Meade Design Group - The Blog - Interior Design Victoria BC

Monday, 13 February 2012

IN CONVERSATION WITH JAMES HUNIFORD

James Huniford

A true New Yorker, James Huniford has formed his iconic design sensibilities around his hometown – surrounded by industrial elements, artisans, condemned buildings, and artwork which blend seamlessly with trendy and eye-catching aesthetics. His designs are always complete with unique materials and juxtapositions that I can certainly admire.

Over his twenty five years in business (first as a co-founder of Sills Huniford Associates from 1984-2008, Dwellings in 2003 and Huniford Design Studio in 2008), James’s signature style has not gone unnoticed. His self-taught style has been featured in publications such as Vogue, Elle Décor, The New York Times and several editions of Architectural Digest, including a place in their competitive compilation of the ‘Top 100 Designers’. In addition, he has had the opportunity to work on the homes of fashion icons Vera Wang and Anna Wintour – not to mention, Tina Turner! While at Sills Huniford, James was also co-author of one of my favourite design reads: Dwellings (click here to read my book recommendation posted back in 2009).

Known by his friends simply as ‘Ford’, James still calls New York home. He lives with his children and maintains strong philanthropic ties to his community including ‘Design on a Dime’, a program that supports the homeless AIDS stricken population and is also chairman of the DirectEffect program with Rockefeller University.

I can’t wait to hear more about James’s input on design, please read on to get in on the conversation…

Iván Meade - What was your first experience with design?

James Huniford – I have always been fascinated with the form and shape of objects. Growing up, I was surrounded by landscapes of rugged terrain, open fields and farmyard barns which formed the basis of my passion for industrial objects and pieces with character.

Interiors by James Huniford

Iván Meade - What is your process to find the unexpected in your designs? (like the giant chain that you used in Bridgehampton for example) each of your rooms always have a moment that is unexpected and beautify thought-out. Does the piece inspire you to create a room around it, or do you create the room and find the perfect piece to fit into it?

James Huniford – I seek out unusual pieces that have sculptural qualities that can transform spaces. I love blending old and new objects with refined materials in distinctive combinations.

Interiors by James Huniford

Iván Meade - Where is your favourite place to shop?

James Huniford – In New York—it’s Mantiques Modern.

Interiors by James Huniford

Iván Meade - We love how relaxed the furniture pieces from your own collection are and how they work so well in any interior - What can you tell us about your furniture line - What is the inspiration behind it?

James Huniford – The collection is a mix of pieces that could work in the city or the country. They show a modern take on some classic forms and shapes.

Interior by James Huniford

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

James Huniford – The most practical is a large partners desk, the most rare is a director’s chair by Jean-Michel Frank.

Interiors by James Huniford

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

Working on my own home has allowed me to fully express my creative vision. More than anything, I wanted a soothing interior. I love creating a pull and tension between pieces that are important and those that are not.

Interiors by James Huniford

Iván Meade - You have had the opportunity to work with several celebrities, have you ever been star struck?

James Huniford – I’m constantly working with amazing and inspiring clients, so I’m often struck by their abilities to explore design and balance it with their world.

Interiors by James Huniford

Iván Meade - What is the most unusual request you have received from a client?

James Huniford – I was asked to decorate a beach house in a month.

Interiors by James Huniford

Iván Meade - Your book "Dwellings" is one of my top ten favourite interior design books. Perfect balance between great images and amazing content. Are you planning to pen another book in the near future?

James Huniford – Yes—I’m in the process of doing another book.

Interiors by James Huniford

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?

James Huniford – That I had an influence on clients to create spaces that reflect the spirit and soul of the people who inhabit them.

I invite you to visit James Huniford’s website at:

Monday, 6 February 2012

Eye Candy of the week – fLAMINGO CONSOLE BY VOI-ARTIS

PRODUCT

Flamingo Console

MANUFACTURER

Voi Artis

COLLECTION

Consoles

DESIGNER

Tareq Abu Ghazaleh

MATERIAL

Pictured in Walnut. Available in Ebonized Oak and Cherry.

SIZE

H 85 X W 150 X D 45 (Can be customized to different sizes)

DESCRIPTION

I have been a fan of Tareq’s work for several years now. I have also seen how much he has grown as a furniture designer with the clever reinvention of his brand, and the launch of Voi-Artis. While browsing Tareq’s updated website I came across this new fantastic piece that I needed to share with you.

I love the lines and the weight of the Flamingo Console – The legs are definitely my favourite part – They are so sculptural and clean. The asymmetric lines create a different sense of rhythm to the piece, which makes it unique and memorable.

I would love to use the Flamingo Console in a foyer and juxtapose it with an antique portrait and a very cool contemporary light fixture.

How/Where would you use this piece?

YUMMY FACTOR

HOT!!! HOT!!! HOT!!!

Wednesday, 1 February 2012

In Conversation with Barbara gergel

As seen in SNAP magazine, February 2012

Barbara Gergel

Barbara Gergel is a very talented and recognized local stylist. I had the pleasure of meeting her years ago at a friend's party. Since then we have shared a great friendship, and an appreciation for one another's style.

From residential to landscape design, Barbara's ability to mix styles, deep knowledge of the design elements and a clear understanding of her clients needs are evident in each of her projects. Barbara's designs have always been characterized by the elegance of their lines and a sense of uniqueness. Her work is often transitional with a perfect blend of classic and contemporary elements."I love design. Design is Art but it has to work harder. Design must serve many masters…. function, budget, and of course, your aesthetic" Barbara says.

I have always found what my design colleagues treasure very intriguing, so I had to ask Barbara what her favourite design find was and the story behind it.

Iván Meade - What was your first experience with design?

Barbara Gergel - My first experience with design was when I was a teen (in the 70's) when all I wanted was a black and white bedroom. I managed to cajole my parents into giving me free rein to do as I wished and even they were surprised how three white walls, a white painted wooden floor and a black feature wall looked. What stuck out the most was the apple green Panasonic transistor radio that hung from a chain in the window.

Interiors by Barbara Gergel

Iván Meade - What is your favourite local find? Where did you get this item?

Barbara Gergel - My favourite local find was an old couch I found at Kilshaws. Now I'm an Auction junkie, but this couch was elegant and it had a wonderful curve to it and it felt solid., I had it upholstered in a rich teal mohair fabric and sitting in it is like a great big hug.

Iván Meade - Why is it important/inspirational to you?

Barbara Gergel - It is important because....it has a story and I'm not sure what it is, but at that time I was missing my father in law who had just passed away and who had been such an important man in my life. Interestingly the teal colour I had it upholstered in was the colour of his eyes, it has been with me a long time and as much as great finds come and go, this one's here to stay.

Interiors by Barbara Gergel

Iván Meade - You always respect the traditional with a fusion of vintage and a sense of modernity. I believe this is what makes your style. How do you achieve this?

Barbara Gergel –With the use of paint, fabrics and furniture I try to create a living canvas, a place where my clients can breathe, a place that is nurturing as well as exciting for them. We live with a lot of traditional shapes (in our houses)and,I love vintage, so combined there’s a modern twist; an element of surprise.

Interiors by Barbara Gergel

Iván Meade - I noticed how much you love all things Vintage. How do you find all these great pieces? How is the reception from your clients when you present a Vintage piece to be part of your designs?

Barbara Gergel – I’m always on the hunt for furniture. I scour auctions, second - hand shops, attics and basements. I’m happy in a room that others would walk away from, so someone’s clutter excites me, I like to make order out of that. When I find a piece it may not be used right away but eventually it will end up in a house with new fabric and look amazing.

Often clients want something that is different. It’s not uncommon for a client to have a piece of furniture that they’re attached to and once it’s been reworked it takes on a whole new look. It creates an element of surprise, or delight, and that is worth so much in the overall scheme of the design.

Interiors by Barbara Gergel

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

Barbara Gergel – I’d like to design a glass house for a particular piece of property that I love. It is a pastoral setting looking out over gently undulating fields with trees and ponds sloping towards a lake. This is a magical setting that I’d like to capture within a room where one’s not sure if there are walls, it’s a very surreal dream, but I see it very clearly. It’s creating the outside – inside.

Interiors by Barbara Gergel

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

Barbara Gergel – I need to find out if my client is a gardener, if not, then we don’t want a garden that will burden them. I want them to choose a garden lifestyle, what do they want to do in that garden, what do they want of the garden? I need to know if they have an aversion to particular plants, or colours, or whether or not they want a multi season garden or just one season. I want it to flow easily from the inside of their house to the outside, I want them to be excited by that possibility.

Exteriors by Barbara Gergel

Iván Meade - What are gardens for?

Barbara Gergel – They’re for dreaming in, they’re a place to lose oneself. They’re a place for friends and neighbours to meet and to talk in. Great gardens attract people who appreciate them, so neighbourhoods with nice gardens come alive. They inspire, elevate, calm and nurture our senses. I am grounded in the garden.

Exteriors by Barbara Gergel

Iván Meade - Is there a product, material or plant that you cannot wait to use in one of your future projects?

Barbara Gergel – A fantasy of mine would be to work with Patrick Blanc’s amazing team on his vertical living garden installations. They are truly amazing, inspirational works of art, to be a part of that would be a dream come true.

Vignette by Barbara Gergel

Iván Meade - You just successfully re-launched your career as a designer in the city - What's next for Barbara Gergel?

Barbara Gergel - Give me a room, or a house, full of furniture. I love to make sense out of chaos, so would welcome the challenge to edit, edit, edit and to turn straw into gold.

I invite you to visit Barbara Gergel’s website at:

Tuesday, 24 January 2012

Eye Candy of the Week – Screen by Christopher Guy

PRODUCT

Greek Key Screen

MANUFACTURER

Christopher Guy

COLLECTION

Screens

MEASUREMENT

W94” x D2” x H94"

DESCRIPTION

It looks like the Greek key pattern is going to be all over the place this 2012.

This screen is modern yet classic. The timeless geometric maze screen will definitely add style to any interior. I don’t like to follow many trends, but I can see this piece staying timeless for a long time. I just love the language and the simplicity of its lines.

YUMMY FACTOR

OPA!!!

Monday, 16 January 2012

In Conversation with Philip Mitchell

Philip Mitchell

I first came across Philip Mitchell and his design work in House & Home Magazine. I was so pleased to see these beautifully designed spaces have helped Philip receive success and praise throughout Canada. I came to learn that Philip and his projects have not only appeared in House & Home (where he was selected as one of Canada’s Top 25 Designers in the magazine's 25th Anniversary issue), but also in the National Post, Dream Kitchens & Baths, and Renovation Style.

Philip does not limit his designs to a particular style, but they always have this one linking element: a sense of calm and beauty. They are spaces that one feels they can walk into and feel right at home. It's also most common to find classic elements throughout his creations, whether it be the furnishings, finishes or architectural details. The result is a series of elegant, timeless and functional spaces.

Philip Mitchell opened his namesake firm over seven years ago after gaining experience working with two of Canada's largest interior design firms. Since its inception, Philip has experienced great success. The firm has had the opportunity to work not only in Canada, but also in the US, Europe, and the Caribbean. In addition to the magazine appearances, Philip also has his own line of furniture which has recently been launched: 'The Philip Mitchell Design Furniture Collection', which encapsulates his style to a tea.

I can't wait to see what's next for Philip Mitchell, so to tide us all over, please read on to get in on the conversation…

Iván Meade - What was your first experience with design?

Philip Mitchell - I was exposed to great design from a very young age. My mother and her family always had wonderfully decorated homes. Every detail from comfortable upholstery and unique linens to fine bone china and interesting artwork were always considered in these spaces. As a young boy I remember being encouraged to develop my interest in design by her and given the opportunity to participate in the decoration of my own bedroom.

Interiors by Philip Mitchell

Iván Meade - Who or what has influenced your style?

Philip Mitchell – I would say it was my mother who was my greatest influence. My mother, who helped decorate her family and friends’ homes, taught me to value the quality associated with antique and custom furnishings and how objects can be displayed or arranged to create a beautiful yet personal reflection of one’s taste.

Also my partner Mark, an ongoing source of inspiration and support, pushes me to create new and innovative designs for our own personal residence as well as my clients.

Finally, all forms of design interest and influence my personal design style. Everything from my library of historical and current design books, to my travels, to new dining experiences, to the environment around me, it all inspires me.

Interiors by Philip Mitchell

Iván Meade - What is your approach to life style and design?

Philip Mitchell - I think they go hand in hand. It's important to me to create comfortable and personal interiors for my clients that are a stylish and attractive reflection of their everyday lives.

Interiors by Philip Mitchell

Iván Meade - Your design philosophy is to remain true to the spirit of the structure and location of the project - How do you achieve this?

Philip Mitchell – Before I start a new project, I always research the historical styles, environment and local character of the home that I will be working on. This research inspires the interior architecture, trim details, colour palette, fabric and furniture selection. I utilize local trades/craftsman and source local artists work who represent the spirit of a particular location or region.

Interiors by Philip Mitchell

Iván Meade - I have noticed that in your interiors you paint the wood paneling with a crisp coat of white paint and this has become one of your signature styles. I definitely agree in painting wood paneling because the change leads to a cleaner, brighter, and more elegant room. However, designer to designer, I just have to ask this question– How do you convince your male clients to paint the wood paneling?

Philip Mitchell - We often encourage our clients to paint existing less superior woods (gumwood or naughty pine) to achieve a lighter more contemporary feel and have always presented it to the husbands very delicately. I present many visual aids from tear sheets with a similar feel to before and after examples of previous homes where we have painted the wood. And sometimes the compromise in the form of some additional AV equipment (usually a larger TV) does the trick!

Interiors by Philip Mitchell

Iván Meade - While I was reading your blog, I found out that you have designed a new furniture line - When is coming out and what are you bringing new to table?

Philip Mitchell - It was released in the fall and available at the trade showroom Primavera in Toronto as well as through their reps across Canada. The pieces range from a cleaner contemporary aesthetic to those with a more traditional style, yet they all work together.

I am excited because the entire collection is made in North America.
It's important to me because we have incredible artisans and craftsmen here, I have hands on control of the quality and construction, and we support our local economy.

Interiors by Philip Mitchell

Iván Meade - What do you look for in a furniture piece, alternatively what do you consider as being important factors when designing a furniture piece ?

Philip Mitchell - functionality, scale, material and definitely unique detailing.