works to the West Coast. Our goal is to increase awareness and raise enough money to purchase an ad campaign with BC Transit.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://testicularcancercanada.ca/donate" target="_blank"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-sp2MU7JNPYk/UzOd5_D6KAI/AAAAAAAAKb8/VrbRMD91b2g/image%25255B29%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="356" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p>Let's make this happen, readers!</p> <p> </p> <p>Thank you so much for all of your efforts and support so far, monetary donations are wonderful, but if it is not something you can do right now, please contact us about our awareness materials – after all, spreading the word is our goal, if you've got a window, you can help!"</p> MEADE DESIGN GROUPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11032090157498083589noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5834112041225378729.post-2331159122404915652014-01-23T12:05:00.001-08:002014-01-23T12:20:50.400-08:00ALWAYS AUTHENTIC!<p>Last autumn, I had the opportunity to spend some time in Europe. One of my favourite memories was a visit to my cousin Inés Benavides’ home in Madrid and spending some time with her.  Inés is not only one of my favourite cousins, but she is also considered to be one of the top interior designers in Spain, so you can imagine how excited I was to share some time with her.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://www.inesbenavides.com/" target="_blank"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-2mv_6kNX7eE/UuF13mdbLPI/AAAAAAAAKZk/51KGhHMgXro/image%25255B34%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="237" height="172" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p>Other than securing the position as favourite cousin while enjoying my time with her, I also learned a couple of things.  Inés is not just well regarded as an interior designer  in Spain; she is also an accomplished furniture designer.   She has been designing pieces for the last 10 years with her cousin, Phil, under their firm <a href="http://www.benavidesycamino.com/" target="_blank">Benavides y Camino</a>.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4stFU_3NtjM/UuF15LZYJgI/AAAAAAAAKZs/_xXbazSStD0/s1600-h/image%25255B8%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Qk6i70EXkSw/UuF15_bbCWI/AAAAAAAAKZ0/M9LK0xZFgp0/image_thumb%25255B4%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="418" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p>One of Inés pieces “The Prensa” (Spanish for pressed, or squished) has become a signature piece for her and is rapidly becoming a staple in Spanish and European design.  Many of her design colleagues are supporting her in her venture, using the piece to inject fun and colour into their designs.   </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-IiF4yAnIEHk/UuF16kMybpI/AAAAAAAAKZ8/G8KSs-o9nz4/s1600-h/image%25255B33%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_FU28mDROzE/UuF17dmvazI/AAAAAAAAKaA/YIshbhmXvUA/image_thumb%25255B19%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="316" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-W89Ng_Wci80/UuF19NJPhII/AAAAAAAAKaM/zsaFqSpf0Qo/s1600-h/image%25255B13%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6TRIm-PZ6fI/UuF192S7PII/AAAAAAAAKaQ/bI44tLf-btU/image_thumb%25255B7%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="294" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p>One of the conversations we had was about something that is becoming a real problem across several industries – plagiarism. Sadly, as a result of her notoriety, people are now copying her work and taking advantage of her creativity.  With her piece, “The Prensa”, rising in popularity, it has subsequently had a tremendous rise of knock-offs hitting the market – so much so, in fact, that she had to go to great lengths to copyright the piece.  </p> <p>When someone steals another’s  idea, they are completely ignoring the process that it takes to conceive an original piece. For example, the time spent sketching, sculpting and planning the conceptual stages, the cost of making  prototypes in addition to supporting the artisans that make these pieces.   </p> <p>In our conversation, we discovered that we shared a similar theory that there are 3 kinds of designers out there:  (1) The designer who creates a signature piece/style and  deserves the recognition for their efforts, (2) the designer that supports and admires original pieces of works – that takes them as inspiration and re- invents them in their own way,  or uses the original pieces in their work supporting the original creators, and lastly (3) the designer who takes advantage and literally copies the work without any respect or ethics.  </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-iz3e7D99cwA/UuF1_ralj_I/AAAAAAAAKac/aAgPP4rEoDg/s1600-h/image%25255B28%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HtWx4Kd1VnU/UuF2AcMVw-I/AAAAAAAAKag/19DetEceAD0/image_thumb%25255B16%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="245" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-tden25bNXf4/UuF2B22dLUI/AAAAAAAAKas/MyvCvN7W0_M/s1600-h/image%25255B23%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-e_q8XEngioE/UuF2Cj42j6I/AAAAAAAAKaw/snY4xAZksno/image_thumb%25255B13%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="231" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://meadedesigngroup.blogspot.ca/2008/05/in-conversation-with-ross-taylor.html" target="_blank">Ross Taylor</a> owner of <a href="http://grshop.com/" target="_blank">Gabriel Ross</a> has the best tag line for his business, and has been a big supporter of this movement – <a href="http://grshop.com/" target="_blank">Gabriel Ross</a> tag line really encompasses the real value of design  “Always Authentic” – As creatives we have the obligation to be “Always Authentic” and overall original.  This is the core of any creative business.</p> <p> </p> <p>We have all seen this tragedy happen - particularly with mid-century modern classics by Eames, Saarinen and the like – but I wanted to bring awareness to Ines’s talent and spread the word about her original pieces. Like all good design, beware of knock-offs, you get what you pay for!</p> <p>Support original talent, do your research and invest wisely!</p> MEADE DESIGN GROUPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11032090157498083589noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5834112041225378729.post-15896830225538192782014-01-07T10:49:00.001-08:002014-01-07T16:42:05.698-08:00IN CONVERSATION WITH NAM DANG-MITCHELL<p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5bD7QNVJqug/UsxL7kCcVXI/AAAAAAAAKVs/_QqiSlxtt6o/s1600-h/image%25255B63%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-xwjymZbkHt4/UsxL8mzLv5I/AAAAAAAAKV0/gG8dIrcj1OE/image_thumb%25255B36%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="270" height="428" /></a></p> <p align="center">Nam Dang-Mitchell</p> <p> </p> <p>I am currently enamoured with the work of Calgary-based interior designer, Nam Dang-Mitchell. She is a master of layering in every way possible: style eras, textures, the glamorous with the casual and the classic with the whimsical. She has also excelled at the art of creating a neutral palette that is luxurious and not boring. Infusing artifacts, architectural details and fine pieces into the space is a common thread in her designs, they are a definite 'wow factor', but do not appear off limits - they are tactile and every bit intertwined into the space as the floral arrangement next to them. Her thoughtfully assembled spaces are not only beautiful, they are also entirely liveable; a mother of two herself, Nam's spaces maintain an air of sophistication whilst being totally family–friendly. Although, I love the anecdote on her blog where she lovingly chastises her french bulldog for destroying her sofa (…three times) while debating the practicality of reupholstering it in an ecru toned mohair (ecru being her recent obsession at the time); she eludes to going for it with her favourite quote: "Those who sacrifice beauty for practicality get what they deserve." </p> <p> </p> <p>And that is the beauty of a blog, you get a feel for one's sense of humour, lifestyle, loves and inspiration. Nam's stunningly minimal blog is all about just that, inspiration. Each post boasts a mélange of images, quotes, thoughts and video for what is currently inspiring her. Art, fashion and music is often injected amongst furnishings and completed spaces. It is a definite must-read to add to your blog roll – this woman's taste is impeccable. You may have also seen Mrs. Dang-Mitchell's work in the pages of Style at Home or House & Home magazine (where she was included in their 25th anniversary issue as a top designer to watch), she has also been all over the blogosphere (I am not the only admirer of her work, clearly!) .</p> <p> </p> <p>I can't wait to get Nam's input on design, please read on to join the conversation…</p> <p> </p> <p>Iván Meade - What is your design philosophy?</p> <p> </p> <p>Nam Dang-Mitchell - I'm not really a 'form follows function' kind of girl. Function is easy.  What's harder is to create a room that makes you feel something. That's where I start; what is the mood, the emotion I want to convey in this room?</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-nyvHoHI07xE/UsxL9HPej6I/AAAAAAAAKV8/1R0Klk-46YQ/s1600-h/image%25255B67%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-tdEU5F4UHZo/UsxL-NzwdJI/AAAAAAAAKWE/XVFzI_XFeSg/image_thumb%25255B37%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="451" /></a></p> <p align="center">Interiors by Nam Dang-Mitchell</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p>Iván Meade - What is your favourite design find? Where did you get it and why is it important to you?</p> <p> </p> <p>Nam Dang-Mitchell - Oddly, for someone who loves beautiful things, I'm not particularly attached to anything material. I obsess over something only because it is the perfect item to complete a scene or a room. Sometimes it's something valuable and pedigreed, other times it's something from Ikea.  The satisfaction of putting it into place is the same for me.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2hs_sSscy18/UsxL_Ab7XeI/AAAAAAAAKWM/ucKBI5Nxu8Q/s1600-h/image%25255B4%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-b9DnWuD_b1U/UsxL_po4drI/AAAAAAAAKWU/pZP_lMqRVuk/image_thumb%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="315" /></a></p> <p align="center">Interiors by Nam Dang-Mitchell</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p>Iván Meade - What are you excited about right now in the world of design? </p> <p> </p> <p>Nam Dang-Mitchell - I'm excited about rooms that are more curated than decorated. About combining objects, furnishings and art from different periods and genres that together, express something new.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-lrBcdgxFM7k/UsxMAvIkNeI/AAAAAAAAKWc/cixz17lsE2M/s1600-h/image%25255B9%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-lbubHp-o0I8/UsxMBsYC79I/AAAAAAAAKWk/tKMWG6rUqYo/image_thumb%25255B5%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="455" /></a></p> <p align="center">Interiors by Nam Dang-Mitchell</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p>Iván Meade - What designers of past and present do you admire most?</p> <p> </p> <p>Nam Dang-Mitchell - I'm really such a Francophile; Jean Michel Frank, Jacques Grange and today Jean Louis Deniot are my heroes. Their work embodies classicism and refinement, but also contains an element of subversion and audacity, and this is what makes it so chic.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Jtjn2zM-SEI/UsxMCf0N8DI/AAAAAAAAKWs/uKgpPsZ2a60/s1600-h/image%25255B14%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-wBl10ZahNbM/UsxMDYmwb_I/AAAAAAAAKW0/t5s1SceC_s0/image_thumb%25255B8%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="316" /></a></p> <p align="center">Interiors by Nam Dang-Mitchell</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p>Iván Meade I notice that you are well-travelled. Is this a primary source of inspiration for you? What has been your favourite destination and why?</p> <p> </p> <p>Nam Dang-Mitchell - It's hard to beat the south of France. When you're there, it's like all your senses come alive. Biking to an open air market, cooking with the freshest produce, eating alfresco, it doesn't get better than that! You understand why meals and holidays are so sacred to the French. I loved it because we were all so present and connected, there was no internet or video games. I don't know if this makes me a better designer, maybe a better person.</p> <p> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-uEwdabWWkfo/UsxMELYxEVI/AAAAAAAAKW8/a_YMytiWTVA/s1600-h/image%25255B19%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-27cCQR6O8w4/UsxME_IPM-I/AAAAAAAAKXE/wo6_dEFU300/image_thumb%25255B11%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="248" /></a></p> <p align="center">Interiors by Nam Dang-Mitchell</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p>Iván Meade Art and Design will always be intertwined, and I believe creatives often feel passionate about more than one art form. You feature a number of music videos and fashion images on your blog. If you weren't the fabulous interior designer that you are (or even in addition to), would you ever consider a foray into fashion or music?</p> <p> </p> <p>Nam Dang-Mitchell -I love fashion and music too much to turn them into work. And really, no one should have to hear me sing!</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-YnYkulp16Co/UsxMF3kMnmI/AAAAAAAAKXM/rCohJWMNMGA/s1600-h/image%25255B24%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-EALnaCcUNBA/UsxMGrwyZiI/AAAAAAAAKXU/DTbU3d3nmg0/image_thumb%25255B14%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="275" /></a></p> <p align="center">Interiors by Nam Dang-Mitchell</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p>Iván Meade On the same vein, here at the studio we all always have current 'Jams' and it's interesting to see what each person is loving right now in the music industry. Do you have an inspirational playlist for while you are working? Or a current favourite artist/song?</p> <p> </p> <p>Nam Dang-Mitchell - With music, it's all about the new for me. I'm not nostalgic at all.  Currently like everyone, I am blown away by Lorde. How does one have such a honed artistic perspective at that age? Her take on suburban ennui is beautiful. Loving Buzzcut Season and Tennis Court.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-hTudztwbkpE/UsxMHe-dCXI/AAAAAAAAKXc/9D7-96Bm0UA/s1600-h/image%25255B29%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-O9ZUS1UQYs8/UsxMIMUrD7I/AAAAAAAAKXk/NjFxRXItH6M/image_thumb%25255B17%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="363" /></a></p> <p align="center">Interiors by Nam Dang-Mitchell</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p>Iván Meade - What would be your dream project?</p> <p> </p> <p>Nam Dang-Mitchell - Honestly, just being able to do this as a living is a dream. But... I am itching to do a well-priced townhouse/condo project. I want to show that style has nothing to do with having a lot of money.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-8DmUcSuI814/UsxMJB-ZHVI/AAAAAAAAKXs/u9gIXRMJ-84/s1600-h/image%25255B34%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-f4F0X80nboI/UsxMJ_wFtnI/AAAAAAAAKX0/jvg3WdrW10M/image_thumb%25255B20%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="300" /></a></p> <p align="center">Interiors by Nam Dang-Mitchell</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p>Iván Meade I love that you use contrast and layers in all it's forms, including the addition of unexpected/opposite elements. It creates interest in a magnificent way. What is your process to tell when one of these bold moments is going to make or break the final result?</p> <p> </p> <p>Nam Dang-Mitchell - I wish I knew! You have a vision of how things will come together, and frankly sometimes they don't come together, they fall flat. You have to have the courage to reassess and try something else until it clicks. But in design, as in life, you must take some risks in order to have an impact.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-612H6tyY9Eg/UsxMKx8Jp8I/AAAAAAAAKX8/v6jg24uYikw/s1600-h/image%25255B39%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Gh90pelqEXE/UsxMLun3MEI/AAAAAAAAKYA/czpJPT66ZeE/image_thumb%25255B23%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="188" /></a></p> <p align="center">Interiors by Nam Dang-Mitchell</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p>Iván Meade - What is the best advice you have received (design-related or otherwise)?</p> <p> </p> <p>Nam Dang-Mitchell - Always buy good bread.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-RzC0b7JwjZI/UsxMMOFJksI/AAAAAAAAKYM/_uXCMXFVTDM/s1600-h/image%25255B53%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-rw04QxgTfpQ/UsxMNBFerII/AAAAAAAAKYU/_W-GruC2FqI/image_thumb%25255B30%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="503" /></a></p> <p align="center">Interiors by Nam Dang-Mitchell</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p>Iván Meade - I love this quote of yours: "In an age of Real Housewives and Kardashians, perhaps we need to rethink our ideas about luxury. Give me less, but give me quality and restraint." What is your definition of luxury?</p> <p> </p> <p>Nam Dang-Mitchell - Luxury to me is being comfortable in your own skin. It's knowing who you are and expressing it thoughtfully in everything that you do. The way you dress, the way you decorate your home, the way you fry an egg and present it, the way you carry yourself, the way you love someone.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-txJKxyTpm90/UsxMNsh8dLI/AAAAAAAAKYY/ddXXtyA5IcI/s1600-h/image%25255B58%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7E4QS_jpWqk/UsxMOUoYBTI/AAAAAAAAKYk/x78y1XdXE8g/image_thumb%25255B33%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="506" /></a></p> <p align="center">Interiors by Nam Dang-Mitchell</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p>Iván Meade - What's next for you?</p> <p> </p> <p>Nam Dang-Mitchell - Like most designers, I'd love to do a book. Ultimately that depends on the quality of work I do, so for now I'm just focused on making some killer homes.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-a_vq6VwqIak/Usxg5JLRrgI/AAAAAAAAKY0/u5urjLPnhQk/s1600-h/image%25255B72%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_HqCvYuj8sg/Usxg50UmD0I/AAAAAAAAKY4/9VCpyb1Cvfw/image_thumb%25255B40%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="266" /></a></p> <p align="center">Interiors by Nam Dang-Mitchell</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p>Iván Meade - Lastly, you have already created a stunning body of work, what would you like your legacy to be?</p> <p> <br />Nam Dang-Mitchell - Legacy? Goodness, I'm only just beginning to find my voice!</p> <p> </p> <p>I invite you to visit the stunning interior and inspiration  portfolio of Nam Dang-Mitchell at:</p> <p><a href="http://www.namdangmitchell.com/" target="_blank"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4um9xRuvTIk/Usxg6ZCHyuI/AAAAAAAAKZA/SThpLmogXOM/image%25255B77%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="254" height="66" /></a></p> MEADE DESIGN GROUPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11032090157498083589noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5834112041225378729.post-77804135752649254072013-12-21T19:30:00.001-08:002013-12-21T19:30:13.239-08:00HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!<p>The team here at MEADE DESIGN GROUP want to wish everyone and their families a very Happy Holidays and all the best in the new year! <br /></p> <p>We hope you enjoy our extra special video message below!</p> <p> </p> <div id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:360df4d4-0239-4734-86b6-77da7eb7243f" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent" style="width: 448px; float: none; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto"><div><object width="448" height="252"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Fb2EZ7oiWWU?hl=en&hd=1"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Fb2EZ7oiWWU?hl=en&hd=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="448" height="252"></embed></object></div></div> MEADE DESIGN GROUPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11032090157498083589noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5834112041225378729.post-87556757069377692452013-12-15T15:17:00.001-08:002013-12-15T15:17:09.771-08:00MEADE DESIGN GROUP TEA<p>One of our favourite projects this year has been the creation of our own delicious line of tea.  This has been a really  fun internal exercise in which we were contemplating all the logistics of creating a product, branding it, and make it part of our work culture.</p> <p> </p> <p>We started with the 4 basic kinds of tea: Black, White, Green and Rooibos.  From there we collaborated with tea experts that helped us to create our own blends.  After a lot of tea tasting we determined which blends reflected our own preferences in flavours, but also blends that would be appealing to a large public, and showcase how unique we are.</p> <p> </p> <p>Once we had the blends to a tea; we went to the packaging design and label design.  We wanted the product to have a reference from the old world but with a contemporary feel to it. Our inspiration word was “Alchemy”.   </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-chwCNFg_-As/Uq44Xg9t3AI/AAAAAAAAKUc/kLvKMSoJ5cU/s1600-h/image%25255B33%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-DGIXVG7YeKg/Uq44YW5ZxeI/AAAAAAAAKUg/IQvNCa1NDHE/image_thumb%25255B18%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="369" /></a></p> <p align="center">Initial Tea Prototype</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p>Once we had the alchemy idea we started the hard job of  finding the packaging but we were extremely lucky as we found these really cool apothecary glass jars to pack the teas in.  We also wanted the tea to be a reflection of our work culture, so planning the graphic design and branding of the labels was a lot of fun.  </p> <p> </p> <p>From there we had one the most difficult tasks – what about the name?  What about the brand?  We decided to use our own monogram, MDG, as a reference to the studio and we give Latin names to the teas to tie in the concept of alchemy and  formulas.</p> <p> </p> <p>For the black tea we selected the name of “Aurea” which means gold in Latin as we added gold pearls to add a sophisticated and sweet note to it.  The white tea was named “Jasminium” to reference the floral and fresh notes on it.  The Green tea was named “Citrus” for its Seville orange, mandarin and bergamot notes. Finally the rooibos blend was called “Lavandula” for its French Province notes and the hint of lavender in it.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-eJZAmhTnilM/Uq44ZVDzhlI/AAAAAAAAKUs/1NtnzaqzUJI/s1600-h/image%25255B19%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-GDQFfVlsWAc/Uq44Z_qeVTI/AAAAAAAAKUw/GXRiW_bfo8M/image_thumb%25255B11%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="371" /></a></p> <p align="center">Final Label and Packaging Design</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p>With the holiday season upon us we took the idea one step further and created a Christmas tea.  We combined an exquisite special blend of black teas, bergamot oils and the perfect balance of dry fruits to give it a festive, but yet unique flavour that reminded us of Christmas memories.  We named the blend “Ferias” which in Latin means celebrations.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Mtg9yjU4J1Q/Uq44a8O-hOI/AAAAAAAAKU8/qnOzy_2HeUs/s1600-h/image%25255B9%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-yyacMuDV1uc/Uq44bXcA7PI/AAAAAAAAKVE/Ly7piOY1VeA/image_thumb%25255B5%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="371" /></a></p> <p align="center">Our Xmas Tea  (Special Edition)</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p>During our experimentations to develop “Ferias” we discover that if you mix a half cup of tea, with a 1/4 cup of milk and a 1/4 cup of frothed eggnog you can create the most delicious Ferias Egg Nog Latte – The balance in flavours is truly an experience you need to try.</p> <p> </p> <p>Even Echo and Jordan had some fun creating an ad for our website with our Xmas Tea Edition.  It is all about shameless self promotion, right!  </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-RgBdqB-4I9Y/Uq44crxBbeI/AAAAAAAAKVM/_BvKEJLZsWo/s1600-h/image%25255B28%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6pQik9s7Lwc/Uq44dB1lZxI/AAAAAAAAKVQ/hY2wtVQjifE/image_thumb%25255B15%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="186" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p align="center"><em>O Christmas Tea, O Christmas Tea</em></p> <p align="center"><em>How Lovely is Your Fragrance,</em></p> <p align="center"><em>Dried Fruit and Nuts,</em></p> <p align="center"><em>Filling Teacups.</em></p> <p align="center"><em>You Give Us So Much Pleasure!</em></p> <p align="center"><em></em></p> <p align="center"><em>O Christmas Tea, O Christmas Tea</em></p> <p align="center"><em>A Meade Design Group Treasure!!!</em></p> <p> </p> <p>The response to our tea line with friends and clients has been phenomenal.  The great feedback has our brains buzzing with ideas for new ways to represent and promote the Meade Design Group brand.   I believe it is important to have fun internal projects so that we can have carte blanche where we design without constraints and to flex our creative muscles in new ways.  </p> <p>All that creativity is thirsty work, tea anyone?</p> MEADE DESIGN GROUPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11032090157498083589noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5834112041225378729.post-59972706667419059132013-11-08T15:03:00.001-08:002017-07-17T09:20:25.099-07:00IN CONVERSATION WITH lEANNE BUNNELL<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-mGIaP9okJSk/Un1tbah7PlI/AAAAAAAAKP8/SpqthFJMsuw/s1600-h/image%25255B93%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="307" src="https://lh3.ggpht.com/-SjyvWlB8lkU/Un1tcLb5ryI/AAAAAAAAKQE/TpB6d2b5rFY/image_thumb%25255B53%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="image" width="220" /></a><br />
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LeAnne Bunnell</div>
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LeAnne Bunnell is a wonderful designer, client and personality from Calgary, Alberta. Each of her projects appears uniquely inspired and individual, yet consistently furnished with elements that are on trend, fun and classic, all at the same time; making them both adaptable and liveable while maintaining a beautiful aesthetic with an emphasis on quality and longevity. She is also a regular contributor to Décor Mentor and has been featured in popular Calgary-based magazine Avenue, as well as the Calgary Herald.<br />
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We had the pleasure of helping her create her brand for her beautiful studio, 7070 Headquarters – a design collective where fellow designers can rent office space and take advantage of the shared presentation room, library and kitchen. It is unique in that it is aimed at Calgary’s design professionals with beautifully designed space with private areas for tenants to truly make their own. Not to mention that all of the common areas are neutral (allowing for any presentation to take center stage) yet striking with golden accents and meticulous details with a hint of nature in the artwork and natural wood finishes.<br />
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Not only is LeAnne flexing her entrepreneurial muscles with 7070, she also is introducing software targeted at helping designers with their unique bookkeeping and project management needs to the Calgary market. I can’t wait to learn more about DesignDoc’s promises to increase profitability and reduce stress – who doesn’t want that??<br />
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For more on LeAnne, 7070 studio and Design Docs, keep reading to get in on the conversation…<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ktTF11WoZ_0/Un1tdNVwvKI/AAAAAAAAKQM/0ZHzcs2AVIg/s1600-h/image%25255B20%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="539" src="https://lh6.ggpht.com/-eRuhf-g_GJc/Un1teBOMWiI/AAAAAAAAKQU/eW_aGVFcGDk/image_thumb%25255B11%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="image" width="370" /></a><br />
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Interiors by <a href="http://leannebunnell.com/" target="_blank">LeAnne Bunnell</a></div>
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Iván Meade - What was your first experience with design? <br />
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LeAnne Bunnell - I grew up in a small town where most people bought their furniture upstairs at the hardware store, so the IKEA catalogue arriving in the mail was like receiving a glimpse into the exotic outside design world. I mean, it was from SWEDEN! That catalogue became dogeared as I used it, a pencil, a ruler and some graph paper to design my dream bedroom over and over and over. I also built the most rad Barbie bungalow in our basement with plywood, cardboard, packing styrofoam and Sears catalogue photos. <br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-QP92BUbDOFY/Un1tenACEGI/AAAAAAAAKQY/ZYDHE6ofaqc/s1600-h/image%25255B15%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="204" src="https://lh3.ggpht.com/-oaZm5lg4j2A/Un1tfdP8nCI/AAAAAAAAKQk/kSekOc2Itlc/image_thumb%25255B8%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="image" width="370" /></a><br />
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Interiors by <a href="http://leannebunnell.com/" target="_blank">LeAnne Bunnell</a></div>
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Iván Meade – How would you describe your style? <br />
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LeAnne Bunnell – The interiors I design are generally classic, functional, and are elegant in an approachable way. I always try to inject the personality of the homeowners through colour, art and pattern. I love layering luxury in, and art is essential. My personal aesthetic is a little more minimalistic, but I think its because I don’t like to dust.<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-m33RL_D9gJs/Un1tgDnQEgI/AAAAAAAAKQs/kZWpi6SRSpo/s1600-h/image%25255B10%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="204" src="https://lh3.ggpht.com/-uE2MZsnzk1g/Un1tg5pyYgI/AAAAAAAAKQ0/-zyj5d_uwds/image_thumb%25255B5%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="image" width="370" /></a><br />
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Interiors by <a href="http://leannebunnell.com/" target="_blank">LeAnne Bunnell</a></div>
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Iván Meade - What is your design philosophy? <br />
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LeAnne Bunnell - I believe that any interior space has to first and foremost function for the client; then you can layer in the beauty, personality and artful elements. To me a room can be gorgeous but if it doesn't meet the functional needs of the client, it creates frustration. I also like to make sure there is an element of surprise, or whimsy. A sense of humour is essential.<br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ivuv8OsdJ2M/Un1thhpFFII/AAAAAAAAKQ8/v4m5mrkYLrg/s1600-h/image%25255B30%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="208" src="https://lh6.ggpht.com/-mEMdOwe98KU/Un1titjmInI/AAAAAAAAKRE/bSK-5Rbdy0Q/image_thumb%25255B17%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="image" width="370" /></a><br />
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Interiors by <a href="http://leannebunnell.com/" target="_blank">LeAnne Bunnell</a></div>
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Iván Meade – I appreciate that the selection of your project’s furniture pieces are often a mix of more custom or high-end items and more affordable elements. Could you please describe the reasoning and advantages of this technique for our readers? <br />
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LeAnne Bunnell – Being a designer is a huge responsibility, and how my clients' spend their money is important to me. Clients usually come to me with if not a hard and fast budget, a least a sense of where they would like the funds to be allocated, so I always try to maximize the budget to achieve the function, the atmosphere, and the client's style. <br />
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Seating in my designs is usually custom, as you can tailor the piece to the client's comfort, and the design direction. I like to use custom millwork to increase utilizable space and achieve the best function. Sometimes it's the signature Iight fixture we fall in love with and need to make work. I always try to find the compromises to save a little so we can afford the splurges.<br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-PZX-MdNjSso/Un1tj36Ec_I/AAAAAAAAKRM/UoAOtlOpsVM/s1600-h/image%25255B25%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="275" src="https://lh5.ggpht.com/-cfJUfnxfw_w/Un1tkqMtjKI/AAAAAAAAKRQ/VbdY94UbR_s/image_thumb%25255B14%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="image" width="370" /></a><br />
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Vignette by <a href="http://leannebunnell.com/" target="_blank">LeAnne Bunnell</a></div>
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Iván Meade – I am also very drawn to your fabric selections. What is your process for choosing fabrics? Any tips for our readers? <br />
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LeAnne Bunnell – it varies by project, but I always start with the feeling that we would like to evoke in the room; luxurious, elegant, casual, warm and cozy. Colour comes next; I like to develop interesting palettes. Then I layer in pattern, texture and details.<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-XD0eeOynA7Y/Un1tlFUCmxI/AAAAAAAAKRc/RM_AwAVMym0/s1600-h/image%25255B35%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="211" src="https://lh6.ggpht.com/-q5RDbOHjsB0/Un1tl0eZLqI/AAAAAAAAKRk/meWaF4uTKf0/image_thumb%25255B20%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="image" width="370" /></a><br />
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Interiors by <a href="http://leannebunnell.com/" target="_blank">LeAnne Bunnell</a></div>
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Iván Meade – What do you enjoy most about being a designer? <br />
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LeAnne Bunnell – My clients! I have had the pleasure of working with interesting, savvy, stylish and fun people.<br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ucH1fUMOr8Y/Un1tmaDOxxI/AAAAAAAAKRs/aN79w1u7r2Y/s1600-h/image%25255B40%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLAMByYBYyXh8GHZNVBMMoIoYthVvwe-S-pznsp9UnCFnXUCDuxJ9WGHm6f0CkYffox43-H6qW2amXpg6fVN-vAGmoumcrMpSbhkCQYPjPx0URIuhlEEEzOxU54tuXpZm3znvWmfPNMh6t/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="image" width="370" /></a><br />
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Interiors by <a href="http://leannebunnell.com/" target="_blank">LeAnne Bunnell</a></div>
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Iván Meade - Who are your design idols? <br />
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LeAnne Bunnell – Nate Berkus has an approach to design that is relatable and full of personal touches. Kelly Wearstler has such a bold aesthetic, and fearlessly takes design risks. I also personally know so many talented local designers, who are not only friends, but also inspire me. Seriously fabulous people in Calgary.<br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-DkYmxpaIbhw/Un1tnweg8UI/AAAAAAAAKR8/xPGbU1ZoUq0/s1600-h/image%25255B45%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="201" src="https://lh4.ggpht.com/-S6FcAG4ZWpQ/Un1tolXsUyI/AAAAAAAAKSE/t4dbLMtE2T0/image_thumb%25255B26%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="image" width="370" /></a><br />
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Interiors by <a href="http://leannebunnell.com/" target="_blank">LeAnne Bunnell</a></div>
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Iván Meade - If you could design a home for anyone, who would it be? / What would be your dream project? <br />
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LeAnne Bunnell – Sting. I would love to work with Sting. And design a modern mountain retreat for him and Trudi. If anyone knows him, pass my name on. We'll do lunch.<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-njG6P-gQopE/Un1tpa44EwI/AAAAAAAAKSM/2L0ZZhXXIpk/s1600-h/image%25255B50%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="201" src="https://lh4.ggpht.com/-4OKG4jMvtgk/Un1tp3Rbk6I/AAAAAAAAKSQ/kyFOGGJjhYU/image_thumb%25255B29%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="image" width="370" /></a><br />
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Interiors by <a href="http://leannebunnell.com/" target="_blank">LeAnne Bunnell</a></div>
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Iván Meade – What is the best advice you have received as designer? <br />
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LeAnne Bunnell – From the fab Kimberley Seldon: 'Design is 80% business and 20% creative'. And Bruce Croxon form Dragons Den: Get a buttoned down system to execute your designs, and inspire confidence in your clients.<br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-wPrzElJAgsg/Un1tqueNr7I/AAAAAAAAKSc/Ub9QSqoO7a0/s1600-h/image%25255B55%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdM7feaWXK8zZvc8a_JxLfQtGpK4mADK7hPuHyW3Nj5YwwJSqiwHxXD9bNAjZcPAodqnOReXU5Qw6b1awyI6rjPLXIkSqAgZxDtOzKetCJSCf3Af76bKZOzpJQnlb7ecCLiH57MkqBcmBt/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="image" width="370" /></a><br />
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Entry Vignette by <a href="http://leannebunnell.com/" target="_blank">LeAnne Bunnell</a></div>
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Iván Meade – We were impressed with your professionalism and drive in getting 7070 Design Headquarters off the ground when you first approached us for the graphic and web design; how has Calgary reacted to the recent launch? <br />
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LeAnne Bunnell – After a long slog through finding the right location, permitting process, not to mention the build, the response has been great. All of our offices are filled, and with an amazing group of like minded designers. <br />
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I think that the physical space has been a huge benefit to all of us. We no longer have to drive from home offices to meet clients in coffee shops, chilly job sites or supplier show rooms. We have a huge selection of samples from all our suppliers at our fingertips. We have frequent lunch and learns here, and the warehouse space and dock doors allow us to access product that would have previously been out of our reach. <br />
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We all work differently from each other but we have created a community that is supportive and creative. There are monthly 'happy hours' where we discuss our triumphs, stumbles and share advice. We are working on a shared charity project, and hope to develop an in-house education series with suppliers.<br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Us3F2YjoWiE/Un1tsqL1sII/AAAAAAAAKSs/-6isTrJlezw/s1600-h/image%25255B72%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="477" src="https://lh3.ggpht.com/-ekhcYgs2LC0/Un1ttf7k56I/AAAAAAAAKS0/SlW_rMC0cLY/image_thumb%25255B42%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="image" width="370" /></a><br />
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Seventy Seventy Headquarters</div>
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Iván Meade – What kind of person could benefit from becoming a member of this design collective you have created with 7070? How and why? <br />
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LeAnne Bunnell –Well. We are currently an interesting mix but I think we all have one thing in common. Anybody joining us would have to have a great sense of humour. We laugh a lot. <br />
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Being driven to succeed in this industry is great, and having a generous spirit is important. We share a lot here. We strive to offer support, offer kudos and we are constantly gaining inspiration from each other. We look out for our colleagues, and share good advice.<br />
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Iván Meade – I was very impressed with the preview of DesignDocs, it is a great business tool that could revolutionize small design firms conduct business. What do you think the effect of this product will be on the design world and where do you see it going in the future? <br />
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LeAnne Bunnell – Dean and Gillian are the driving forces behind Design Docs and have created a project management and accounting program that allows designers to truly know their business. No more lost billing. Analysis of time and product categories. It follows transactions from proposal to final billing. It has so much potential, and I am excited to hear that they are presenting at High Point this fall.<br />
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<a href="http://designdocs.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="image" border="0" height="83" src="https://lh3.ggpht.com/-YNocG-ETKF8/Un1tt8jGKXI/AAAAAAAAKS4/4b-209ZCZOQ/image%25255B77%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="image" width="254" /></a></div>
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Iván Meade – How does it achieve its promise of increasing profits and reducing stress? <br />
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LeAnne Bunnell – After talking to many interior designers accounting and bookkeeping is their downfall. Some don't even know how much money they make. Or where in their business it comes from. Now that is stressful. <br />
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Design Docs lets you see all this, on each service, each product, each room, and each project. By the week, or by the month. It allows proper financial goal setting, and confident budgeting conversations with clients. Knowledge is power.<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-5EhyiV2D0aY/Un1tu2ahbOI/AAAAAAAAKTE/Qfu5DoFwOnU/s1600-h/image%25255B82%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="370" src="https://lh6.ggpht.com/-Bia7CH3oejo/Un1tvqPWqxI/AAAAAAAAKTI/dtdZ5fylKHQ/image_thumb%25255B46%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="image" width="370" /></a><br />
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Memo Samples from Seventy Seventy Design Headquarters</div>
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Iván Meade – Are you working on any new entrepreneurial endeavours at the moment? <br />
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LeAnne Bunnell – Phew! Still trying to catch my breath after opening Seventy Seventy. My design business is growing and I love the work so I am thrilled to be 'just' designing again. <br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-kmdgZf8NUgI/Un1twkZ4ZlI/AAAAAAAAKTU/vz1bE1xI1U4/s1600-h/image%25255B87%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="455" src="https://lh6.ggpht.com/-MvXh2t23ewM/Un1txZYLBkI/AAAAAAAAKTc/q771nvmau_U/image_thumb%25255B49%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="image" width="370" /></a><br />
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Office space at Seventy Seventy Design Headquarters</div>
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Iván Meade - What are you excited about in the world of design? <br />
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LeAnne Bunnell – I am constantly amazed by creativity. Whether the creation of beauty in objects, furnishings or art, or in solutions to problems I love learning about the process of design; there are so many paths. <br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-etxUY9JSBTc/Un1tyScAwBI/AAAAAAAAKTk/0WXlPcYH0gA/s1600-h/image%25255B92%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="389" src="https://lh3.ggpht.com/-LY-HGR5yomc/Un1tzFMlelI/AAAAAAAAKTs/-L7Cwb3BJi0/image_thumb%25255B52%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="image" width="370" /></a><br />
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Brainstroming Session at Seventy Seventy Headquarters</div>
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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? <br />
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LeAnne Bunnell – It's so gratifying to become part of my clients' lives for a few months or for a few years. And to work on consecutive homes for the same client. I'd like to think that I've improved my clients' daily life with my designs, and that when they walk into the spaces we've worked on they say: 'Ahhh. I'm home.' That makes me happy.<br />
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I invite you to visit LeAnne’s websites and explore her approach to design:<br />
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<img alt="image" border="0" height="92" src="https://lh4.ggpht.com/-X39YF3zVyAI/Un1t0CA6DsI/AAAAAAAAKT4/UCsh6DwJN_M/image%25255B67%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="image" width="270" />MEADE DESIGN GROUPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11032090157498083589noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5834112041225378729.post-15025277972327000612013-10-11T12:12:00.001-07:002013-10-11T12:14:34.252-07:00autonomous FURNITURE COLLECTIVE<p>One of the most exciting  projects we have worked on this year is the development of the brand and graphic identity for Autonomous Furniture Collective.  <font style="style">A Victoria BC based company that develops furniture made with traceable</font> resources by local designers. </p> <p> </p> <p>I had the pleasure of meeting Kirk Van<font style="background-color: #ffff00"></font><font style="style"> Ludwig</font> and Jodie Webb<font style="background-color: #ffff00"></font><font style="style"> a long time ago, and when they decided to start their own furniture company they, invited me to be involved with the graphics and brand direction</font>.   Since the first meeting I was blown away with their product and concept for their shop.  After our first meeting I knew we needed to design something <font style="background-color: #ffff00"></font><font style="style">that is relatable not just locally but globally.</font><font style="background-color: #ffff00"></font>  Their product has so many unique qualities that I wanted to be part of the brand: traceability, local design, quality design, unique materials, and the list keeps going.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-74-EPynD_lE/UlhNgUvxl8I/AAAAAAAAKJs/enUeKIK6y1w/s1600-h/image%25255B40%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9484JBBrzYE/UlhNhIUXEmI/AAAAAAAAKJw/oxniKvUWHug/image_thumb%25255B28%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="275" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-FI-2Df4i6tQ/UlhNh30JMgI/AAAAAAAAKJ8/i5VoutFxzJg/s1600-h/image%25255B45%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8tADoJa9Igg/UlhNiQshJEI/AAAAAAAAKKE/ZAiRUkF4_YQ/image_thumb%25255B31%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="277" /></a></p> <p align="center">Alta Table by Autonomous Furniture Collective</p> <p> </p> <p>To have a solid product in the marketplace we needed to start developing a brand that will complement the product and the idea behind it, as well as where the product was going to be sold.  After all, Autonomous is a new business and we wanted to use<font style="background-color: #ffffff"></font><font style="style"> their fresh approach</font><font style="style"> </font><font style="background-color: #ffff00"></font>as an advantage.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-x_l0D3u_j0k/UlhNjco3ASI/AAAAAAAAKKM/BK-7_Nq3VU0/s1600-h/image%25255B49%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ynSAKtREtno/UlhNkM5Y7dI/AAAAAAAAKKU/uoBu1_7onMM/image_thumb%25255B32%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="373" /></a></p> <p align="center">Walnut  Coffee Table and Ebony Bow Tie Detail</p> <p align="center"><font size="3"></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3"></font></p> <p>After much deliberation, the name was decided: “Autonomous Furniture Collective” – We wanted to give the shop a gallery feel and create a new experience for every customer.  Every time you purchase a piece you will know where the history of the wood or other materials used – their former life and where they are coming from; in addition to the designer of the piece – Autonomous’s designers are mostly local and talented artisans that are members of the Furniture Collective.  People who appreciates good design, quality, and timeless pieces that act as sculptural forms while maintaining their ability to be used in everyday life. <font style="background-color: #ffff00"></font><font style="style">The pieces become a part of your home and lifestyle developing a nice natural patina and depth.  Aging as they would in nature. </font></p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-anzMMHeehQo/UlhNksMCIBI/AAAAAAAAKKc/OtStjcVDbl8/s1600-h/image%25255B52%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-BZ6wDb8mRl8/UlhNlabcEXI/AAAAAAAAKKk/A0TMhDyuSQg/image_thumb%25255B35%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="191" /></a></p> <p><font style="background-color: #ffff00"></font><font style="style"></font></p> <p> </p> <p><font style="style">After we had the logo designed we needed to position the company, so we came up with a phrase to distinguish them in the marketplace - “the new west coast”. This phrase was born as a way to let the customers know that this is a new product and that it is possible to re-invent what people consider to be pure west-coast design.  After all, the main material in their furniture pieces is sourced in the west coast. We further this notion with the phrase </font><font style="style"> “Sculptural forms that are at once urban and rural”.</font> </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-dgM2UK1nYxU/UlhNmHA9_TI/AAAAAAAAKKs/VBfcO6Ugbmk/s1600-h/image%25255B56%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-U5h0WsKDHnE/UlhNmnUH87I/AAAAAAAAKKw/Z9sJDa51g30/image_thumb%25255B39%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="148" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p>With all the brand elements and logo in place it was time to start having some fun and develop their stationary package.  We wanted something sexy, unique and memorable; just like their pieces of furniture.  We selected a beautifully textured, thick paper in black and we foiled the card in gold to reflect that they are current and that the product is pure quality.  </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--Ay3bgqjszQ/UlhNoDIqlPI/AAAAAAAAKK8/Sj1tPCe0xlM/s1600-h/image%25255B4%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-tP11ifORUUc/UlhNo_NQaUI/AAAAAAAAKLA/fcMp46UOhtU/image_thumb%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="259" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-bvfD5-3zmlk/UlhNrHQqHKI/AAAAAAAAKLM/xUGRskLP4EQ/s1600-h/image%25255B9%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-sGEJNLPUeDE/UlhNrsMnZ1I/AAAAAAAAKLQ/4hxPqF__g2E/image_thumb%25255B5%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="255" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p>The launch of the brand was at IDS West this year and it was extremely well received, the pieces have already been invited to 3 of the most prestigious show rooms in Vancouver.  Thanks to the power of social media, design gurus such as Margot Austin and Joe Ruggiero have shown interest in the pieces which is an incredible sign.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-TiP7n-M5MJ0/UlhNsRsQewI/AAAAAAAAKLc/V9-qrNVepAI/s1600-h/image%25255B61%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Xvsh9_6Qb2U/UlhNtIWZK7I/AAAAAAAAKLk/IPWCSStg7Ic/image_thumb%25255B42%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="366" /></a></p> <p align="center">IDWest 2013</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p>All in all we cannot wait to see how far Autonomous will go in spreading the product around the world.</p> <p> </p> <p align="center">Intrigued???  Visit their new showroom and be surprised!!!</p> <p> </p> <p align="center">2101 Government Street, Victoria B.C  V8T 4P2</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.autonomousfurniture.com" target="_blank">www.autonomousfurniture.com</a></p> MEADE DESIGN GROUPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11032090157498083589noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5834112041225378729.post-59002234413588483252013-10-01T09:00:00.000-07:002013-10-01T09:00:06.943-07:00IN CONVERSATION WITH AMBER KINGSNORTH OF MAK INTERIORS<strong></strong> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZQENM9Q9wx8/UjSmJ0RjYLI/AAAAAAAAKHE/cUu15KoUEnk/s1600-h/image%25255B60%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qumizt1WCto/UjSmKmBtwVI/AAAAAAAAKHM/5lDJlRs6ZrQ/image_thumb%25255B33%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="270" height="407" /></a>Amber Kingsnorth RID LEED AP <br /></p> <p>Alas, the Victoria market lost this gem of a designer to the mainland, but Amber Kingsnorth is making a name for herself in the big city with her new design firm, Mak Interiors. After nearly a decade of Vancouver Island based design experience, she's moved on to see what Vancouver has to offer</p> <p>.</p> <p>Not only is Amber a talented, professional, and smart designer – she is also one of the most fun! Her blog and social media pages never fail to make her readers smile. Plus, she is award-winning (2011 IDIBC Awards of Excellence – Silver), a LEED Accredited Professional and a Registered Interior Designer and a very active member of IDIBC to boot.</p> <p> </p> <p>Amber takes on a wide-range of projects including; hotels, condominium and town home developments, offices, restaurants, healthcare, retail and residential. The connecting thread? She approaches projects with a mind for salvaging the unsalvageable.</p> <p> </p> <p>We had previously <a href="http://meadedesigngroup.blogspot.ca/2010/12/in-conversation-with-inoui-design.html">interviewed</a> Amber with Inoui Design in 2010, but with a new firm, new city (Vancouver) and new projects, we wanted to get an update from this spirited design aficionado. </p> <p> </p> <p>Amber also has a special place in my heart, she is the team captain of the Designer Survivors Tour, an industry team of cyclists raising funds for the BC Cancer Foundation – and she dedicated on of her treks to me when I was first diagnosed – I will be forever grateful for that.</p> <p> </p> <p>Read on to get in on the conversation and find out what Ms Kingsnorth has been up to…</p> <p> <br />Iván Meade – So, what's new since we featured you last?</p> <p> <br />Amber Kingsnorth - After about a year of traveling back and forth between Victoria and Vancouver to see clients, I finally set down roots on the mainland.  That move came with a lot of change and a lot of personal reflection.  This is an industry full of amazingly talented people and no shortage of vision so it was important to me to define what I was bringing to the table.   I believe in bringing value and purpose to bricks and mortar construction and creating spaces that support goals and foster growth.  A store isn't just a place to buy things, it's a way to experience the message behind them.  A doctors office isn't just where you go to see a doctor, it's a place of comfort and care.  Not to get too deep on the first question but it's the basis for my new interior design firm!  Māk Interiors (pronounced 'make') is all about making space work for the people it serves; commercial and residential.  We also have a great team of collaborators who help extend our services into the branding, business development and marketing realms for those commercial clients who need a little help finding their own message.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Z8J2j4p8vFg/UjSmL4ud7TI/AAAAAAAAKEM/VnCN1Cpp22o/s1600-h/image%25255B12%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-mfcE3bOtOP0/UjSmMlqvzBI/AAAAAAAAKEQ/UPCOVEHReuM/image_thumb%25255B5%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="255" /></a></p> <p align="center">Interiors by Amber Kingsnorth</p> <p align="left"> <br />Iván Meade<strong> </strong>– What are you excited about right now in the world of design?</p> <p> <br />Amber Kingsnorth -  Community!  I've always been an advocate for an open and collaborative interior design community and that's crossing into other disciplines as well.  For commercial clients seamless messaging is very important; from business cards, to website, to environment, the feeling needs to be cohesive.  By coming together with graphic designers, web developers, and industry specific suppliers, we can create spaces that are tailored to each client and the needs of their business.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-uJnljdZXOmI/UjSmN8ooK4I/AAAAAAAAKEc/MjKCTwLxrc8/s1600-h/image%25255B17%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Qbx45s6HyMo/UjSmOkcDO4I/AAAAAAAAKEk/T-MRbZ3v590/image_thumb%25255B8%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="199" /></a></p> <p align="center">Interiors by Amber Kingsnorth <br /> <br /></p> <p align="left">Iván Meade – What is on the horizon for Mãk Interiors? <br /> <br />Amber Kingsnorth –  We're really carving out a niche for ourselves in the retail industry; helping retailers better define their brand and create engaging spaces that showcase their products in unique ways.  Right now we're just in talks with one of my favorite furniture retailers in the city.  I can't say much right now but I'm very excited to be working with them!</p> <p align="left"> </p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-rOkmQoPT2Q0/UjSmPi0hEUI/AAAAAAAAKEs/ajMaA_RFKoc/s1600-h/image%25255B22%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-41SpXD81zlc/UjSmQJIzRQI/AAAAAAAAKE0/aQ6Glai1DOA/image_thumb%25255B11%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="221" /></a></p> <p align="center">Interiors by Amber Kingsnorth</p> <p align="left"> <br />Iván Meade – I have seen that you’ve been featured in GRAY magazine for your concept window displays?  What is the process to design a window display and where did you get your inspiration from? <br /> <br />Amber Kingsnorth -  First of all; GRAY is a great publication that your readers should definitely get their hands on! </p> <p> <br />The feature was of a window display we created for a great local retailer; espace d.  The store itself is a gorgeous modern space (designed by the Office of Marfarlane Biggar) and the owner was looking for a creative way to display his very unique houseware and objet d'art for the holiday season.  He wanted a very provocative display to draw attention to the store so we took a chance and presented a concept that placed his products amongst a pile of discarded ordinary home goods.  The premise being that the quality and unique aesthetic of his offering would really stand out.  He took a risk  (I love a client who trusts the vision!) and it completely paid off.  The installation has outlived the holiday season and is still going strong, attracting new clients and creating a buzz about the shop.</p> <p> <br />Because they're temporary, window displays offer a lot freedom in design but they also need to showcase the products in a practical way.  Drawing people into the store is a major value to a retailer but only if you're attracting the right people so you really need to understand the brand before diving in.  You want to design something that will have meaning to their target audience - those are the eyes that you need to catch!</p> <p> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-fN3Br6odpIY/UjSmRVOxbfI/AAAAAAAAKE8/oHIycD60GFU/s1600-h/image%25255B34%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-lPIotIIKE0k/UjSmR76iMXI/AAAAAAAAKFA/1wmcRVamqzQ/image_thumb%25255B17%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="354" height="208" /></a></p> <p> <br />Iván Meade – What would be your dream project?</p> <p> <br />Amber Kingsnorth - If we're really talking 'Dream' jobs ... I would love for Jenna Lyons (President and Creative Director of J. Crew) to call me up asking me to re-design their flagship store, conceptualize a years worth of art installations for their store windows and design her personal home ... And then we would become friends, of course :) * <br />*this will likely come back to haunt me in a future interview ... Or if Jenna ever does call!</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-avpEb0y9xKo/UjSmTMcHNoI/AAAAAAAAKFM/D40uCWTnbF8/s1600-h/image%25255B26%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-W9Bv8HpDf9M/UjSmT1L4ZbI/AAAAAAAAKFU/h4sEV_GEhAs/image_thumb%25255B13%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="354" height="182" /></a></p> <p align="center">Interiors by Amber Kingsnorth</p> <p> <br />Iván Meade – You always have at least one stroke of genius in terms of repurposing in your projects – where does that inspiration come from?</p> <p>  <br />Amber Kingsnorth -  This is definitely a product of my childhood!  My Dad can often be heard saying 'Hey! You know what you could do with this?! ...' while holding up some construction cast-off.  Well, that turned out to be hereditary :)   </p> <p> <br />Seeing the potential in ordinary objects and having that light-bulb moment is something that I've refined through my design work.  What started as a way of achieving impact on a budget, has revealed itself to be an important aspect of my work; giving new spaces a feeling of familiarity and meaning.  These customized touches always end up being the most memorable.</p> <p> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-CQdJtaFS77A/UjSmU8NkqbI/AAAAAAAAKFc/Cmq6UW1FYkY/s1600-h/image%25255B30%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-54FnVXL9Bsk/UjSmVkAYCyI/AAAAAAAAKFg/oC_TNyBpZDk/image_thumb%25255B15%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="354" height="185" /></a>Interiors by Amber Kingsnorth <br /> <br /></p> <p>Iván Meade – Now that you are officially flying solo with your firm, how would you describe your style? Feel free to answer this either personally, or as a company – we also won't complain if we get both! <br /> <br />Amber Kingsnorth - I'd call it Modern With Meaning.  No matter what type of space I design, it must has to strike a chord with those who are intended to use it.  I personally prefer modern spaces with an injection of fun through colour, pattern, or those unexpected touches to keep things from getting too austere or predictable.  </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-q9TkrnOHK9M/UjSmWe868FI/AAAAAAAAKFs/Cutaboh2ql8/s1600-h/image%25255B39%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-U-EQ_oGEFOg/UjSmW59CMOI/AAAAAAAAKF0/NjriPnPP-qE/image_thumb%25255B20%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="198" /></a></p> <p align="center">Interiors by Amber Kingsnorth</p> <p align="center"> <br /></p> <p>Iván Meade<strong> </strong>– What is your favourite thing about being a designer?</p> <p> <br />Amber Kingsnorth - The parties of course!  I kid :) <br />I have two favourites: <br />1)  Working both sides of my brain.  Design allows me to test the limits of my creativity and be very analytical and technical at the same time.   <br />2)  Inspiration is on my to-do list.  My job is literally to be inspired by my clients and their stories and to return the favour through my work.  Not bad!</p> <p> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-8nsGm1VqG7c/UjSmYVswU3I/AAAAAAAAKF8/m5xmAND0AIE/s1600-h/image%25255B44%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-aMMh9GoYAYE/UjSmZL7_4II/AAAAAAAAKGE/mKzEeNahoHw/image_thumb%25255B23%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="201" /></a>Interiors by Amber Kingsnorth <br /></p> <b></b> <p>Iván Meade – What is the best advice you have received – design related or otherwise? <br /> <br />Amber Kingsnorth - When you give, you are never without :)</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-xSFD02hCIMY/UjSmabx4o7I/AAAAAAAAKGM/ebYkaw-4w6w/s1600-h/image%25255B49%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-p4hwYftp5HI/UjSmaykZelI/AAAAAAAAKGU/-_pzp-shRyE/image_thumb%25255B26%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="217" /></a></p> <p align="center">Interiors by Amber Kingsnorth</p> <p> <br />Iván Meade – Back in 2010 I asked "Do you think Victoria is ready for a change? Where do you see things going in the next ten years?" and you had replied "YES. Since entering the field 6 years ago, we’ve noticed a huge shift in the design community. Designers are finally seeing each other as colleagues rather than competition, sharing ideas, sources, information, horror stories… and it’s great!" How do you feel about your prediction so far? Would you adapt it, agree with it, or change it completely 3 years later? <br /> <br />Amber Kingsnorth - I have to stick with my prediction, see question #2 :)</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2_pAYrj3rns/UjSmcKsb8aI/AAAAAAAAKGc/3iQVkeZSPcY/s1600-h/image%25255B54%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-EEeWy2-14Es/UjSmc9zcyNI/AAAAAAAAKGk/Tw5ez2y4GH4/image_thumb%25255B29%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="199" /></a></p> <p align="center">Interiors by Amber Kingsnorth</p> <p> <br />Iván Meade – Likewise, one final question - would you have changed your legacy from "we just want to love what we do everyday and know that people are enjoying the spaces we’ve designed"? <br /></p> <p>Amber Kingsnorth - I wouldn't necessarily re-write that answer but I can add to it; enjoying the space isn't enough, I want my clients to feel that the investment in their space has a measurable return to them.  For my commercial clients that may mean keeping their overhead low by making efficient use of less square footage, better employee retention & workflow, and a greater experience for their own customers or patients.  For my residential clients that could be an increase in the value of their property, or a more enjoyable homelife in a space that supports and encourages what they love to do.  I hope my legacy is that I opened people's eyes to the value of a well-designed space.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-amBIdVVo8dk/UjSmd95sGbI/AAAAAAAAKGs/9xRx3KFqsWs/s1600-h/image%25255B59%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_IDdnhR7Mkw/UjSmemtCz3I/AAAAAAAAKG0/RbUqfNjqU6U/image_thumb%25255B32%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="196" /></a></p> <p align="center">Interiors by Amber Kingsnorth</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p>I invite you to visit Amber’s stunning body of work and to read her fantastic blog at:</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://makinteriors.ca/" target="_blank"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjox6ndnhc8zSBxXNU18F6fN7nE2RUdABlMH7H7xx7ohivuZ1Gl1jzQhNTqDCu1m7Y8N3XPyj0nuMazKr-KH1KXvzkkQyOmZI6FxPAvCH8WBDCJAjJImhD1CBeIRw83zwiABT1bmjCRSvP8/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="137" /></a></p> MEADE DESIGN GROUPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11032090157498083589noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5834112041225378729.post-75908973554073561772013-09-14T11:26:00.001-07:002013-09-14T11:26:33.141-07:00GREETINGS!<p>You may wonder why I have not written a post in such a long time.  I had taken some time off to visit my family and friends in Mexico,. I then came back to catch up with the work at the studio and now I am leaving to France and Spain in order to celebrate my 40th birthday.</p> <p> </p> <p>Meanwhile I leave you with some cool pics I took in my home country.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-HsTPFWWUcQs/UjSqGk2uvFI/AAAAAAAAKHY/YLLslSColg0/s1600-h/image%25255B4%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-U9AEHpL-1ps/UjSqHdHXSLI/AAAAAAAAKHg/tJphAg24k7E/image_thumb%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="370" /></a></p> <p align="center">Mexico </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-LVdjj7D3hUk/UjSqIIYt7sI/AAAAAAAAKHo/KCDE7h8-7QY/s1600-h/image%25255B9%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-x5nP4qrba4I/UjSqIjxi-NI/AAAAAAAAKHw/AqJd8iN8RRg/image_thumb%25255B5%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="370" /></a></p> <p align="center">Mexico City</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-dF2mDa9cuN4/UjSqJy_F2bI/AAAAAAAAKH4/_-eLA2WAmIw/s1600-h/image%25255B34%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-kL8m5jKBfjw/UjSqKb_UvhI/AAAAAAAAKIA/lekNAKEs0ho/image_thumb%25255B20%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="367" /></a></p> <p align="center">San Luis Potsi, Mexico</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-qqR60YHQJd4/UjSqLfknIXI/AAAAAAAAKII/Bi0-zDA9hSg/s1600-h/image%25255B14%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-IRpIslt6_3s/UjSqMNT-3FI/AAAAAAAAKIQ/qQktPJtNmvs/image_thumb%25255B8%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="371" /></a></p> <p align="center">San Miguel de Allende, Mexico</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-xIBiaIId54s/UjSqNCgxTGI/AAAAAAAAKIY/iV1Jxo0Ods4/s1600-h/image%25255B19%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3CkhFaY5Cpw/UjSqN3tMm6I/AAAAAAAAKIg/te_kU8Wrkys/image_thumb%25255B11%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="367" /></a></p> <p align="center">Frida Kahlo & Diego Rivera Studios – Mexico City</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8QdyePrImHs/UjSqPGiakFI/AAAAAAAAKIo/EHqOCZ4qHX8/s1600-h/image%25255B29%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-EIH-7H57auM/UjSqP5GRc0I/AAAAAAAAKIw/6wXj1rwGoFU/image_thumb%25255B17%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="370" /></a></p> <p align="center">Diego Rivera Studio – Mexico City</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-HgAfUCRv5kY/UjSqQ3r35fI/AAAAAAAAKI4/9ArPa_czM4o/s1600-h/image%25255B24%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-yEEWZDHYbwQ/UjSqRjiTfMI/AAAAAAAAKJA/YeIfNF2bDGA/image_thumb%25255B14%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="385" /></a></p> <p align="center">O’Gorman Studio – Mexico City</p> MEADE DESIGN GROUPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11032090157498083589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5834112041225378729.post-45361312908963359572013-08-01T20:54:00.001-07:002013-08-01T20:54:44.185-07:00IN CONVERSATION WITH KYLA BIDGOOD<p>As seen in <a href="http://www.snapvictoria.com/">SNAP</a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-c85PZIWY3mI/Ufr4B7upMlI/AAAAAAAAKCU/ahSqUVWfGSY/s1600-h/clip_image001%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="clip_image001" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="clip_image001" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-niEIiQp7_yU/Ufr4CbVzz4I/AAAAAAAAKCc/rw371_QEgL8/clip_image001_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="370" height="355" /></a></p> <p align="center">Kyla Bidgood</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p>You may recognize this name around town – and I believe it will only continue to become more recognized as her career forges ahead – the name is Kyla Bidgood, a registered interior designer right here in Victoria BC. Kyla has been featured in local publications, is very active in the design community (including being a committee member for IDIBC: Vancouver Island Chapter) and has done some guest speaking at design events. You may even recognize her from right here on our blog, we had previously<a href="http://meadedesigngroup.blogspot.ca/2010/12/in-conversation-with-inoui-design.html">interviewed</a> Inoui Design in 2010, but with change in environment comes change in perspective, and I wanted to follow up with Ms Bidgood for a fresh new interview.</p> <p> </p> <p align="left">She now has her own boutique namesake firm, Kyla Bidgood Interior Design, after years of experience with some of the best designers in the city. I couldn't describe her philosophy better than these words which come straight from her website: "With every project I strive to open my client’s eyes to new possibilities, spatially translating their brand or style into an interior that surpasses their initialvision. I create meaningful and enduring environments that perfectly align with both my client’s budget and needs".</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6dzrmKJOtd8/UfstbjECigI/AAAAAAAAKCs/EKVl3Y8kPoc/s1600-h/image%25255B4%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kudluc-PAsk/UfstcNA7ZuI/AAAAAAAAKC0/FZPiRzGD46o/image_thumb%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="256" /></a></p> <p align="center">Interiors by Kyla Bidgood</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p>Taking on projects from various fields – residential, commercial, and hospitality alike – she approaches each one with passion which has had award winning results. With her attention to detail, innovative thinking and approachable attitude, it's not wonder Kyla has a long list of happy clients with beautiful spaces.</p> <p> </p> <p>Ready to find out what Victoria's young design scene is up to right now? Read on to get in on the conversation…</p> <p> </p> <p>Iván Meade – So, what's new since we featured you last?   </p> <p> </p> <p>Kyla Bidgood – Quite a bit! I tested the corporate waters and worked for a large design firm for 6 months, on a range of large-scale projects including a university, a hospital and several airport concessions. I love commercial work, but what I found most valuable from the experience was re- discovering where my heart truly lies: with highly creative, boutique projects. You can really only have complete creative control with projects of a certain size. So I ventured out solo working under my own name, with a focus on out of the box retail, hospitality, office and residential projects.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-UJq_kA0qk9Q/UfstdG_XjqI/AAAAAAAAKC8/dDWLnA6U_YY/s1600-h/image%25255B20%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-dq2VeNm7rLk/Ufstd88d7iI/AAAAAAAAKDE/WGgAW9en5wM/image_thumb%25255B12%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="558" /></a></p> <p align="center">Interiors by Kyla Bidgood</p> <p> </p> <p>Iván Meade – What are you excited about right now in the world of design?</p> <p> </p> <p>Kyla Bidgood – No surprise here: I get geek-giddy over colour and pattern. Bold repetition, mixed with the right combination of scales & textures is perfection in my world. Throw in a bright pop of colour in an unexpected place, like hardware or fixtures, and that’s the cherry on the cake. I also love incorporating unexpected historic details into modern spaces, like turned wood spindles or abstract patterns tufted into upholstery. But ask me tomorrow and the list would be completely different. I have commitment issues when it comes to design, everyday I’m excited about doing something new.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-DBMuzOPKK1c/Ufrsbtc3LkI/AAAAAAAAKAk/ijOGKZe0sA0/s1600-h/image%25255B4%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-VLDsDoHk-ws/Ufrscl5JD9I/AAAAAAAAKAs/14u0zYeA3dA/image_thumb%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="287" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Oq8F-UOForw/Ufrsd8cNNHI/AAAAAAAAKA0/2zI78a0_Y6U/s1600-h/image%25255B9%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-d1hFNcYhbBI/UfrsekCQ7GI/AAAAAAAAKA8/rKnrvmh1CwA/image_thumb%25255B5%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="242" /></a></p> <p align="center">Interiors by Kyla Bidgood</p> <p> </p> <p>Iván Meade – What is on the horizon for Kyla Bidgood interior Design?</p> <p> </p> <p>Kyla Bidgood – I’ve recently started a magical collaborating with the multi-talented and graphically gifted Sarah McNeil. We’ve pooled our skills and similar aesthetic to seamlessly integrate interior design with window graphics, custom wallpapers & signage for Blenz Coffee in Vancouver. A well-branded company goes beyond a logo, the entire experience from the second you step in their door should communicate a company’s culture, values and vibe. Understanding a companies brand and developing their branded interior is something I thrive at.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_TS75GMbvF8/UfrsfaXsy2I/AAAAAAAAKBE/tsirT8qGNM8/s1600-h/image%25255B14%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-hM_p0z4KtCk/UfrsgosK_gI/AAAAAAAAKBM/CwMPSE9xFn0/image_thumb%25255B8%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="545" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-zN6djtIAA-E/UfrsiKRB9NI/AAAAAAAAKBU/wICh47M-Q9k/s1600-h/image%25255B24%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-sZtqI4tNFfk/Ufrsjd0cfPI/AAAAAAAAKBc/4LE0azHDsUo/image_thumb%25255B14%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="373" /></a></p> <p align="center">Interiors by Kyla Bidgood</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p>Iván Meade – What would be your dream project?</p> <p> </p> <p>Kyla Bidgood – I am busting at the seams to do a restaurant. Since I’m hopelessly lazy when it comes to cooking I eat out often, and every time I redesign the restaurant space in my mind. I have so many great ideas banked, I would love to give Victorians and Vancouverites a new dining experience, something buzzworthy, totally out of the box different.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0CdeLcGC-5g/UfrskT_kqII/AAAAAAAAKBk/uCZh3Oyt6tc/s1600-h/image%25255B38%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-tOhrHsoKAv0/UfrslAQQTQI/AAAAAAAAKBs/ESA6m_8AffY/image_thumb%25255B21%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="207" /></a></p> <p align="center">Interiors by Kyla Bidgood</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p>Iván Meade – I find your projects to be consistently fresh, cheerful/playful and sophisticated yet urban. How is this balance achieved?</p> <p> </p> <p>Kyla Bidgood – Why thank you Ivan! My aesthetic is at a constant tug war with itself. On one hand I adore the simplicity, materials and craft of Scandinavian and mid century modern design, and on the other hand I’m a total sucker for over the top pattern, colour and whimsical concepts. I think the method to my madness is interweaving these two extremes into a refined eclecticism. It’s about striking a carefully curated balance without going overboard.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2gF4QmQu31M/Ufrsmz0uVII/AAAAAAAAKB0/834Xy6AVygA/s1600-h/image%25255B43%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-oKAnz0DlWlU/UfrsnmhzcbI/AAAAAAAAKB4/HA5zFd_atIU/image_thumb%25255B24%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="258" /></a></p> <p align="center">Interiors by Kyla Bidgood</p> <p> </p> <p>Iván Meade – Now that you are officially flying solo with your firm, how would you describe your style? Feel free to answer this either personally, or as a company – we also won't complain if we get both!   </p> <p> </p> <p>Kyla Bidgood – Fun, modern & eclectic. I think the same can be said for my personal style. My house is a laboratory where I experiment with ideas that might be too bold for some clients. For example, my living room is painted a dark ink-blue and an artist friend of mine Miguel Afonso da Conceicao created a large scale instillation with hot pink yarn covering all the walls, kind of like a non-repeating geometric wallpaper pattern. I also wallpapered the ceiling in my home office with a small-scale white, gold & black triangle print. Experiments paid off, looks amazing!   </p> <p> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qnuNIh_N8lo/UfstenlhNXI/AAAAAAAAKDM/3a-hNL4v9M0/s1600-h/image%25255B10%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-KxHFalTA7zs/UfstfCchDnI/AAAAAAAAKDU/1ggyXJyjWxQ/image_thumb%25255B6%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="258" /></a>  Interiors by Kyla Bidgood</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p>Iván Meade – What is your favorite thing about being a designer?   </p> <p> </p> <p>Kyla Bidgood – Everyday, every project, and every client is so vastly different from the next, no day is ever repeated. I am never bored, always challenged, and constantly being inspired by new things. I heart my job, and I can’t imagine doing anything else for a living.     </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ri_GSAEx2D8/UfstgBQdIFI/AAAAAAAAKDc/znuamq_QHkE/s1600-h/image%25255B15%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-JpMdQDI7G7s/UfstgqOf-dI/AAAAAAAAKDk/0JEyIcAadnw/image_thumb%25255B9%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="309" /></a></p> <p align="center">  Interiors by Kyla Bidgood</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p>Iván Meade – What is the best advice you have received – design related or otherwise?   </p> <p> </p> <p>Kyla Bidgood – “Worry is a misuse of your imagination” and “Change is the only constant”. Truer words were never spoken! </p> <p> </p> <p>I invite you to visit Kyla’s stunning body of work at:</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://kylabidgood.com/"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-XFrzUU0Khn4/UfrsoAel6YI/AAAAAAAAKCA/JQnMBDr_dv8/image%25255B33%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="200" height="185" /></a></p> MEADE DESIGN GROUPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11032090157498083589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5834112041225378729.post-67559961016218914702013-07-26T11:16:00.001-07:002013-07-26T11:16:09.039-07:00CONDESEO – A logo concept<p>Earlier this year we were invited to brand what has become the most important Gynecology Congress in San Luis Potosí, México – CONDESEO ( National Congress for Safe Pregnancy and Obstetric Emergencies).  This is the first time a congress of this magnitude was presented in Mexico, and even though the logo work was pro-bono (as it was a non-profit event), it was also a great opportunity to support my brother Dr. Paulo Meade Treviño who was the executive president for CONDESEO, it was also inspiring to design something that was going to be heavily featured in my home country.   He wanted a new and contemporary image that could represent the event and showcase the state of  modern medicine in México.  When he completed my creative brief for the logo I was actually surprised to see that he wanted something new, fresh and different.  - “Please don’t give me another logo with a mother and child” (apparently this is the standard in the industry).</p> <p> </p> <p>After we discussed the direction for the logo/brand for the congress I was very fortunate to be given carte blanche to design the graphic identity for the event.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-WorYMGZtOGg/UfK84-Y2VOI/AAAAAAAAJ_w/8lSAIfa0FJQ/s1600-h/image%25255B4%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-3f9mpOtcxxk/UfK85UIXpyI/AAAAAAAAJ_4/LRTRn-dyn2Y/image_thumb%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="227" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p>Here are the thoughts behind the logo:</p> <p> </p> <p>1.- First of all, we wanted to convey a message of communication as this was going to be the first opportunity to discuss this particular topic, also, all the best Gynecologists from México and Latin-America were reuniting for the congress.</p> <p>2.- We wanted to use colours that represented the city where the congress was going to be held – San Luis Potosi, México – We got the inspiration from the colour that you can see when the sky sets at the end of the day.  The skies of my hometown are famous for these hues</p> <p>3.- To maintain the simplicity we used an organic form and reproduced it 3 times, reducing its size to convey the Mother, the Doctor, and the Child while the interactions/transparencies and changes  in colour represent the meaning of their relationships, the smallest element, which is an oval figure represents – Life and the  moment of birth.  </p> <p>4.- For the typographical solution we used a font from the Zag family to playfully arrange the text in a block using uppercase lettering to represent the importance of the event.  The softness and roundness of the typography was selected to add a friendlier atmosphere.</p> <p> </p> <p>This congress was held last week and it has been considered the best congress ever held in the field.   I just want to take this opportunity to say how proud I am of my brother for organizing CONDESEO and  setting the bar so high and for inviting us to participate.  </p> <p> </p> <p>I invite you to see a quick video of the congress and the branding elements used throughout.  From banners, to pins, and informational brochures, etc.</p> <p> </p> <div id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:429bbccf-1f7b-4e89-9a7c-d09e7b12e1a1" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent" style="float: none; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px"><div id="e728e2c0-d01f-47e6-ad5e-1df1383c0ab2" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6zYCUUm2Ok" target="_new"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-5EOC4YrBuL4/UfK859CIw3I/AAAAAAAAKAA/RslLxIm_MTM/video3cbcffe9b928%25255B63%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('e728e2c0-d01f-47e6-ad5e-1df1383c0ab2'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"448\" height=\"252\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/U6zYCUUm2Ok?hl=en&hd=1\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/U6zYCUUm2Ok?hl=en&hd=1\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"448\" height=\"252\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div><div style="width:448px;clear:both;font-size:.8em">CONDESEO</div></div> MEADE DESIGN GROUPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11032090157498083589noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5834112041225378729.post-48677502105381830882013-07-19T14:45:00.001-07:002013-07-19T17:43:12.538-07:00OUR FAVOURITE SERVICE PROVIDERSOften people ask me how I can manage to do as much as I do. My answer is always the same: I have a great team at my studio and it is all about balance. In the other hand, I also have a second team of professionals that have made my business even more successful. Today I want to honor them and recommend their services as I have worked with them for many years and I know they are not only service providers they are also part of the family at Meade Design Group.<br />
<br />
Their advice or their service always keeps us organized, in good shape and looking good.<br />
<br />
<u>LAW</u><br />
<br />
Kelvin Sheuer B.A., M.A., LL.B -<br />
Beacon Law Center<br />
1.250.656.3280<br />
<br />
<a href="http://beaconlaw.ca/" target="_blank"><img alt="image" border="0" height="74" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-FFkvIrzwYJk/UemzUszQvmI/AAAAAAAAJ9A/nf7b95uWmRM/image%25255B124%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="image" width="170" /></a><br />
<br />
<u>ACCOUNTING</u><br />
<br />
Steve Wellburn / Sue Bohean <br />
Hulko Cameron Wellburn LLP Chartered Accountants<br />
1.250.388.6554<br />
<br />
<a href="http://hcwca.net/" target="_blank"><img alt="image" border="0" height="75" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-R-Y-6td-ln8/UemzVOvjBEI/AAAAAAAAJ9I/EemEd9vMSpo/image%25255B109%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="image" width="170" /></a><br />
<br />
<u>BANKING</u><br />
<u></u><br />
Renan Yin – Senior Account Manager, Business & Personal<br />
RBC Royal Bank<br />
1.250.356.3826<br />
<br />
<a href="http://rbc.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="image" border="0" height="203" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-DT-YqfH_jsk/UemzVXo7tVI/AAAAAAAAJ9Q/Ix2oXqLME3E/image%25255B147%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="image" width="170" /></a><br />
<u></u><br />
<u>FLOWER SERVICES</u><br />
<br />
Tara McHugh <br />
Tara McHugh Flora<br />
1.250.880.1006<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.taramchughflora.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="image" border="0" height="86" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-nxcXR8c5HvA/UemzVz1-GxI/AAAAAAAAJ9Y/R60n4l1bXVY/image%25255B123%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="image" width="170" /></a><br />
<br />
<u>COURIER, FREIGHT & LOGISTICS</u><br />
<u></u><br />
Al Hasham<br />
Maximum Express<br />
1.250.721.3278<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.maxcourier.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="image" border="0" height="86" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-1V5gQpCSGFI/UemzWRrD-EI/AAAAAAAAJ9c/9DHhE5xkAIA/image%25255B153%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="image" width="170" /></a><br />
<u></u><br />
<u>RECYCLING</u><br />
<u></u><br />
Capital City Recycling<br />
<u>1.250.652.5008</u><br />
<u></u><br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-yAQy47QcmWc/UemzWsj_D9I/AAAAAAAAJ9o/3kq-VtmBsPY/s1600-h/image%25255B164%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="135" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-w-pvL81IC4o/UemzXLk_LZI/AAAAAAAAJ9s/8PchyY15rl4/image_thumb%25255B73%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="image" width="170" /></a><br />
<u></u><br />
<u>RECORD STORAGE</u><br />
<u></u><br />
Access Storage<br />
1.250.652.5131<br />
<a href="http://www.accessrecords.ca/" target="_blank"><img alt="image" border="0" height="61" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-tNNGdehedsE/UemzXaHqWVI/AAAAAAAAJ94/y-7ohyQ7YE8/image%25255B163%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="image" width="170" /></a><br />
<u></u><br />
<u>OFF SET PRINTING</u><br />
<u></u><br />
Erwin Rietzler<br />
Bayside Press<br />
1. 250.386.8355<br />
<u></u><br />
<a href="http://www.baysidepress.ca/" target="_blank"><img alt="image" border="0" height="71" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-gBfUVv_hq9E/UemzX2EsvsI/AAAAAAAAJ-A/KLACRPGVrgs/image%25255B116%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="image" width="170" /></a><br />
Gord Wright<br />
Hemlock<br />
1.250.388.7801<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.hemlock.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="image" border="0" height="73" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI35lurEUvCXCDyXJH7kRfkHpb_yQ30w8X6pteZzEokDn00iLdczLxSHldJQBlZ0bnIwEOHe3yGAmWAAUYTiJYFkHHzgQ4bsvLV6iAFLwUsBsvBsXI9oczGlSPF54HFsprZKZlMIRWUsqN/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="image" width="170" /></a><br />
<br />
<u>DIGITAL PRINTING</u><br />
<br />
Andy / Alex<br />
Metropol<br />
1.250.382.2695<br />
<br />
<a href="http://print.imetropol.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="image" border="0" height="41" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5x49YwqGt6g/UemzYiLYa-I/AAAAAAAAJ-Q/iqLChOTlEhk/image%25255B137%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="image" width="178" /></a><br />
<u></u><br />
<u>SIGNAGE</u><br />
<u></u><br />
Marty / Ken Wallace<br />
Garside Signs<br />
1.250.385.4825<br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-mdTuV5sg0g4/UemzZFjmhGI/AAAAAAAAJ-Y/LwFSgNsASZw/s1600-h/image%25255B103%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="130" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3DiUpbTSaGE/UemzZlJdTwI/AAAAAAAAJ-g/7dlBsOBEm3c/image_thumb%25255B40%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="image" width="170" /></a><br />
<u></u><br />
<u>EVENT MANAGEMENT</u><br />
<br />
Barb Raymond WPICC (Wedding Specialist)<br />
French Kiss Events<br />
1.778.678.2902<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.frenchkissevents.ca/" target="_blank"><img alt="image" border="0" height="198" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-UxbCJZ3QlPU/UemzZ_HM-AI/AAAAAAAAJ-o/e30rY3p_rVQ/image%25255B122%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="image" width="170" /></a><br />
<br />
Aidan Henry (General Event Planning)<br />
Brink Events<br />
P. 1.250.882.9691<br />
<br />
<a href="http://brinkevents.ca/" target="_blank"><img alt="image" border="0" height="59" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-8zF8GJS2tqQ/UemzaXXvCsI/AAAAAAAAJ-w/kROao7hfKhs/image%25255B119%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="image" width="170" /></a><br />
<br />
<u>CAKES</u><br />
<br />
Corina Ludwig<br />
Passion for Cakes<br />
1.250.588.2622<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.passionforcakes.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="image" border="0" height="98" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-rsjBZFo0s3o/UemzajjJ8aI/AAAAAAAAJ-4/00P6_aiRllU/image%25255B145%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="image" width="170" /></a><br />
<u>CLOTHES</u><br />
<br />
Patrick Tier<br />
Citizen<br />
1.250.590.6716<br />
<br />
<a href="http://citizenclothing.ca/" target="_blank"><img alt="image" border="0" height="127" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-LVUi5BDeKq4/UemzbGC_iVI/AAAAAAAAJ_A/A_-SSkSMIAY/image%25255B120%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="image" width="170" /></a><br />
<br />
<u>HAIR</u><br />
<br />
Robin Achterberg<br />
Parlor<br />
1.250.589.6191<br />
<br />
<a href="http://parlorsalon.ca/" target="_blank"><img alt="image" border="0" height="153" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-W8hAVG8kWm4/UemzbRkTWNI/AAAAAAAAJ_I/3tdtS9gxyDE/image%25255B121%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="image" width="170" /></a>MEADE DESIGN GROUPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11032090157498083589noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5834112041225378729.post-69725661318693274692013-07-05T09:00:00.000-07:002013-07-05T09:00:05.141-07:00aRCHITECTURAL WALKING TOURS – VICTORIA BC<p>One of our favourite interns of all time, Vanessa Lloyd, will be one of the knowledgeable guides responsible for showing you a side of Victoria you have never seen before.   If you want a great adventure in Victoria BC, or you have guests from out of town and want to learn something new about your city while supporting the AIBC  (Architectural Institute of British Columbia) this will be a great opportunity.  Vanessa, amongst other design enthusiasts, will be a tour guide for The Architectural Walking Tours this summer.  This year they will have six stunning architectural perspectives of Victoria: </p> <p> </p> <p>1.- Inner Harbour – Victoria’s famous waterfront</p> <blockquote> <p>Experience the magnificent golden age of Victoría’s downtown Inner Harbour and surrounding areas.  Explore the heritage of this once central public space and learn about the many changes that have taken place throughout the history of this relatively young city.</p> <p> </p> </blockquote> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-KbdfjVeFONg/UdMNy_vFSPI/AAAAAAAAJ6s/C6HA5yrham8/s1600-h/image%25255B30%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6gFM3YWL2LA/UdMNzhhb00I/AAAAAAAAJ60/t8k5mEXRvYY/image_thumb%25255B17%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="265" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Pyr8rDFEsNw/UdMN0Rf8H0I/AAAAAAAAJ68/pcba1VEjz20/s1600-h/image%25255B46%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-aTpkC3SXBEA/UdMN0yQW_DI/AAAAAAAAJ7E/xHjBonDM_dk/image_thumb%25255B27%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="221" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p>2.- Fort Victoria – A city and its stronghold</p> <blockquote> <p>Learn about the development of Victoria, from a small Hudson’s Bay <br />Company fur-trading fort to the provincial capital it is today. Follow the <br />outline of the fort walls along Government Street, and learn about the <br />architectural conservation and re-use strategies employed over time. <br />Explore Bastion Square, once the heart of Victoria’s legal community, <br />and Wharf Street, the city’s original “Commercial Row” converted into <br />residential and commercial spaces.</p> <p> </p> </blockquote> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-VamkljXwMIM/UdMN1juso6I/AAAAAAAAJ7M/yw6rG39Hnc8/s1600-h/image%25255B56%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-9Qh0nwrhexQ/UdMN2UJ1TLI/AAAAAAAAJ7U/2BIUDC3EO8o/image_thumb%25255B37%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="442" /></a></p> <p align="center">Board & Trade Building</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p>3.- Chinatown – Canada’s oldest </p> <blockquote> <p>Explore public plazas and back alleys from Yates Street to Waddington <br />Alley and Johnson Street, the heart of Old Town. Inspect surrounding <br />examples of circa-1880 architecture, Market Square, and Fan Tan Alley. <br />Learn about the culture, social, and architectural history of Canada’s <br />oldest Chinatown, and discover the gems found along Douglas Street <br />including the Hudson’s Bay Company Store, City Hall and Centennial <br />Square.</p> </blockquote> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-zMxTvvJksP0/UdMN3IewguI/AAAAAAAAJ7c/gXPcOxXSLlY/s1600-h/image%25255B10%25255D.png"><img title="" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxS1rGWvgftFDve8nBZkun7OHue0tAGk_J3s_C6lcfAODTcm6mgXKr2Q6r8ALCVmjMOOcWvDWo2m4kBNYmy4faDhsXhzY9VPIIe5SsAePUK1dRrsaMuevdBT1sECSIGAKk1_iykdV70jR2/?imgmax=800" width="370" height="264" /></a></p> <p align="center">China Town</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p>4.- Ecclesiastical – Faithful buildings</p> <blockquote> <p>Enjoy a brisk walk featuring Victoria’s rich legacy of religious <br />architecture. Visit the city’s two cathedrals and Canada’s oldest surviving <br />syngogue. See how historical events have shaped and changed the look <br />and feel of some of Victoria’s most impressive buildings.</p> <p> <br />See what remains of a pioneer cemetery and stroll through the grounds <br />of early 19th century buildings of worship. The sheer size and massing of <br />these buildings is enough to make you want to learn more.</p> <p> <br />This tour includes several other landmark public buildings and presents <br />a great opportunity to learn about traditional architectural styles and <br />how they have been integrated into Victoria’s modern designs.</p> <p> </p> </blockquote> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-MzMe3N7eMWs/UdMN4kTeU2I/AAAAAAAAJ7s/QYjR2RnXI2E/s1600-h/image%25255B15%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0UmE1g3Y-vQ/UdMN5XqwhoI/AAAAAAAAJ70/7B-4OHrPAVo/image_thumb%25255B8%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="277" /></a></p> <p align="center">St. Andrew Cathedral</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p>5.- Art Deco/Modern – A snapshot of influencial art</p> <blockquote> <p>In the 1920’s, Victoria architects embraced the stylized, geometric Art <br />Deco and Style Moderne, the latests trends emanating from Paris and <br />New York. Discover how these styles suited new building types and <br />businesses, and how they altered traditional approaches to the use of <br />stone, marble and concrete. This tour includes a look at some of the <br />city’s innovative banks, office buildings, motels and residences, as <br />well as the Inner Harbour’s landmark Information Centre Tower.</p> <p> </p> </blockquote> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--XN8NFQNFKM/UdMN6O8GOGI/AAAAAAAAJ78/-x2k5SpNVT0/s1600-h/image%25255B67%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-90BSH1Tt3pc/UdMN6-3by2I/AAAAAAAAJ8E/h488gzsVI1M/image_thumb%25255B48%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="539" /></a></p> <p align="center">Art Deco Building – Beacon Hill Park</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p>6.- James Bay – A small town within a large city</p> <blockquote> <p>Discover James Bay, Canada’s oldest residential neighbourhood on <br />the West Coast. Learn about the historic homes of some of Victoria’s <br />most influential residents, dating back to the days of colonial <br />administration.</p> <p> <br />Explore houses built in architectural styles from Queen Anne <br />Cottages to Arts & Crafts, many of which have been designated as <br />Provincial Heritage sites. Nearing Beacon Hill Park, you’ll find Emily <br />Carr House, the childhood home of the famed B.C. artist and writer</p> <p> </p> </blockquote> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-eosV-6PooSA/UdMN7mucFxI/AAAAAAAAJ8M/us5T-jmy_xs/s1600-h/image%25255B75%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Vqu1E-9c9Vs/UdMN8DWx_9I/AAAAAAAAJ8U/J_Rg9JH2voE/image_thumb%25255B56%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="239" /></a></p> <p align="center">Emily Carr House</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p>For more information please check  the online brochure below:</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://www.aibc.ca/pub_resources/aibc_outreach/AIBC_Walking_Broch_Victoria_2013.pdf" target="_blank"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1ZOZR5bm94Y/UdMN8g7eZdI/AAAAAAAAJ8c/5hLfLVuyT7Y/image%25255B5%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="270" height="299" /></a></p> MEADE DESIGN GROUPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11032090157498083589noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5834112041225378729.post-71437074645065916422013-07-01T09:00:00.000-07:002013-07-01T09:00:04.585-07:00IN CONVERSATION WITH LEANNE MCKEACHIE<p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-MNyWOZDctrU/UcM6R1_3bmI/AAAAAAAAJ3s/ho3DmDatVVU/s1600-h/clip_image002%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="clip_image002" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="clip_image002" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC7ozXIHQZ2mBNcmMtTumAOyUMbm7Yd8hh25MBscxenVWXn9CuJHk_TIn4IyrjnqfHrD_fAZwDAinq2b-z8qLchDvaXBebamO0rGlgQ7yk5RF9yXVRuZNvodgA23_E_b0lInh1xuxqo6O6/?imgmax=800" width="370" height="545" /></a></p> <p align="center">Leanne McKeachie</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p>Leanne McKeachie is a very sweet, eager and personable designer based locally in Victoria BC. She has recently begun her own firm – Leanne McKeachie Design, which specializes in residential design. She takes joy and pride in sharing her passion for design with homeowners – her friendly approach makes the design process with her a very personalized and enjoyable one.</p> <p> </p> <p>Leanne is not a newcomer though, she has over a decade of experience in the design industry and holds a Bachelor of Interior Design Degree from Mount Royal University. Her work has been featured in Homes and Cottages Magazine and has received accolades at Vancouver Island's 'Care Awards'. </p> <p> </p> <p>As a young mom, she truly understands her clients’ needs and that everything needs to be approached with balance. A master of evening out the needs, wants, desires, budget, aesthetic function and timing to deliver her clients the results they deserve.</p> <p> </p> <p>A great asset to the design community, I look forward to sharing her insights with our readers, please read on to get in on the conversation…</p> <p> </p> <p>Iván Meade – What was your first experience with design?</p> <p> </p> <p>Leanne McKeachie - At a lunch & learn in my high school career centre. I had decided I was going to become an orthodontist until that fateful day. Ha! what a disaster that would have been. I always loved the arts and creative exploration but was never fully aware of the interior design profession. I really should have seen the writing on the wall at an early age, as I'm sure I drove my parents crazy with the constant re-arranging of furnishings.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Pi4RbdQqjcA/UcM6TeiXpJI/AAAAAAAAJ38/HZndX4YrBZo/s1600-h/image%25255B4%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-NBN28qeAVLM/UcM6T4re06I/AAAAAAAAJ4E/IbK56IvEvbE/image_thumb%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="231" /></a></p> <p align="center">Interiors by Leanne McKeachie</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p>Iván Meade – What is your design philosophy?</p> <p> </p> <p>Leanne McKeachie - It's fairly simple. I believe in designing to illicit positive change in peoples lives, positive change in their everyday functions, moods and wellbeing. I design to re-ignite the passion people have for their homes, and to create spaces that people hate to leave. </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5bA9MKctDK0/UcM6VJ5ld6I/AAAAAAAAJ4M/vG3BWh9_yXo/s1600-h/image%25255B9%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--0HwF6CCISY/UcM6VviSOXI/AAAAAAAAJ4U/xZA3xX6DIyU/image_thumb%25255B5%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="245" /></a></p> <p align="center">Interiors by Leanne McKeachie</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p>Iván Meade – What is your favourite local find, where did you get it and why is it important to you?</p> <p> </p> <p>Leanne McKeachie - A vintage silver chandelier that I found at a garage sale while living in Calgary.  I don't think I'll ever be able to part with it, firstly because it was a steal of a deal, and I LOVE a good deal. My chandi's been hung in all different rooms in every house I've lived in: my dining room, my daughters nursery and now my kitchen. I'm way too attached :)</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-y-LhBxyuAVM/UcM6W91aJdI/AAAAAAAAJ4c/ToPWSic1E6I/s1600-h/image%25255B14%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Krly1PMpuDc/UcM6XkR3tlI/AAAAAAAAJ4k/lxiUdzlfZvE/image_thumb%25255B8%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="261" /></a></p> <p align="center">Interiors by Leanne McKeachie</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p>Iván Meade – What are you excited about right now in the world of design?</p> <p> </p> <p>Leanne McKeachie - Colour!!! I'm so inspired by the amazing fresh and vibrant tones that we started seeing emerge in Fall 2012 and particularly this spring. My own living room now features a pretty prominent splash of emerald green.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-KiA2NgFUfGo/UcM6YfkMghI/AAAAAAAAJ4s/05wEyZjsZoU/s1600-h/image%25255B19%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-e0CzJc5AYk0/UcM6ZGdLpAI/AAAAAAAAJ40/I1AkHlGFmvw/image_thumb%25255B11%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="422" /></a></p> <p align="center">Interiors by Leanne McKeachie</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p>Iván Meade – What do you consider your greatest strength and weakness?</p> <p> </p> <p>Leanne McKeachie - My weakness is answering strength and weakness questions… and I have a truly horrible memory. I write down everything and am an obsessive list maker. As for my greatest strength, I've been told by one of my closest friends that my strength is possessing the combination of enthusiasm and level headedness.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9eU8IY6kHQw/UcM6aCe8sqI/AAAAAAAAJ48/J-HhFSmow4M/s1600-h/image%25255B24%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Hc2hwKpJn6s/UcM6a6kTTvI/AAAAAAAAJ5E/KsazMYcFQkY/image_thumb%25255B14%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="552" /></a></p> <p align="center">Interiors by Leanne McKeachie</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p>Iván Meade – What is your favourite thing about being a designer?</p> <p> </p> <p>Leanne McKeachie - I have two favourites that come to mind. First, I'm addicted to the moment during the design development where a solution all the sudden becomes clear, marrying aesthetic and function seamlessly. Second and most rewarding is the sparkle in a client's eyes as they show off their new space for the first time.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-B9sVdIh04TY/UcM6cEbRZ4I/AAAAAAAAJ5M/9eYSxPJB7_g/s1600-h/image%25255B29%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-daQGe2ex0q0/UcM6dPxaOJI/AAAAAAAAJ5U/6r7aXebmJiA/image_thumb%25255B17%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="248" /></a></p> <p align="center">Interiors by Leanne McKeachie</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p>Iván Meade – What would be your dream project?</p> <p> </p> <p>Leanne McKeachie - A working professional (likely female) with a love for simple lines interlaced with feminine details, unafraid to show her energetic personality through her decor. This client would probably be so busy in her career that she craves for her home to be a private retreat; a place to relax, recharge and to enjoy life with family & friends. We would obviously hit it off instantly and she would become a lifelong client, designing many future properties together. </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-lq6J3nhcc6I/UcM6edXdW5I/AAAAAAAAJ5c/d6_NdMud9L4/s1600-h/image%25255B34%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-XUVGvH4uCV0/UcM6e8Zy4wI/AAAAAAAAJ5g/f8F-ZHQsakA/image_thumb%25255B20%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="252" /></a></p> <p align="center">Interiors by Leanne McKeachie</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p>Iván Meade – What is the best advice you have received – design related or otherwise?</p> <p> </p> <p>Leanne McKeachie - It's advice my father gave me years ago: "You have to ask yourself, at the end of the day, is it worth it?". Although it was advice at that time given in a relational context I find it often comes to mind through the craziness that life & work bring. It's surprising how a simple piece of advice can help me re-focus on what's really important.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-oHZAwl9alDc/UcM6gE0GfII/AAAAAAAAJ5s/Skuue6InG9w/s1600-h/image%25255B39%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-riBHif1U_vM/UcM6g2WoT0I/AAAAAAAAJ50/BvwKZih3vjE/image_thumb%25255B23%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="253" /></a></p> <p align="center">Interiors by Leanne McKeachie</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p>Iván Meade – Where do you see the local design scene going?</p> <p> </p> <p>Leanne McKeachie - The local design scene is swiftly developing an strong inter-connected web of support consisting of: established design firms, independent designers, reps, suppliers, retailers, trades and students. With this growing positive energy and sharing of knowledge I believe there's truly outstanding design in store for our city.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_pJ7Jtn-F6I/UcM6hyG-W6I/AAAAAAAAJ58/vI8fVYWfj8w/s1600-h/image%25255B45%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0UkHKGwcRgw/UcM6inTJavI/AAAAAAAAJ6E/3FLakR_HmSE/image_thumb%25255B27%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="290" /></a></p> <p align="center">Interiors by Leanne McKeachie</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p>Iván Meade – What's next for Leanne McKeachie Design?</p> <p> </p> <p>Leanne McKeachie - I'm already so blown away by the amazing experiences I've had over the last two years. I can only imagine what's to come. For now I keep dreaming big and working smart.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-oGCRFEqpvw0/UcM6juiXeQI/AAAAAAAAJ6M/7a392PJXeqU/s1600-h/image%25255B50%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-SDydYMO2MjU/UcM6kTfs9pI/AAAAAAAAJ6U/ahb71YTpntk/image_thumb%25255B30%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="331" /></a></p> <p align="center">Interiors by Leanne McKeachie</p> <p> </p> <p>Iván Meade – Lastly, what would you like your legacy to be?</p> <p> </p> <p>Leanne McKeachie - I love the quote by Maya Angelou that says: "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel". I want people to feel like I made a positive change in their homes. Or that I made them feel understood through the design of their space. If I could positively impact everyone I met, that would be an amazing legacy to leave.  </p> <p> </p> <p>I invite you to visit Leanne McKeachie’s stunning body of work:</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://www.leannemckeachie.com/" target="_blank"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-d6UsWZBm3hc/UcM6kmvfqkI/AAAAAAAAJ6Y/0HHO1dFEVCQ/image%25255B55%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="254" height="118" /></a></p> MEADE DESIGN GROUPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11032090157498083589noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5834112041225378729.post-74243722777892698912013-06-12T17:02:00.001-07:002013-06-14T13:02:21.310-07:00TOP 10 DIY HEADBOARDS<p>Is your bedroom looking a little lackluster lately? Not excited about where you rest your head? Looking for a boudoir spruce-up on a budget? Look no further, this entry is full of simple and inexpensive solutions to make your dreams that much sweeter.</p> <p> </p> <p>1. - A designer’s best friend, paint. Long known to be one of the easiest, most impactful ways to change up a room’s atmosphere, it is also one of the least expensive. But don’t go to the trouble of painting the whole space, use a treatment that gives emphasis to your bed by using a colour blocking technique, or if you’re artsy, you could change your headboard on the daily by taking advantage of chalkboard paint. This is also a great space-saving solution.</p> <p>Try using these images for a little inspiration:</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-U8eCN74iLSE/UbtgmMkGYBI/AAAAAAAAJxU/GgkHfefX7aE/s1600-h/Painted-Headboard-1%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="Painted Headboard 1" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Painted Headboard 1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-pg01yb7Xhx8/UbkLpZczNrI/AAAAAAAAJxc/5GE3NOYgHZc/Painted-Headboard-1_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="370" height="484" /></a></p> <p align="center">(Above) Create a headboard look by masking off the area around the bed.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7tzZeOmzrig/UbkLpsDyPQI/AAAAAAAAJxg/VzDohDGkYKU/s1600-h/Painted-Headboard-4%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="Painted Headboard 4" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Painted Headboard 4" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-NHL0QkUtmWE/UbkLqANQnxI/AAAAAAAAJxk/p0hldMpRSuk/Painted-Headboard-4_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="370" height="297" /></a></p> <p align="center">(Above) Or, if you already have headboards you’re not crazy about, try extruding the width of the bed with a full-height band of colour, accentuating (or faking) high ceilings.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-SYL0UgQxP2w/UbkLqYjELII/AAAAAAAAJxo/Ht11IGa7ADI/s1600-h/Painted-Headboard-2%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="Painted Headboard 2" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Painted Headboard 2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7nN94LmVNTE/UbkLq0kPHlI/AAAAAAAAJxs/HtCrhURrz3w/Painted-Headboard-2_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="370" height="383" /></a></p> <p align="center">(Above) We love this retro example that takes it one step further by wrapping the colour onto the ceiling and encasing it in glossy, simple trim.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4m03r5C09F0/UbkLrIzhaoI/AAAAAAAAJxw/qKK5f00JkOg/s1600-h/Painted-Headboard-6%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="Painted Headboard 6" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Painted Headboard 6" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-l5A6NPbMaaU/UbkLrcZrBjI/AAAAAAAAJx0/LT6IatxEzF8/Painted-Headboard-6_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="370" height="370" /></a></p> <p align="center">(Above) A modern, less conventional approach embracing the hexagon trend. We love the pop of colour being in one portion only.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--szSYNv2MVc/UbkLrwdAhyI/AAAAAAAAJx4/Kk7Ke3Tgb48/s1600-h/Painted-Headboard-7%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="Painted Headboard 7" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Painted Headboard 7" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-UEdszxJapko/UbkLsJlWbrI/AAAAAAAAJx8/F4AUiwkQb1A/Painted-Headboard-7_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="370" height="252" /></a></p> <p align="center">(Above) For those truly talented with chalk, this looks amazing.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="left">2. - If this is all just a little too simple for you and you had something in mind that looks more like a conventional headboard, try adding some intricacy with a vinyl cut-out which can be made at your local signage shop or purchased online through multiple outlets. You still get all the space-saving power of paint too!</p> <p align="left"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-XJwZgoRE5Xs/UbkLspU_LbI/AAAAAAAAJyA/-h1iTlV4RY8/s1600-h/Vinyl-Headboard-1%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="Vinyl Headboard 1" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Vinyl Headboard 1" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qpuNwhWDJYY/UbkLs2USHrI/AAAAAAAAJyE/RS3IK7g4BLY/Vinyl-Headboard-1_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="370" height="258" /></a></p> <p align="center">(Above) A modern take on a more traditional iron headboard.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-DzxNIlfuvoI/UbkLtfdHqNI/AAAAAAAAJyI/QQ8jLrBqMVU/s1600-h/Vinyl-Headboard-3%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="Vinyl Headboard 3" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Vinyl Headboard 3" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Ee1JZLJ1ObI/UbkLuC47awI/AAAAAAAAJyM/HZaCaETd0fQ/Vinyl-Headboard-3_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="370" height="545" /></a></p> <p align="center">(Above) You can even add low-maintenance pets to your headboard like this birdcage/colonnade inspired example (great for kids!).</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-q8V7DT9V7Mc/UbkLuY4CmPI/AAAAAAAAJyQ/AyAX0EUr5hk/s1600-h/Vinyl-Headboard-4%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="Vinyl Headboard 4" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Vinyl Headboard 4" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-QwrKfMLoln0/UbkLuiAYqbI/AAAAAAAAJyU/vJNDJeFd_hY/Vinyl-Headboard-4_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="370" height="545" /></a></p> <p align="center">(Above) A simple outline makes a bold statement in a bright colour.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-FVdSc-pHoio/UbkLvLft-tI/AAAAAAAAJyY/1vEFf5Dxv_w/s1600-h/Vinyl-Headboard-6%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="Vinyl Headboard 6" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Vinyl Headboard 6" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-nkap10UCbIQ/UbkLvWLQ4VI/AAAAAAAAJyc/Bz9noyiBWTQ/Vinyl-Headboard-6_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="370" height="370" /></a></p> <p align="center">(Above) You can also print imagery on vinyl to get a Warhol-inspired look.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="left">3. - Another great option for our artistically inclined readers is to overscale your artwork and use it as your headboard… if you don’t have the design gene – you can always just paint a canvas a solid colour!</p> <p align="left"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ssAslCpxjxo/UbkLv5r0VGI/AAAAAAAAJyg/UhVt3EsO-VA/s1600-h/Canvas-Headboard-2%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="Canvas Headboard 2" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Canvas Headboard 2" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-EPnfKwyVyGA/UbkLwLGxLsI/AAAAAAAAJyk/wh7ERZVyTiY/Canvas-Headboard-2_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="370" height="370" /></a></p> <p align="center">(Above) The texture in this piece is a amazing in this otherwise simple bedroom.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-YoFOU5f-LIs/UbkLwp7KYaI/AAAAAAAAJyo/TRY7BDIcOjU/s1600-h/Canvas-Headboard-1%25255B2%25255D.png"><img title="Canvas Headboard 1" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Canvas Headboard 1" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-nK4DLrDgdvw/UbkLzmWXwYI/AAAAAAAAJys/7TVQkiqpr3I/Canvas-Headboard-1_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="460" /></a></p> <p align="center">(Above) A yellow canvas is just the pop of sunshine this space needed to finish it off.</p> <p> </p> <p>4. - Drapery is another very good friend of designers. It softens a room and adds colour, texture, pattern, and ambiance. A very romantic look, this is a particularly great option if you have a windowless room (creating the illusion that it’s not), or have to place the bed under the window.</p> <p> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Xxf3fb_3Y-E/UbkL0aNbOgI/AAAAAAAAJyw/rmeCTGJhhBg/s1600-h/Drapery-Headboard-1%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Drapery Headboard 1" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Drapery Headboard 1" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Vm3ayrMfxLo/UbkL0ujhlDI/AAAAAAAAJy0/MTRnHHmlxEo/Drapery-Headboard-1_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="370" height="361" /></a></p> <p align="center">(Above) Very clean and ethereal, the empty frame hanging on top gives an interesting layered effect to this otherwise basic install.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-rXTmbQgCgZU/UbkL1MhBGYI/AAAAAAAAJy4/ykqcl1zfoPI/s1600-h/Drapery-Headboard-3%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="Drapery Headboard 3" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Drapery Headboard 3" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV8n-Obzqx8qu5Uif4Q0odGAszBhmNsjq1v-NQsmdErCe4eqNe9ShZ0V7HnESsg3VGuCV_bEP6Rcahy3yNrELXLnlP8kq9NRYtNj893CbooujtRycS5B_rmrc1y4_MSmRjE5XqfkwQm5te/?imgmax=800" width="320" height="420" /></a></p> <p align="center">(Above) Like a wing chair does for your reading, this concept of returning the rods creates privacy, insulation and will help block light and sound… plus, it looks great!</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-5fDKYkdPRpY/UbkL140J5lI/AAAAAAAAJzA/mH7J4px_4Lk/s1600-h/Drapery-Headboard-4%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="Drapery Headboard 4" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Drapery Headboard 4" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-rrG9lXd0dt8/UbkL2S-sBoI/AAAAAAAAJzE/kXKaCrl2FAU/Drapery-Headboard-4_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="370" height="359" /></a></p> <p align="center">(Above) Or, go all-out and create your own canopy-style bed for the ultimate in romanticism.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="left">5. - Or maybe you like your DIY projects to be more recognizably repurposed? This is the option for you. Shipping pallets are readily available and affordable. This can be as simple as placing one behind your bed, or you can get a little more inventive…</p> <p align="left"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-IrbR7UeYWeE/UbkL2oo0SmI/AAAAAAAAJzI/n6BZGtBy0zk/s1600-h/Pallet-Headboard-5A%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="Pallet Headboard 5A" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Pallet Headboard 5A" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zSI0Q7ejK_Y/UbkL2yny9JI/AAAAAAAAJzM/_T3E2oAkIfY/Pallet-Headboard-5A_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="185" height="268" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5G6LRSykLdg/UbkL3dEaWPI/AAAAAAAAJzQ/PsOCHIicVsc/s1600-h/Pallet-Headboard-5B1%25255B22%25255D.jpg"><img title="Pallet Headboard 5B" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Pallet Headboard 5B" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5vH7dJyd_aw/UbkL3l-NpLI/AAAAAAAAJzU/LSP39B0D5uI/Pallet-Headboard-5B1_thumb%25255B21%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="185" height="268" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-QmAf5Rpdpeo/UbkL33nInAI/AAAAAAAAJzY/NcXui-Bo3aQ/s1600-h/Pallet-Headboard-5C%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="Pallet Headboard 5C" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Pallet Headboard 5C" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZV83jFvtE74/UbkL4eG0vEI/AAAAAAAAJzc/Pj4fkudWU_g/Pallet-Headboard-5C_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="370" height="297" /></a></p> <p align="center">(Above) This weathered reclaimed piece looks unbelievable in the right space. Very anthropologie. </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Bv8j_Y4tE4Y/UbkL4oroI_I/AAAAAAAAJzg/O2jENmWxv2k/s1600-h/Pallet-Headboard-2B%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Pallet Headboard 2B" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Pallet Headboard 2B" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0FqIW4IuPMM/UbkL5PDm1JI/AAAAAAAAJzk/HMcL6Qgvz9w/Pallet-Headboard-2B_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="370" height="545" /></a></p> <p align="center">(Above) You can also feel free to personalize it… it was probably free anyways and you can always flip it over or replace it if you change your mind!</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-8-O_wfZLU2g/UbkL5e621YI/AAAAAAAAJzo/49tI3AW4o4A/s1600-h/Pallet-Headboard-3%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="Pallet Headboard 3" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Pallet Headboard 3" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-X93Vcay-crY/UbkL52jmhpI/AAAAAAAAJzs/6HahGX_P89Y/Pallet-Headboard-3_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="370" height="370" /></a></p> <p align="center">(Above) Multiply the impact by wrapping it up the wall and ceiling. Here they have taken advantage of the space between to hide their cords… very clever!</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-vIfPobCxU78/UbkL6Gc1yQI/AAAAAAAAJzw/Q2DuKPQvKRM/s1600-h/Pallet-Headboard-4Bed%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="Pallet Headboard 4(Bed)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Pallet Headboard 4(Bed)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6l1vdNjJpbQ/UbkL6j_W1ZI/AAAAAAAAJz0/5w2ngpXtT7Y/Pallet-Headboard-4Bed_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="370" height="227" /></a></p> <p align="center">(Above) Or, go all-out and make a whole bed from your found pallets!</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="left">6. – Bolsters or pillows add comfort and style is one fell swoop. It’s easier for some to inject bold colour or pattern in small doses so this is a fun way to test the waters. Plus, unlike some of the above options, they can easily go with you when you move, or be used in another room. It’s all about versatility, people!</p> <p align="left"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-z5EUs0DFOS4/UbkL7OjEguI/AAAAAAAAJz4/EQFegJssXDI/s1600-h/Bolster-Pillows-1%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="Bolster-Pillows 1" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Bolster-Pillows 1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ShwcTV19_Fo/UbkL7eEzqqI/AAAAAAAAJz8/tKU0wkKvyIA/Bolster-Pillows-1_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="370" height="252" /></a></p> <p align="center">(Above) This example pairs nicely with a framed collection, minimal and unobtrusive, letting these treasured pieces shine.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-YEmoiuB5-Ns/UbkL7_7pcUI/AAAAAAAAJ0A/lv2-HH8b6Qk/s1600-h/Bolster-Pillows-2%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="Bolster-Pillows 2" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Bolster-Pillows 2" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-F7PVW6lZgIY/UbkL8GZ4v1I/AAAAAAAAJ0E/mPnEtMffzcY/Bolster-Pillows-2_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="370" height="233" /></a></p> <p align="center">(Above) This is a perfect example of small injections of bold colour and pattern – it’s details like these though that can really make a space.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-liidlkdLAsY/UbkL8wXBX2I/AAAAAAAAJ0I/wRLGrVSmWRg/s1600-h/Bolster-Pillows-3%25255B2%25255D.png"><img title="Bolster-Pillows 3" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Bolster-Pillows 3" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-by_qBiGv4Rg/UbkL9bR6MxI/AAAAAAAAJ0M/ymk9Mzs5s1Y/Bolster-Pillows-3_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="252" /></a></p> <p align="center">(Above) A subdued, comfortable space making use of a bolster and artwork – are they trying to get bonus points?</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="left">7. - Who doesn’t love a well organized bookcase? No one, that’s who. These examples combine storage and beauty. Perfect for our bookworm followers.</p> <p align="left"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-x_Rw0ZPmW3A/UbkL94SSC7I/AAAAAAAAJ0Q/cqIvFi8d0bw/s1600-h/Bookcase-Headboard-1%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="Bookcase Headboard 1" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Bookcase Headboard 1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HUg9AC-OyMQ/UbkL-KLmuVI/AAAAAAAAJ0U/10ixCK9tLSw/Bookcase-Headboard-1_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="370" height="487" /></a></p> <p align="center">(Above) This simple solution allows the inhabitant to display all of their treasures while grounding the space (so the bed doesn’t just appear to be floating in the room) using modular, readily available shelving units.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-jiGDffv7ieg/UbkL-s26GjI/AAAAAAAAJ0Y/ZhKd-Jn_0Nw/s1600-h/Bookcase-Headboard-2%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="Bookcase Headboard 2" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Bookcase Headboard 2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-E3PGiWuh_uw/UbkL_EFyg4I/AAAAAAAAJ0c/upz6pdNgTiI/Bookcase-Headboard-2_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="370" height="487" /></a></p> <p align="center">(Above) This option utilized units with doors at the base of the cabinetry and proportions that are just oh-so perfect with the width of the bed, providing a more custom feel and easier access – a very rich appeal.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-9THIR8PM__k/UbkL_krVhDI/AAAAAAAAJ0g/6FrRRgWXfZk/s1600-h/Bookcase-Headboard-3%25255B2%25255D.png"><img title="Bookcase Headboard 3" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Bookcase Headboard 3" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-asUDlxur0f4/UbkMAPkVPTI/AAAAAAAAJ0k/qfOk3xmQp4Y/Bookcase-Headboard-3_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="252" /></a></p> <p align="center">(Above) This solution is perfect for siblings who have to share a room but need their own personal space too.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="left">8.  - If you are an expert at scavenging salvage yards, than this option will bring you great joy. Repurposing an older fireplace mantle creates a wonderful focal point and could even bring back some of the original character of your home.</p> <p align="left"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-yfA2F74LI5A/Ubt2qVgZp_I/AAAAAAAAJ0w/Wp10sqqE1Sc/s1600-h/Fireplace%252520Headboard%2525201B%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Fireplace Headboard 1B" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Fireplace Headboard 1B" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-itOgVDEhhCI/Ubt2qmRmJsI/AAAAAAAAJ04/hIpAH5a5WQA/Fireplace%252520Headboard%2525201B_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="370" height="467" /></a></p> <p align="center">(Above) Using a mantle with an overmantle allows you to elongate the headboard and incorporate mirrors and/or artwork above the headboard in a compartmentalized and beautifully cohesive manner (for those of us who suffer from minor OCD about everything having its place!).</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-y3CxJ43fOgM/Ubt2q7vulkI/AAAAAAAAJ1A/fs5_wuoC3tM/s1600-h/Fireplace%252520Headboard%2525204%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Fireplace Headboard 4" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Fireplace Headboard 4" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7fH3dM91HhE/Ubt2rXMQlNI/AAAAAAAAJ1I/OpqixhUgK_c/Fireplace%252520Headboard%2525204_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="370" height="296" /></a></p> <p align="center">(Above) One lucky person found this beautifully overscaled piece complete with a stunning patina.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-SgzGY6fRP6w/Ubt2rvAOXPI/AAAAAAAAJ1Q/gL9ruvZHYOs/s1600-h/Fireplace%252520Headboard%2525203%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Fireplace Headboard 3" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Fireplace Headboard 3" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-WZHkHhnCxC8/Ubt2sJ7aD6I/AAAAAAAAJ1Y/HJJQaFXsdeY/Fireplace%252520Headboard%2525203_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="370" height="297" /></a></p> <p align="center">(Above) You could even take it one step further by upholstering the area where the firebox would be for extra comfort.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="left">9. Who said rugs had to go on the floor? They can also do double-duty as artwork/plush headboard when you hang them on the wall…</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-XS5J_XL9I2s/Ubt2sUGbnaI/AAAAAAAAJ1c/S2V13Xu_gng/s1600-h/Rug%252520Headboard%2525202%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Rug Headboard 2" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Rug Headboard 2" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-uixFL92_FGw/Ubt2su6M3HI/AAAAAAAAJ1o/CpCOiEpc0tg/Rug%252520Headboard%2525202_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="370" height="514" /></a></p> <p align="center">(Above) This carpet adds to the sleek black and white colour scheme, contributing both pattern and texture.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-VNBeqf9ny-Q/Ubt2tvDQzAI/AAAAAAAAJ1w/q2B5GOKHY8I/s1600-h/Rug%252520Headboard%25255B4%25255D.png"><img title="Rug Headboard" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Rug Headboard" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-DT2YFqr667M/Ubt2uU0yE8I/AAAAAAAAJ14/v6rar2ImNJ4/Rug%252520Headboard_thumb%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="347" /></a></p> <p align="center">(Above) Methinks this rug was the inspiration for this whole room. But if not, it sure pulls it all together seamlessly!</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HLZTP6jrgJg/Ubt2u4OhYJI/AAAAAAAAJ18/1c3hmT3bUFw/s1600-h/Rug%252520Headboard%2525203%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Rug Headboard 3" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Rug Headboard 3" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-eZ2X6oIAPHI/Ubt2vOoP6rI/AAAAAAAAJ2I/iQtYBjuCIVI/Rug%252520Headboard%2525203_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="370" height="503" /></a></p> <p align="center">(Above) Apparently Sassani’s are the way to go for this look!! But really, don’t feel limited in your pattern options. This example shows the rug extended onto the ceiling for added presence and solidified the bed as the focal point.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="left">10. And lastly, another architectural salvage find being put to good use, the shutter. They may not be as popular on exteriors anymore, but are still very well loved in a shabby-chic interior. Probably one of the most unexpectedly versatile options…</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-g6Jwdc8zM4o/Ubt2vk1x9RI/AAAAAAAAJ2Q/O7llwFX6cFc/s1600-h/Shutters%252520Headboard%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Shutters Headboard" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Shutters Headboard" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-VgMT_5OONV0/Ubt2vxVHOFI/AAAAAAAAJ2Y/GlYphxl_6-s/Shutters%252520Headboard_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="370" height="282" /></a></p> <p align="center">(Above) Shutters laid flat against the wall in a typical headboard size and painted to match has a wonderful way of disguising itself as a piece of a furniture suite.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-GVUK34PDuJ4/Ubt2wvAox2I/AAAAAAAAJ2g/h22Evts-YDo/s1600-h/Shutters%252520Headboard%2525202%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kO5c5htIERM/Ubt2w-pIGwI/AAAAAAAAJ2o/UO8xe13tCBs/Shutters%252520Headboard%2525202_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="370" height="487" /></a></p> <p align="center">(Above) Mismatched sized and alternating colours make for a more relaxed and playful option.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-zIlDkJ6FbRo/Ubt2xHIxTaI/AAAAAAAAJ2w/4ZXiVUAps08/s1600-h/Shutters%252520Headboard%2525203%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Shutters Headboard 3" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Shutters Headboard 3" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--pr-pxahX94/Ubt2xUpZUtI/AAAAAAAAJ20/Eh62tGjF8S0/Shutters%252520Headboard%2525203_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="370" height="320" /></a></p> <p align="center">(Above) Talk about a nautical dream space! Despite its footprint, this wall-to-wall, full-height option looks stunning contrasted against the navy walls, letting just a hint of it peek through the slats.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Pgc7ME7-z5U/Ubt2x1T7mtI/AAAAAAAAJ3A/yf0Ko9nR2MU/s1600-h/Shutters%252520Headboard%2525204%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="Shutters Headboard 4" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Shutters Headboard 4" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zPWHrOwMBww/Ubt2yC3jZ9I/AAAAAAAAJ3I/D5pdDTFNyEk/Shutters%252520Headboard%2525204_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="370" height="548" /></a></p> <p align="center">(Above) Another great use of elongating a double-dose of narrow beds for a strong sense of symmetry.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-O6CUA-WpyR8/Ubt2ykhooZI/AAAAAAAAJ3Q/sfuvxrPSoAQ/s1600-h/Shutters%252520Headboard%2525205%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Shutters Headboard 5" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Shutters Headboard 5" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VB2H-hus8wM/Ubt2yypwIjI/AAAAAAAAJ3Y/iqUgN3LiE5Q/Shutters%252520Headboard%2525205_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="370" height="370" /></a></p> <p align="center">(Above) And lastly – there doesn’t always need to be a rhyme or reason to how you place your shutters, this asymmetrical mix of frames and shutters is textural, interesting and functional all at the same time! (It looks like they added a corkboard and are hanging some jewelry here… if not – imagine if they did!… you can always make it happen!)</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="left">And there you have it! If you’re not inspired by now, I’m afraid you are very hard to please!!</p> MEADE DESIGN GROUPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11032090157498083589noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5834112041225378729.post-55207767354612040832013-06-01T09:15:00.000-07:002013-06-01T09:15:00.415-07:005 TIPS TO BRING A SUMMER VIBE INTO YOUR HOME<p>As Seen in SNAP June 2013</p> <p>Summer officially begins on June 21<sup>st</sup>.  After having a not-so-great spring, I believe my fellow Victorians and I are looking to bring some happiness and vibrancy to our homes.  With longer and (hopefully) warmer days we will be inclined to have more people over to enjoy the best that this season has to offer.   Something I have learned is that the summers in Victoria are not the longest. So, we have to maximize the best use of the sunshine-filled time we do get in the upcoming months. </p> <p> </p> <p>Here are a couple of tips that will bring joy to your home every day, and you don’t need to invest much money to get these great results.</p> <p> </p> <p>1. My first tip is to have natural flowers (never artificial or silk) in your home – They can be in the form of a plant, even a bowl of fruit or just a really nice flower arrangement. Don’t wait for a special occasion, every day is a reason to celebrate. I have found that flowers are always eye-catching and they are a small investment that will really improve your everyday life.  For a local florist, I would recommend Tara McHugh Flora, Poppies, Ramsey & Ramsey or Flowers on Top.  These florists offer weekly maintenance/delivery programs, so your place always will look at its best.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-a_vEQU6zebY/UZQWtC5ek1I/AAAAAAAAJhY/fvg_X4ZA_iY/s1600-h/image%25255B4%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-h2s_3FkNt80/UZQWuEGkcgI/AAAAAAAAJhg/h4-BBqmsDps/image_thumb%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="500" /></a></p> <p align="center">Flowers by <a href="http://www.taramchughflora.com/Tara_McHugh_Flora/Weeklies.html" target="_blank">Tara McHugh Flora</a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p>2. Investing in a couple of bright and happy pillows and a lightweight blanket.  This combo is perfect for a nice siesta in the afternoon.  Nowadays you can even get Sunbrella fabrics which will not fade with the sun and they will last you many seasons to come.  To look at Sunbrella fabric offerings, contact your favourite interior designer.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xRV204DAaJo/UZQWu6tHXNI/AAAAAAAAJho/NEyOxvNnGqE/s1600-h/image%25255B14%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Vm37qTK0Nkc/UZQWvgerEqI/AAAAAAAAJhw/3T2HR8Gg4Eo/image_thumb%25255B8%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="489" /></a></p> <p align="center">Jonathan Adler Outdoor Fabrics available at <a href="http://www.meadedesigngroup.com" target="_blank">MEADE DESIGN GROUP</a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p>3. A cheerful set of napkins, chargers and a new tablecloth to dine Al Fresco.  Again, you can always find really happy alternatives in places like Target, Canadian Super Store, The Bay and Capital Iron without breaking the bank.  Colourful paper napkins can add also an unexpected touch.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_-6VbZWm9bU/UZQWwkzqBJI/AAAAAAAAJh4/XH-nQIh9Scg/s1600-h/image%25255B19%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-8ySa014lrIU/UZQWxHMcKWI/AAAAAAAAJiA/HcPtam9XBNI/image_thumb%25255B11%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="373" /></a></p> <p align="center">Lilly Pulitzer Fabrics available at <a href="http://www.meadedesigngroup.com" target="_blank">MEADE DESIGN GROUP</a></p> <p> </p> <p>4. If you like to go for picnics at the beach or just sun-bathe at your home, why not pick-up really bold and fun beach towels?  </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6j-7-5Jjfzc/UZQWxxeEUOI/AAAAAAAAJiI/StajzE2vjf8/s1600-h/image%25255B24%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-s62GySCttL8/UZQWyaqVxfI/AAAAAAAAJiQ/GTbinEugcjI/image_thumb%25255B14%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="256" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Vn2YwwDIUf0/UZQWzFlwpJI/AAAAAAAAJiY/48rl9FOxlqU/s1600-h/image%25255B29%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-r0TMCdPujis/UZQWzl_yDiI/AAAAAAAAJig/Tpb8BU1MZWc/image_thumb%25255B17%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="325" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p>5. For the adventurous ones, try painting an accent wall in a vibrant colour.  Another way to introduce an accent colour is to just paint some large canvases in solid colours or stripes.  Maybe you have an artist trapped inside, just waiting to get out! Explore you artistic and hidden talents by painting a nice picture to decorate your home.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-vmBx5B39dVc/UZQW0apd6lI/AAAAAAAAJio/tN7EfLdV-5Q/s1600-h/image%25255B34%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-HpMDygB3PjY/UZQW1JoR9TI/AAAAAAAAJiw/u7FNQyRBAmI/image_thumb%25255B20%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="342" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-mQ0kE3IWo3E/UZQW1kvzoSI/AAAAAAAAJi4/Whjbt6lsQCc/s1600-h/image%25255B39%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-iDg72QwTCZA/UZQW2foDeeI/AAAAAAAAJjA/NEQwpyVR7s4/image_thumb%25255B23%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="322" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p>In the end, summer is all about finding ways to enjoy and spend time with family and friends. Colour is just a way to showcase that we are happy without saying a thing.  Be bold, be colorful and enjoy your Summer.</p> MEADE DESIGN GROUPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11032090157498083589noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5834112041225378729.post-32132118624130425002013-05-23T15:06:00.001-07:002013-05-27T08:45:03.970-07:00IN CONVERSATION WITH ASHLEY HICKS<p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-yTb-dVFz7Io/UaLXAaqw2tI/AAAAAAAAJlE/eYQq8C1YDVk/s1600-h/image%25255B83%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Dvz4mH9urto/UaLXA6t3N2I/AAAAAAAAJlM/kslS01jZkrk/image_thumb%25255B48%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="256" /></a></p> <p align="center">Ashley Hicks</p> <p> </p> <p>Ashley Hicks has become one of the strongest voices and most recognized names in the design world today.  He has done so by his own right, and not by just reinterpreting his father’s legacy.  The only son of legendary interior designer David Hicks and Lady Pamela Mountbatten is today one of the most respected designers in the United Kingdom. </p> <p> </p> <p>Influenced by his father, Hicks studied painting and fine art, graduating from the Bath School of Art and Design  and trained at the Architectural Association School of Architecture, in London.<sup> </sup>He also worked briefly for his father's interior design house, before establishing his own architectural firm, which also designs interiors and furniture.</p> <p> </p> <p>Creating a name for himself with his own endeavours, Ashley Hicks designed his first furniture collection, named <em>Jantar Mantar</em>, in 1997, starting with his interpretation of an ancient Greek <em>Klismos</em> chair in. In 2002 he entered the world of publishing; <em>Design Alchemy</em>, a review of interiors and products designed by him and then-wife Allegra (they married in 1990 but divorced in 2011; they have two daughters.)  as well as a personal memoir of his father, <em>David Hicks: Designer</em>, with a foreword by Tom Ford. The following year he went back to creating tangible products for his admirers, creating the <em>David Hicks by Ashley Hicks</em> collections of fabrics and carpet for Groundworks, before reprising his role as author with a definitive review of his father’s career and life, <em>David Hicks: A Life of Design </em>in 2009. </p> <p> </p> <p>Ashley has designed architecture and interiors in Europe, the USA and the UK, mixing private residential projects with occasional commercial work. He divides his time between London and Oxfordshire.</p> <p> </p> <p>Iván Meade – This may be an obvious question - as you were born into design royalty with your design superstar father the late David Hicks - but, What was <u>your</u> first experience with design?</p> <p> </p> <p>Ashley Hicks – My father missed my birth as he wasn't dressed for it. He was at a dinner party and had to go home to change from black tie to a more suitable outfit for the hospital. So there's a design decision right there! When I was 6, he did a bedding collection for JP Stevens, and used its chic, striped sheets to line my attic bedroom, forming an Empire-style campaign tent, with bed and chairs covered in khaki tweed with scarlet edging, like a British army officer's uniform. </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-e287K--efKk/UaLXCAy7mfI/AAAAAAAAJlU/nOfM3wJgs7k/s1600-h/image%25255B73%25255D.png"><img title="Ashley Hicks - Meade Design Group The Blog" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Ng7Apfc2KaU/UaLXDFjo5rI/AAAAAAAAJlc/LNrcZgZvnyE/image_thumb%25255B42%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="256" /></a></p> <p align="center">Interiors by Ashley Hicks</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p>Iván Meade – What was the first piece or space that you designed?</p> <p> </p> <p>Ashley Hicks – At 16, I was allowed to design my new bedroom when we moved out of Britwell to a smaller house nearby. Given a small attic room with awkward shapes, I painted walls, ceiling and woodwork black, with a black velvet carpet and all white furniture which seemed to float in space. Not a scrap of colour was permitted apart from the view of lush, green countryside framed by the circular window. I painted some big pseudo-Warhols in black and white, had one pattern in the room (my father's Clinch in – you guessed it – black and white) and made the inevitable tablescapes of objects suitably monochromatic. Always immaculate, it was ruthlessly chic, but very cold and hard: not somewhere I would feel happy now!</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-eEftXw8g5hc/UaLXD0LwclI/AAAAAAAAJlk/lKyY3afcqNQ/s1600-h/image%25255B68%25255D.png"><img title="Ashley Hicks - Meade Design Group The Blog" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-OqeyRPYEWO0/UaLXEnQIy6I/AAAAAAAAJls/r3lF6WGh8T4/image_thumb%25255B39%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="303" /></a></p> <p align="center">Interiors by Ashley Hicks</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p>Iván Meade – It is clear in your body of work that your design influences are completely different than your father’s – How do you find your own inspiration to create your own design dialogue?  </p> <p> </p> <p>Ashley Hicks – A lot of my inspiration does come from growing up with him and constantly looking at books, museums and houses together, although I later became fascinated by tribal art and natural organic forms, both of which were very alien to his aesthetic. I rather love age and accident, whereas he was all about freshness and precision. </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQhebhDScrZhD65ljYp0AQlJplEhokDV8rehZORfNVx9quqnCoJa8xGIQR0_f6CSfFVUXhfhZMHxXWIDvlWYN90Enj1mHOa5r4UcGvhTED7RhOEBUl2Vv_ISCLiDIntTzPH58gV4Uwaj5B/s1600-h/image%25255B53%25255D.png"><img title="Ashley Hicks - Meade Design Group The Blog" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7Z1mhR3TEX8/UaLXFksUZQI/AAAAAAAAJl8/kjCUpng8i3o/image_thumb%25255B30%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="230" /></a></p> <p align="center">Trepad by Ashley Hicks</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p>Iván Meade - How would you describe your style?</p> <p> </p> <p>Ashley Hicks – I'm never very good at that! Modern eccentric with classical ideas?</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-2QKWUm_JYF8/UaLXGnzh9cI/AAAAAAAAJmE/acnTSH_Ek_c/s1600-h/image%25255B78%25255D.png"><img title="Ashley Hicks - Meade Design Group The Blog" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-aA-SeBVqKtI/UaLXHTiTaMI/AAAAAAAAJmM/5EvBEatxQ3k/image_thumb%25255B45%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="262" /></a></p> <p align="center">Interiors by Ashley Hicks</p> <p> </p> <p>Iván Meade – Your furniture line is exquisite and also very memorable.  I love how you have played with the concept of visual weight by making the legs of your pieces soft, curved and delicate against the heavier look of the work surface.  This change, in my opinion, clearly demonstrates your own language or interpretation of your design vision – How did you come up with this concept?</p> <p> </p> <p>Ashley Hicks – Thank you! I am fascinated by Roman household furniture, of which only the metal legs usually survive, and I thought what a practical way this was of making things. You can put a table together in 5 minutes! I love to make things myself, so I make a wooden pattern for my legs with sexy curves which I can perfect and then have cast, just as the Romans did. A little less fussy detail, no Bacchus heads or anything, but it's an old idea.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-z2PtXOzi9gw/UaLXH67jNbI/AAAAAAAAJmU/xWcimKyuF0U/s1600-h/image%25255B4%25255D.png"><img title="Ashley Hicks - Meade Design Group The Blog" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-YG2qvAkNp0c/UaLXIRIM8mI/AAAAAAAAJmc/ZOXlUd2Y7Ng/image_thumb%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="373" /></a></p> <p align="center">Sabre 56 Table by Ashley Hicks</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p>Iván Meade – Do you like to sketch or work directly with the computer?</p> <p> </p> <p>Ashley Hicks – Sketch! I draw everything by hand, making terribly amateurish coloured sketches of finished rooms that I find have a bit more personality than those astonishingly realistic renderings people make now on computer. They also give a less precise and more flattering impression, I find, as well as being happier-feeling somehow. Where the computer is fabulous is in architectural drawing – being able to repeat details and take off dimensions so easily, etc – which means that I can do all the necessary CAD drawing myself as it's so quick. For fabric designs, I draw or paint everything by hand but then use Photoshop for colours and effects, which is invaluable. Again, the speed! And the efficiency of being able to email files to the printers for everything from kitchen splash backs to special wallpapers.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-JhgsqX5OdFM/UaLXJVEJ-gI/AAAAAAAAJmk/by2LtW2DH_c/s1600-h/image%25255B58%25255D.png"><img title="Ashley Hicks - Meade Design Group The Blog" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-JsfWCSOMA_A/UaLXKPVahPI/AAAAAAAAJms/Hvd1NJIrGR4/image_thumb%25255B33%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="364" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-BF8X-6IfAnY/UaLXKxvAovI/AAAAAAAAJm0/338horVePIM/s1600-h/image%25255B63%25255D.png"><img title="Ashley Hicks - Meade Design Group The Blog" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-vWAiVqT-ntM/UaLXLQkY-LI/AAAAAAAAJm8/Ts9PBgKfq1o/image_thumb%25255B36%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="451" /></a></p> <p align="center">Sketches by Ashley Hicks</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p>Iván Meade – How do you bring your ideas to life?</p> <p> </p> <p>Ashley Hicks – What I love is to keep them looking like ideas. I like things that aren't too polished or perfect, like a fabric that's drawn slightly roughly, as if it's still a little sketchy, still becoming something, still growing. I'm also a crazy do-it-myself person, so much so that I'm about to start carving the 10-foot high wooden columns for my clients' bay window, which I will then faux-bronze myself with my own very crude recipe, before painting a huge pattern of random geometry in parchment colours on their walls.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-LGKqX7dBnxw/UaLXL6hF6gI/AAAAAAAAJnE/p0A8iEkBeus/s1600-h/image%25255B24%25255D.png"><img title="Ashley Hicks - Meade Design Group The Blog" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Ashley Hicks" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-FrrE9cj-krM/UaLXMql4TnI/AAAAAAAAJnM/ofYl_f9otco/image_thumb%25255B14%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="377" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-2evps9lkVkw/UaLXNNXjSxI/AAAAAAAAJnU/sfyiRew_kik/s1600-h/image%25255B19%25255D.png"><img title="Ashley Hicks - Meade Design Group The Blog" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-usIj1NJhKsw/UaLXNqiYDZI/AAAAAAAAJnc/XrULZqGqceM/image_thumb%25255B11%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="374" /></a></p> <p align="center">Thar & Sheaf Dining Chairs by Ashley Hicks</p> <p> </p> <p>Iván Meade – Your hardware pieces are very organic in shape but you can also see that there is a lot of work in conceiving them. What was that process like?</p> <p> </p> <p>Ashley Hicks – I discovered marvellous stuff called Super Sculpey used by animation studios and other modellers. I get a bit of wire and twist it into a shape I find interesting, often suggesting the forms of coral that I find on my sister India's beach in the Bahamas, and then mould the Sculpey as feels natural before popping it in the oven, and then sending it off to be cast in bronze. I love it. It's tremendously tactile and fun.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-G6-GaJuLhtY/UaLXOSQZsbI/AAAAAAAAJnk/VV0Ok0AuIHE/s1600-h/image%25255B14%25255D.png"><img title="Ashley Hicks - Meade Design Group The Blog" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-LmT1JC3mkBE/UaLXOy9ViOI/AAAAAAAAJns/H9CXfkbFv6s/image_thumb%25255B8%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="366" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-m1Ofku_KmXg/UaLXPVXK8vI/AAAAAAAAJn0/qohqtxEbC6U/s1600-h/image%25255B9%25255D.png"><img title="Ashley Hicks - Meade Design Group The Blog" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-MjbN05ZEfKY/UaLXQO2SrII/AAAAAAAAJn8/1BYbPiUNT3k/image_thumb%25255B5%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="373" /></a></p> <p align="center">Hardware Design by Ashley Hicks</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p>Iván Meade – What was the best lesson you learned from your father as a son and as a designer?</p> <p> </p> <p>Ashley Hicks – As a son, I'm afraid I'm not sure how helpful most of his lessons were. He was enormous fun, charming and hilarious, and we did have great times together, but... As a designer, he taught me the vital importance of symmetry and harmony, and how to look at and enjoy old things. Since his death, through doing books on him and working with his archive, I've learned a great deal more, both from what he did, and from what he did not do.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5g3T7zvNWM4/UaLXRJ7adwI/AAAAAAAAJoE/VNj--t1Hk7I/s1600-h/image%25255B29%25255D.png"><img title="Ashley Hicks - Meade Design Group The Blog" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-EeST5-_Wz4Q/UaLXR7lWjhI/AAAAAAAAJoM/kENO57SpMkg/image_thumb%25255B17%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="253" /></a></p> <p align="center">Interiors by Ashley Hicks</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p>Iván Meade - What is the best advice you could give to someone who is new in the world of design?</p> <p> </p> <p>Ashley Hicks – Enjoy it! And do your own thing.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-sWjrisOK0dI/UaLXS8bZe4I/AAAAAAAAJoU/37mcTTF34lI/s1600-h/image%25255B48%25255D.png"><img title="Ashley Hicks - Meade Design Group The Blog" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-nJK2GBLUpBM/UaLXTnfyR6I/AAAAAAAAJoc/LPk-ghjL1Yw/image_thumb%25255B27%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="258" /></a></p> <p align="center">Interiors by Ashley Hicks</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p>Iván Meade – I really admire your eye to reinterpret the design patterns of your father, the late David Hicks, in different manifestations.  What has been your favourite re-interpretation?</p> <p> </p> <p>Ashley Hicks – I'm never one to choose a favourite. I love each of them differently. I'm very excited about the new, third collection of fabrics, some of them outdoor ones, that are about to launch with Groundworks/Lee Jofa. </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2GP0h_lAbMU/UaLXU4uqfTI/AAAAAAAAJok/_bQxffk9hWE/s1600-h/image%25255B43%25255D.png"><img title="Ashley Hicks - Meade Design Group The Blog" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ju_EodYU670/UaLXVoGuSGI/AAAAAAAAJos/XdDBjMirw88/image_thumb%25255B24%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="284" /></a></p> <p align="center">Interiors by Ashley Hicks</p> <p> </p> <p>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?</p> <p> </p> <p>Ashley Hicks – You're kind, but a bit exaggerated! To be honest, I've never thought of myself as having any legacy – I spent so much of my life surrounded by the glories of my grandfather's and my father's achievements, that it's only quite recently that I've been able to think of myself as doing anything of any real interest, but I am still not capable of thinking of any legacy of my own. Perhaps it will come…</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ddamI8yq_9k/UaLXWoQtdNI/AAAAAAAAJo0/8CRUGaMojlQ/s1600-h/image%25255B38%25255D.png"><img title="Ashley Hicks - Meade Design Group The Blog" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-V_4Ylri6In4/UaLXXfQYDZI/AAAAAAAAJo8/M06U1hsuhPs/image_thumb%25255B21%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="262" /></a></p> <p align="center">Interios by Ashley Hicks</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p>I invite you to vist Ashley’s stunning body of work at his website</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://www.ashleyhicks.com/" target="_blank"><img title="image" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-lF0Ia8nHjXQ/UaLXXmsLt6I/AAAAAAAAJpE/o6nY4YzbGhM/image%25255B33%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="49" /></a></p> MEADE DESIGN GROUPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11032090157498083589noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5834112041225378729.post-29689498051792433582013-05-01T13:45:00.001-07:002013-05-01T13:45:06.023-07:00LIVING WITH FABRICS<p>As seen in <a href="http://www.snapvictoria.com/">SNAP</a> – May 2013</p> <p> </p> <p>Fabrics can give a room its character as well as reveal as much about your personality as the clothes you wear.  Fabrics can be used in interiors in so many different ways – They can be your drapes, the upholstery in your furniture, pillows, table linens, sheets, blankets and even the towels you use every day are a type of fabric (terrycloth). </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-wJEV5mpgMcU/UYF-uo9JINI/AAAAAAAAJfs/PTVHB2Rgc4A/s1600-h/image%25255B4%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-e6TqO3fZL-Q/UYF-vZ7IGfI/AAAAAAAAJf0/BgSDBqhqTvc/image_thumb%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="220" /></a></p> <p align="center">Iván Meade & Echo Eaton checking fabrics at Meade Design Group Studio</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p>As you can see, we are surrounded by fabrics every day.  It seems that using fabrics in interiors should be a very important element in any home, but often this is underestimated.  Aesthetically, fabrics add texture, interest, and beauty; but they can also add functionality to your home.  For instance there are many reasons to dress up a window: Privacy is usually the first need, to keep out sunlight, to disguise the window’s unattractiveness or an unattractive view, and to add more colour and decorative interest to the room. </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7Dod3co33cA/UYF-wfn6nII/AAAAAAAAJf8/bL6KKe-6rCQ/s1600-h/image%25255B9%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-NC6x4ISf798/UYF-xCF7O7I/AAAAAAAAJgE/bIDjD-hXKU0/image_thumb%25255B5%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="293" /></a></p> <p align="center">Echo graciously carrying fabrics available at Meade Design Group</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p>On the other hand; cushions, pillows and trims come in various styles and can be used to reinforce the lines and style of your upholstered piece.  It is also important to select the right fabric for your lifestyle.  Something that will be durable, yet comfortable to the touch.  People are generally spending more time on their sofas than before, they eat while watching TV, have naps or socialize with friends and pets.  For linens in the 90’s  a 300 thread count was the minimum requirement for a nice set of sheets, nowadays you can find higher thread counts, but take this with a grain of salt because fiber quality, yarn size, finishing and construction can also affect the quality of a pair of sheets regardless of the thread count. After all, we spend around a third of hour lives in our bed.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1EBn3NZs_vg/UYF-x5Yv51I/AAAAAAAAJgM/LJ5y6Y3GZsg/s1600-h/image%25255B15%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-VKkJpyBQUPg/UYF-yhYBZfI/AAAAAAAAJgU/i7SyCxW3FI8/image_thumb%25255B9%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="265" /></a></p> <p align="center">Barbara Barry Fabrics at Meade Design Group</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p>If you have kids or pets at home are you choosing the right fabric for your needs? If you have a window facing east or west where the sun hits the strongest – Have you selected the right fabric for your window treatments? – Do you have the softest sheets in your bed?  A fabric is defined by four qualities: its hand, which is the way it feels – rough, smooth, thick, or thin; its textural quality – tufts, nubs, bumps, and reliefs, it’s fibres – natural, synthetic, or blends;  and its pattering – interwoven or imprinted designs.  As a broad generalization, rough, nubby fibers and bold geometrical patterns tend to be more contemporary and masculine in style; smooth, glossy cottons, silks, and pictorial patterns tend to be more traditional and feminine in style.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-r4N13EsaWdI/UYF-zSZEkcI/AAAAAAAAJgc/Sy0BhKf_O_M/s1600-h/image%25255B20%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-sBf2HLbN47g/UYF-0GORqjI/AAAAAAAAJgk/azV7Uv7oQjs/image_thumb%25255B12%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="284" /></a></p> <p align="center">Window Treatments at Meade Design Group</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p>Fabrics definitely make our life more comfortable and enjoyable.  We often forget we are surrounded by them so why not give them the attention they deserve and choose fabrics that are really going to improve our lifestyle?</p> MEADE DESIGN GROUPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11032090157498083589noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5834112041225378729.post-52685976866495325112013-04-25T10:00:00.001-07:002013-04-25T10:10:27.406-07:00THE PALAIS LIECHTENSTEIN<p>The Palais Liechtenstein, one of Vienna’s and Europe’s most beautiful privately owned palaces has been fully restored and will be open for public tours this spring for the first time.  This palace is considered one of the best examples of Baroque architecture and was once the residence of the royal family of Liechtenstein.  </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-U__duRT8s0o/UXlgvRq5sqI/AAAAAAAAJcc/WvDnHFx1c90/s1600-h/image%25255B4%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Ij4Ld_WCZLY/UXlgwFHrINI/AAAAAAAAJck/-oFzAkcvQk4/image_thumb%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="261" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="1">Garden Palace Delsenbach etching © LIECHTENSTEIN. The Princely Collections</font></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="left">In the final days of World War II the palace suffered extensive damage from direct hits in a bombing raid and an aircraft crashing into the roof. The ceiling of the stairway on the second floor was completely destroyed, and there was considerable damage to the adjacent state rooms. In the years immediately following the war work was carried out to secure the fabric and repair the worst damage, but due to the financial losses sustained by the family as a result of and after the war, the palace was not restored until 1974/76.</p> <p> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-PZ4T0fdNjE8/UXlgwgJVzFI/AAAAAAAAJcs/JRf4eZw8aZ4/s1600-h/image%25255B35%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-1u4ngZtJGyo/UXlgxRqMUYI/AAAAAAAAJc0/Ur--mPAyGro/image_thumb%25255B21%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="272" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="1">City Palace west facade © LIECHTENSTEIN. The Princely Collections, Vaduz-Vienna</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-AEXTnwGDWcA/UXlgxzTOtwI/AAAAAAAAJc8/ZDVVcoeO0nM/s1600-h/image%25255B40%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qRxprbCp3So/UXlgyYNjbCI/AAAAAAAAJdE/biPvOUHl3EM/image_thumb%25255B24%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="274" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="1">City Palace west facade destroyed © LIECHTENSTEIN. The Princely Collections</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-OIgj1PfxBVI/UXlgzPQGsyI/AAAAAAAAJdM/m0MD6mKyN4k/s1600-h/image%25255B50%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-glFqeIJp-OI/UXlgzzFTypI/AAAAAAAAJdU/W-FCzNMazQ0/image_thumb%25255B30%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="252" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="1">Liechtenstein City Palace facade © Palais Liechtenstein GmbH_Fotomanufaktur Grünwald</font></p> <p> </p> <p>At a cost of $135 million and four years of hard work by over 500 artisans the palace has restored the place to its pre-war beauty revamping the building for the family’s private apartments, while visitors will finally get a peek at many of its gilded Rococo interiors, not to mention the prince’s neo-classical art and furnishings collection. </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-PGEMNoSBNZI/UXlg06hBJfI/AAAAAAAAJdc/wtC5xq4ZH70/s1600-h/image%25255B30%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-aOie5jmpnbE/UXlg2RumEwI/AAAAAAAAJdk/hsZnk1HMJdY/image_thumb%25255B18%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="633" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="1">City Palace mirror detail © LIECHTENSTEIN. The Princely Collections, </font><font size="1">Vaduz-Vienna</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-OwoI8GK8mRA/UXlg3-V_mzI/AAAAAAAAJds/uQ3NZjmnUEA/s1600-h/image%25255B45%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ijHsHhJEIU4/UXlg5Lap8jI/AAAAAAAAJd0/qiCQlkmKKMY/image_thumb%25255B27%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="256" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="1">City Palace Bouquet room before completion © Palais Liechtenstein </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="1"></font><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-N429y6N7ASg/UXlg6QIo0RI/AAAAAAAAJd8/lOpacbG0Dx8/s1600-h/image%25255B62%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-obEfMICpU4Q/UXlg7U_p2rI/AAAAAAAAJeE/eHBo2rH2ANE/image_thumb%25255B38%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="339" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="1">© Palais Liechtenstein</font> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-wtEjU5tVFq4/UXlg8OJm-vI/AAAAAAAAJeM/2zvLf-2xmKk/s1600-h/image%25255B67%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-gJjftlv1qYk/UXlg9E_RmsI/AAAAAAAAJeU/xK5Y_83VF2A/image_thumb%25255B41%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="484" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="1">SP Prunktreppe mit Teppich © LIECHTENSTEIN. The Princely Collections, Vaduz-Vienna</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-OSvmERuqYiQ/UXlg-FduJqI/AAAAAAAAJeY/AdoLvDJ2p1o/s1600-h/image%25255B73%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-FHk0err-bnw/UXlg_F3ML2I/AAAAAAAAJek/4MRd0cU9pJc/image_thumb%25255B45%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="552" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="1">Square room © Palais Liechtenstein GmbH_Alexandra Matzner</font></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p>Deeply rooted in Vienna’s history for over 300 years, the palaces of the princely family of Liechtenstein are notable for their superb state of restoration, original interiors and their stunning symbiosis of nature, architecture and masterpieces of art history.</p> <p> </p> <p>The project was overseen by Hans-Adam II, the reigning prince of one of the smallest and richest principalities in the world.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-jmtVZRnxsos/UXlg_3BLZ5I/AAAAAAAAJes/qDUtn2dylho/s1600-h/image%25255B78%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-aKu8Psx9V14/UXlhAnh7ZqI/AAAAAAAAJe0/au_n3MSe1-s/image_thumb%25255B48%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="270" height="390" /></a></p> <p align="center">HSH Prince Hans-Adam II von und zu Liechtenstein</p> <p> </p> “It was very important to us to renovate the CITY PALACE, which has belonged to our family since 1694. I feel that we have a certain obligation to preserve it for posterity. Elaborate detailed work has been carried out to bring the palace up to modern standards, whilst preserving all of its historic charm. Now we are delighted to be able to hire the house out for wonderful events and to bring it back to life with guided tours,” explains the owner, HSH Prince Hans-Adam II von und zu <br />Liechtenstein. <p> </p> <p>With a dramatic palatial staircase, silk wall hangings, and intricate parquet floors the palace has been restored to its full glory.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-fJp_jLO6-6A/UXlhB0dyGMI/AAAAAAAAJe8/waQOZsrR5Rc/s1600-h/image%25255B9%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-IP_Kr-SGcrA/UXlhCymCpJI/AAAAAAAAJfE/07jVbBM6qJE/image_thumb%25255B5%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="599" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="1">Garden Palace Prohaska Garden © LIECHTENSTEIN. The Princely Collections</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjtcyLnYosAsWXifonZuYfWpILo_6jRy3cbsgOnndiaosHTfplJK4Wc1ZvNdXFNeCtk-QRUK9bcdH3XTeZ7rhz8TjBcHaUpxgw3xfsaMj_2Qvzd64wgQYksz39swMxpptr1dFpt8pTo6Eq/s1600-h/image%25255B14%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-pzsle7IxB80/UXlhFMVGm9I/AAAAAAAAJfU/930d6_AqteU/image_thumb%25255B8%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="277" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="1">Garden Palace aerial view 2 © LIECHTENSTEIN. The Princely Collections, Vaduz-Vienna</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="1"></font></p> <p>I invite you to visit the website and the video tours of the palace at:</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://palaisliechtenstein.com/en/home.html" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-W7BGysDcwlU/UXlhFogrRTI/AAAAAAAAJfc/gohGcAg1GWY/image%25255B79%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="170" height="188" /></a></p> MEADE DESIGN GROUPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11032090157498083589noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5834112041225378729.post-29743308422398398822013-04-04T09:54:00.001-07:002013-04-04T09:54:42.051-07:00LIVING WITH Art<p>As seen in <a href="http://www.snapvictoria.com/" target="_blank">SNAP</a> – April 2013</p> <p> </p> <p>Often I think that the associations with the word “Art” are too strong and misunderstood. Art does not only belong in museums, public buildings or city landscapes. Art also belongs in your home, your bedroom, your bathroom, and your garden.</p> <p> </p> <p>Recently while working on a project with a client in some part of the process I mentioned that we needed to consider some art pieces for the focal point of the room and other walls. My client looked hesitant " But I can't afford art in my space, art is so expensive! " Well I said. "Art doesn’t need to be expensive; It only needs to speak to you and your surroundings".</p> <p> </p> <p>You can find really interesting pieces even in second hand stores. When you bring art to a living environment you bring interest and a more sophisticated feel. Art impacts space in a very personal way. One's art selections can reflect one's mood, vibrancy, culture, and even one's sense of humour in some cases. Art is for me a "stamp in your letter" (Spanish saying) or the icing on the cake for you Canadian people.</p> <p> </p> <p>I have always been fortunate to be surrounded by art. I always thought that having art in your home was as common as having a dish washer or an iron. But this thought started changing when I realized that people often get intimidated by the word and by the art itself. Art can be found in so many ways – Paintings, Sketches, Photographs, Etchings, Sculptures, Masks, Object d’Art, or even an item of nostalgic value. Art can be expensive – yes! , but also art can be inexpensive; a simple framed napkin with a sketch on it can be art in itself. I wish I could have a sketch by Frank Gehry for example. Why not frame the latest cover of Rolling Stone Magazine or a black and white photograph from a Magazine - Art can be social and art can be political, but the most important thing is that art can be everywhere you are - just need to find it and make it yours.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--Kvzqx1IH88/UV2wO9eTFMI/AAAAAAAAJbE/TMXC96ZVaIA/s1600-h/image%25255B28%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-f_A_kJyfG9o/UV2wPC-mJoI/AAAAAAAAJbM/NK9q-FASz9U/image_thumb%25255B16%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="251" height="174" /></a></p> <p align="center">Sketch by Frank Gehry</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="left">Here are some examples of Meade Design Group projects where we have use art.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-wZGUU7Hz0v8/UV2wPqmvJfI/AAAAAAAAJbU/01FGTegxXKc/s1600-h/image%25255B14%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-wx2EhNflolo/UV2wQNwbpbI/AAAAAAAAJbc/nZwqAFB0Q6M/image_thumb%25255B8%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="231" /></a></p> <p align="center">African Masks + Engravings – Shoal Point Residence</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-E3ze1hZjljE/UV2wQn7kSuI/AAAAAAAAJbk/sLQQhEdtq4o/s1600-h/image%25255B24%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-1qAhJ7w-1EA/UV2wRDGZRQI/AAAAAAAAJbs/3t-ru6PBkO4/image_thumb%25255B14%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="249" /></a></p> <p align="center">Hand Sketch and Bust – Sherman Oaks</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8O34c1bmY6c/UV2wRVNghrI/AAAAAAAAJb0/eRpVO3MuRPQ/s1600-h/image%25255B9%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6bUgPTSm79I/UV2wR93j9sI/AAAAAAAAJb8/6G_46C5eYdQ/image_thumb%25255B5%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="287" /></a></p> <p align="center">"Man and the Bird" by Artist Cony Valdes - Marifield Project</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-uSDp0oD61Xs/UV2wSQ0dphI/AAAAAAAAJcE/WPb0uRgjtns/s1600-h/image%25255B19%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-OhUulZ-9X7k/UV2wUTJDVsI/AAAAAAAAJcM/hxr2B8GMWLg/image_thumb%25255B11%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="224" /></a></p> <p align="center">Black & White Photography – The Village</p> MEADE DESIGN GROUPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11032090157498083589noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5834112041225378729.post-61820825193551781472013-03-11T11:33:00.001-07:002013-03-11T11:59:52.681-07:00IN CONVERSATION WITH THOMAS PHEASANT<p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-srhsnRhH-gk/UT4jPqvU8BI/AAAAAAAAJVk/uj3_YjdAa6M/s1600-h/Meade%252520Design%252520Group%252520The%252520Blog%252520Thomas%252520Pheasant%252520Intro%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="Meade Design Group The Blog Thomas Pheasant Intro" border="0" alt="Meade Design Group The Blog Thomas Pheasant Intro" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gZckT5KeESY/UT4jQKIpVzI/AAAAAAAAJVs/C5WnPATjmBQ/Meade%252520Design%252520Group%252520The%252520Blog%252520Thomas%252520Pheasant%252520Intro_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="270" height="272" /></a></p> <p align="center">Thomas Pheasant</p> <p> </p> <p>Internationally acclaimed designer Thomas Pheasant is praised for his work in interior design (including his own furniture lines with Baker and McGuire – in addition to his studio collection) for good reason. A master of the effortlessly chic style which is not only comfortable to live in, but also timelessly elegant. His projects almost always include a nod to classical architecture – however subtle, which help to achieve his signature ageless aesthetic.</p> <p> </p> <p>Thomas is no rookie either. His studio was established in 1980 and is still bustling with beautiful designs in his home state of Washington. He still personally attends to every design decision of his carefully selected projects making each project uniquely his.</p> <p> </p> <p>Mr. Pheasant’s accolades are endless; from the magazines his projects have graced (Architectural Digest, House Beautiful, Veranda and Traditional Homes to name a few), to books (9 and counting!), and the assortment of awards that have been bestowed upon him (countless from Architectural Digest, as well as House beautiful, among others).</p> <p> </p> <p>I am so looking forward to sharing his responses with you – keep reading to get in on the conversation…</p> <p> </p> <p>Iván Meade - What was your first experience with design?</p> <p> </p> <p>Thomas Pheasant – My first experience was when I was nine years old and I decided to redecorate my bedroom.  I painted one wall black, pulled up my blue shag wall to wall carpeting to reveal raw wood floors and made a mobile of record album covers that hung from the center of my ceiling via wire coat hangers.  It was my first exercise in turning ideas into reality. From that day on my room became a constantly evolving space until I left for college. It taught me not to be afraid of trying new ideas and that rooms should not stand still.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-tr-niKxMECo/UT4jQoMfQnI/AAAAAAAAJV0/b3joBKfSlR0/s1600-h/Meade%252520Design%252520Group%252520The%252520Blog%252520Thomas%252520Pheasant%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="Meade Design Group The Blog Thomas Pheasant" border="0" alt="Meade Design Group The Blog Thomas Pheasant" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-amkbzYWjsgs/UT4jRYdfRAI/AAAAAAAAJV8/DDQxSkwiAt0/Meade%252520Design%252520Group%252520The%252520Blog%252520Thomas%252520Pheasant_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="370" height="265" /></a></p> <p align="center">Interiors by Thomas Pheasant</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p>Iván Meade – How would you describe your style?</p> <p> </p> <p>Thomas Pheasant – Modern classicism with an eye toward simplicity.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--fo05Ptf8-Q/UT4jRxEAkdI/AAAAAAAAJWE/g3zIxxNTcBw/s1600-h/Meade%252520Design%252520Group%252520The%252520Blog%252520Thomas%252520Pheasant%2525202%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="Meade Design Group The Blog Thomas Pheasant 2" border="0" alt="Meade Design Group The Blog Thomas Pheasant 2" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpugGHXjJM2P2UNWf0jfnmU7x6Gxd4NPN3SoxhFuvFkPawFxICCCx2mLCygCeK0xhZWlev5RE6cwWFaId8dNXXL15IJyhZEhhuVPhBQDUx5xzu1YobyaJoNkmZa6ialQ_kSGzM-ZCJo3vc/?imgmax=800" width="370" height="256" /></a></p> <p align="center">Interiors by Thomas Pheasant</p> <p> </p> <p>Iván Meade – Why do you think the general public is very fond of your style? <br /></p> <p> </p> <p>Thomas Pheasant – I think people are attracted to the ease and serenity of my interiors. I believe in rooms that allow one space to breathe, so my interiors speak to a large audience. This direction is not exclusive to either modern or traditional spaces. </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4uL0LtNTbsk/UT4jS7BRgwI/AAAAAAAAJWU/RfWbhwo1Va4/s1600-h/Meade%252520Design%252520Group%252520The%252520Blog%252520Thomas%252520Pheasant%2525203%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="Meade Design Group The Blog Thomas Pheasant 3" border="0" alt="Meade Design Group The Blog Thomas Pheasant 3" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-UK4VYjlW1Mo/UT4jTprOPLI/AAAAAAAAJWc/jPCUqzM_f9w/Meade%252520Design%252520Group%252520The%252520Blog%252520Thomas%252520Pheasant%2525203_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="370" height="376" /></a></p> <p align="center">Interiors by Thomas Pheasant</p> <p> </p> <p>Iván Meade – You have a gorgeous furniture collection with Baker Furniture - Do you have a piece from any of your collections that is your favorite and why? <br /></p> <p> </p> <p>Thomas Pheasant – My latest collection for Baker is a great representation of the direction I am taking in my interiors studio.  The collection is inspired by the past but presented as a modern take on luxury.  Perhaps my favorite piece is the Athens Chair. It is inspired by the classic klismos form but translated to a unique and modern silhouette. Not only is it beautiful, it is a feat of amazing engineering.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-rq72_08Lttk/UT4jUJVxrjI/AAAAAAAAJWk/0gMK63Dl7G4/s1600-h/Meade%252520Design%252520Group%252520The%252520Blog%252520Thomas%252520Pheasant%252520Klismos%252520Chair%252520Baker%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="Meade Design Group The Blog Thomas Pheasant Klismos Chair Baker" border="0" alt="Meade Design Group The Blog Thomas Pheasant Klismos Chair Baker" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1F38I8d1a_I/UT4jUvU3uJI/AAAAAAAAJWs/0NW8_z1MXlQ/Meade%252520Design%252520Group%252520The%252520Blog%252520Thomas%252520Pheasant%252520Klismos%252520Chair%252520Baker_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="370" height="246" /></a></p> <p align="center">Room scene by Thomas Pheasant (<a href="http://www.bakerfurniture.com/baker/1_1_1_1_tph_designer.jsp" target="_blank">Baker Furniture</a>)</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p>Iván Meade - The selection of your furniture pieces is always exquisite - What inspired you to include pieces in your projects that are no longer commonly used in today’s homes?</p> <p> <br />Thomas Pheasant – I love that my clients bring diversity to my work through their interests and collections.  I enjoy building interiors that are inclusive of furnishings or objects that may not reflect the trend of the moment but are reflective of who my clients are.  I think that my own furniture designs have evolved into forms that, while distinctive, are easy to mix with a variety of styles.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_evayQGy7AM/UT4jVBbiMRI/AAAAAAAAJW0/_n1CxR42Ue8/s1600-h/Meade%252520Design%252520Group%252520The%252520Blog%252520Thomas%252520Pheasant%2525204%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="Meade Design Group The Blog Thomas Pheasant 4" border="0" alt="Meade Design Group The Blog Thomas Pheasant 4" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-qHB7h81IS14/UT4jVgU4CUI/AAAAAAAAJW8/ouOWixNopL8/Meade%252520Design%252520Group%252520The%252520Blog%252520Thomas%252520Pheasant%2525204_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="365" height="491" /></a></p> <p align="center">Room scene by Thomas Pheasant (<a href="http://www.bakerfurniture.com/baker/1_1_1_1_tph_designer.jsp" target="_blank">Baker Furniture</a>)</p> <p> </p> <p>Iván Meade – Are you working on any new collections?</p> <p> <br />Thomas Pheasant - I am currently working on a new collection of limited edition pieces for my own Thomas Pheasant Studio.  This new collection will be an active and evolving process of presenting special pieces as objects of art for the home.  I am also working on a collection of tabletop items including crystal, silver and china, which will be debuting later this year.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-lJ_ilbuDdG4/UT4jWBLkJtI/AAAAAAAAJXE/MbvTtJXz46Q/s1600-h/Meade%252520Design%252520Group%252520The%252520Blog%252520Thomas%252520Pheasant%2525205%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="Meade Design Group The Blog Thomas Pheasant 5" border="0" alt="Meade Design Group The Blog Thomas Pheasant 5" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-POKIMcbe31g/UT4jWiiwPRI/AAAAAAAAJXM/x42QY95ogSA/Meade%252520Design%252520Group%252520The%252520Blog%252520Thomas%252520Pheasant%2525205_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="370" height="303" /></a></p> <p align="center">Interiors by Thomas Pheasant</p> <p> </p> <p>Iván Meade – You have a home in Washington DC and a Pied-a-Terre in Paris – With strong differences with American and European Design how do you translate your own sensibility to create a space that is truly yours, but also a reflection of where is located and your lifestyle? <br /></p> <p> </p> <p>Thomas Pheasant – I am always true to my ideals of creating spaces that reflect the uniqueness of the location. My Paris apartment was totally rebuilt architecturally in the style of 19th century Paris. I infused the space with my furniture and modern art that reflect my own personal interests. In Washington, my home is a study of classical architecture and my same love for modern furniture and art. The two homes reflect my serene style but they offer me two totally different experiences that connect me to my two favourite cities.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-eywM87mGaJ8/UT4jXHEVYII/AAAAAAAAJXU/SgxQwzKg8aM/s1600-h/Meade%252520Design%252520Group%252520The%252520Blog%252520Thomas%252520Pheasant%2525206%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="Meade Design Group The Blog Thomas Pheasant 6" border="0" alt="Meade Design Group The Blog Thomas Pheasant 6" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-KDopHtJPb9w/UT4jXmTnggI/AAAAAAAAJXc/4B-HtniyRHE/Meade%252520Design%252520Group%252520The%252520Blog%252520Thomas%252520Pheasant%2525206_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="370" height="261" /></a></p> <p align="center">Interiors by Thomas Pheasant</p> <p> </p> <p>Iván Meade - What would be your dream project? <br /></p> <p> </p> <p>Thomas Pheasant – I would love to create a luxury hotel that would express a totally new look in modern classical style. The idea of creating a new look in over the top classicism, from interiors to uniforms, would be exciting.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-D_fURykyTKU/UT4jX3nEQLI/AAAAAAAAJXk/PJJliHF37zg/s1600-h/Meade%252520Design%252520Group%252520The%252520Blog%252520Thomas%252520Pheasant%2525207%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="Meade Design Group The Blog Thomas Pheasant 7" border="0" alt="Meade Design Group The Blog Thomas Pheasant 7" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8RMPZ06SEiM/UT4jYfq8ISI/AAAAAAAAJXs/59E_iIQPqMM/Meade%252520Design%252520Group%252520The%252520Blog%252520Thomas%252520Pheasant%2525207_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="270" height="405" /></a></p> <p align="center">Interiors by Thomas Pheasant</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p>Iván Meade – What do you enjoy about being a designer?</p> <p> <br />Thomas Pheasant – The constant challenge to evolve through the support and trust of a diverse clientele. It keeps you young and motivated.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9gEI8bwfg_o/UT4jY83O8WI/AAAAAAAAJX0/4PvF65kUAeY/s1600-h/Meade%252520Design%252520Group%252520The%252520Blog%252520Thomas%252520Pheasant%2525208%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="Meade Design Group The Blog Thomas Pheasant 8" border="0" alt="Meade Design Group The Blog Thomas Pheasant 8" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-eJOkofCoe78/UT4jZY5sKyI/AAAAAAAAJX8/lzm9uc-l0Os/Meade%252520Design%252520Group%252520The%252520Blog%252520Thomas%252520Pheasant%2525208_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="270" height="369" /></a></p> <p align="center">Interiors by Thomas Pheasant</p> <p> </p> <p>Iván Meade – What is the best advice you have received as designer? <br /></p> <p> </p> <p>Thomas Pheasant – Don’t be afraid of taking your own road.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-2YJghmbykk0/UT4jaGT8sYI/AAAAAAAAJYE/tJXkH3qui2c/s1600-h/image%25255B10%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Jxctj2-iEBs/UT4ja67hXjI/AAAAAAAAJYM/pkkDXetED_E/image_thumb%25255B5%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="278" /></a></p> <p align="center">Room scene by Thomas Pheasant (<a href="http://www.bakerfurniture.com/baker/1_1_1_1_tph_designer.jsp" target="_blank">Baker Furniture</a>)</p> <p> </p> <p>Iván Meade - What is the best advice you could give to somebody who is new in the world of design? <br /></p> <p> </p> <p>Thomas Pheasant – Be patient, find your own voice and give yourself time to build your vocabulary.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Famb2JAzxVA/UT4jbUmRoPI/AAAAAAAAJYU/g_UurxVbNwk/s1600-h/image%25255B16%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qxuxbrf0tWQ/UT4jcommNyI/AAAAAAAAJYc/4arf7hM5jTA/image_thumb%25255B9%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="270" height="375" /></a></p> <p align="center">Interiors by Thomas Pheasant</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p>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? <br /></p> <p> </p> <p>Thomas Pheasant –Elegance through understanding the past while looking to the future</p> <p> </p> <p>I invite you to visit Thomas Pheasant’s stunning body of work at his website:</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://http://www.thomaspheasant.com/" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-t4dsbq8DX0o/UT4jc223NzI/AAAAAAAAJYk/aRgr1zpW-9g/image%25255B5%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="270" height="47" /></a></p> MEADE DESIGN GROUPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11032090157498083589noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5834112041225378729.post-32900281834596252522013-03-02T11:38:00.001-08:002013-03-02T11:41:21.369-08:00BEIGE VS. TAUPE<p>As seen in <a href="http://www.snapvictoria.com/" target="_blank">SNAP</a> magazine</p> <p>The other day I had a very interesting question posted on my Facebook page – What is more chic, beige or taupe?</p> <p> </p> <p>My answer was “beige is for contractors, taupe is for designers, but I personally prefer creams –which is a neutral option as well”.  No offense to Contractors, they do great work; but they have overused the same beige palette for so many years that unfortunately, it has become a very standard and boring colour.  On the other hand, beige is a comfortable colour for the majority of people.  It can add warmth to a space, and it usually looks good with other colour combinations and many light conditions, so it is a no-brainer. </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-bBAPKSlr6b4/UTJVMAUOjnI/AAAAAAAAJU8/lm5xjZRQT58/s1600-h/image%25255B4%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-z7W1aJ_eGXc/UTJVMlY53oI/AAAAAAAAJVE/nJ0ICi0i-SE/image_thumb%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="218" /></a></p> <p align="center">Taupes & Creams – Interiors by Meade Design Group</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p>I don’t want to advertise that beige is a bad colour, as a designer I think any colour can be a great colour - it all depends on how you are using it and the application of the colour itself.  However, many designers prefer taupes & grays as they are more current and sophisticated thanks to their gray/brown/white base.  Grays & taupes are soft and their colour value reads well with our West Coast light conditions as they are usually inspired by nature itself.  Because we are closer to the North Pole, the light in Victoria is whiter than if you were looking at the same colour in Central America where the natural light has an amber tone.  This is one of the reasons bright colours look so good in the exterior of many Mexican homes but not so much here. </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-aQ4H5uBQ3-o/UTJVNLAAtRI/AAAAAAAAJVM/fYHZ9R-LFHs/s1600-h/image%25255B9%25255D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--zis7NlAjFk/UTJVNnTpFfI/AAAAAAAAJVU/v6pE-AC-6e0/image_thumb%25255B5%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="218" /></a></p> <p align="center">Creams with Mauve/Taupe accents – Interiors by Meade Design Group</p> <p> </p> <p>Light plays a very important role when choosing colour.  Light has colour, and white is a colour. You can live in a room without furniture but you can’t live in a room without colour.  And since a colour can shape a room as much as any furniture arrangement, your choice of colour is crucial.  If you are in the process of selecting a colour scheme, think about the quality of the light and the direction of your window exposure – <em>East facing windows</em> get a lot of light in the morning so the sunlight will be warm and yellowy before noon. <i>West facing windows</i> have a warm orangy-red sunlight after noon, and <i>South facing windows</i> have a warm orangy-yellow light all day. <i>North facing windows</i> have no direct sunlight, resulting in a cool bluish light all day.  Using this knowledge, a beige (for instance) can look great in an East facing window and rather green in a North facing window or under fluorescent light.   Always check a colour in the morning, afternoon and at night before committing to live with it.   A colour will change during the day and will be affected by the light.   </p> <p> </p> <p>Are you a beige or a taupe person?</p> MEADE DESIGN GROUPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11032090157498083589noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5834112041225378729.post-51599343242454257972013-02-27T11:30:00.001-08:002013-02-27T11:30:22.151-08:00TOP 25 INTERIOR DESIGN BLOGS IN THE WORLD<p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-mJr9ZgTYIqs/US5ex6uB96I/AAAAAAAAJT8/xXByd5zYOBs/s1600-h/image%25255B4%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-K1Chndk47cE/US5ezGloQUI/AAAAAAAAJUE/pVwG-JTvG6U/image_thumb%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="221" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p>We are so excited to rank number 12 on "<a href="http://designsndeal.blogspot.ca/2013/01/top-25-interior-blogs-in-world.html">The Top 25 Interior Design Blogs in the World</a>".  What an honour and privilege to share this list with some of our favourite blogs as well!!!  </p> <p> </p> <p>Thank-you so much to <a href="http://designsndeal.blogspot.ca/2013/01/top-25-interior-blogs-in-world.html">Designs-n-Deal.</a> for selecting our blog.</p> MEADE DESIGN GROUPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11032090157498083589noreply@blogger.com7