Sunday, 23 December 2007

Peace

Peace is generally the opposite of war. Peace can be a state of harmony or the absence of hostility. "Peace" is used to describe the cessation of violent conflict. Peace can mean a state of quiet or tranquility — an absence of disturbance or agitation. Peace can also describe a relationship between any people characterized by respect, justice, and goodwill.
Peace can describe calm, serenity, and silence. This latter understanding of peace can also pertain to an individual's sense of himself or herself, as to be "at peace" with one's own mind.

My wishes for you and your love ones are PEACE and HAPPINESS in 2008
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Friday, 14 December 2007

The Official Victoria Gift Guide (part 2)

With less than 10 shopping days left until Christmas we thought we would help you along with a few more suggestions for some great, local gifts. We ran into Santa at the Bay Center who gave us a few tips…what he was doing in the lingerie section is beyond us!





NOTE - For Prices and availability of the products please contact the stores directly - Thanks !

* Sacher Torte – The Original

This is a great gift for those who have everything. Arriving at the recipient’s doorstep in a beautifully presented box, this is a gift that will surprise and delight any palette and is also a refined and unique alternative to fruit cake. I have ordered these tortes several times in the past and they always arrive fresh and delicious-Don’t forget to add a squirt of whipping cream!


Available at:



* Double Bowl Alessi - Gabriel Ross & Design House

A unique serving essential made from two separate curves of stainless steel; one that forms the inside and one that forms the outside of the bowl, designed by Donato D'Urbino.







Available locally at:


Gabriel Ross: 589 Bay Street - Ph 250.384.2554,
Design House: 616 Yates Street – Ph 250.383.3579

* Sphere – Ivan Meade


Sphere form the Accentus/Contempo collection of the Ivan Meade Object d’Art line.
The sphere represents the ball used in an ancient Mayan game, and the silver bands encircling the piece reflect the resource coveted by the Spanish. The cantera stone ball has been chiselled by hand than wrapped in the silver bands by gifted craftsmen in my hometown of San Luis Potosi, Mexico.





Available locally at:
1316 – B Government Street – Ph 250.881.1990


* Boxy Backpacks – Sprouts

The Coolest Bag for the modern mom







Available locally only at:
202-536 Herald Street - Ph 250.388.9525


* 97 ways to make your dog smile by Jenny Langhehn - Nicholas Randall


A great book that will definitely make you smile – If you have a friend that walks a dog in Clover Point this will be the ultimate dog lover’s stocking stuffer.






Available locally at:

Nicholas Randall
2041 Oak Bay Avenue -Ph 250.592.1789



* Candle holder - Liberty

Little Boxes that will keep the light of this season.








Available locally at:

http://www.libertyinside.com/
1630 Store Street – Ph 250.389.1180



* Lamp – Romanoff
This lamp is a great blend of classic and modern. The urn shaped base-a classical Greek form has been streamlined and created in polished chrome, creating a striking juxtaposition. Topping it off with a simple black shade produces an elegant, versatile piece.






Available locally at:
508 Herald Street – Ph 250.480.1892


* Ercuis Salt and Pepper Shakers – Birks

Finding a contemporary set of salt and pepper shakers can be difficult but this set stuns with its architectural simplicity.








Available locally at:


1023 Government Street – Ph 250. 382.4241, 1644 Hillside Ave – Ph 250. 595-1424





* Chess Set – Place
Design: Adin Mumma
Motion is added to an otherwise still game. A concave landscape stabilizes freely quivering chess pieces, creating a lively interaction between board and pieces.



http://www.umbra.com/

Available locally at:

3690 Shelbourne St - 250.381.3488




* Gift Certificates -Meade Design Group


Because what else could be better?






Available locally at:

1316 – B Government Street – Ph 250.881.1990


* Haven Spa - The Pier


Haven Spa provides a holistic approach to beauty and wellness – one that embraces pampering and indulgence but also offers guidance on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Balancing the harmony of mind, body, and nature with the melody of inner and outer beauty. One of the best spas in the city!







Available locally at:

9805 Seaport Place – Ph 250.655.9445




* Chilewich Tablemats - Nicholas Randall

Innovative use of yarn fuses style and sophistication to create a modern alternative in tabletop dressing. Tablemats and runners are available in an array of textures and colors.







Available locally at:

Nicholas Randall
2041 Oak Bay Avenue -Ph 250.592.1789




* Hannuka - Umbra

Design: Michelle Ivankovic
Soft flowing lines create a bouquet of candles. Also functions as a Menorah, adjusts to either taper or thinner candles.







Available locally at:
3690 Shelbourne St - 250.381.3488



at 1 comment:

Sunday, 2 December 2007

The Official Victoria Gift Guide (part 1)

The Holiday season has arrived, the city has embraced it with lights in the Downtown core and everybody is getting ready to make the most of this time of the year.

Yesterday we got the first snow of the season, I started writing my holiday greetings and I had chance to enjoy The Nutcracker at the Royal Theater. With the warmth of an eggnog latte I would like to share with you what are the best finds of this season in Victoria. We often read Oprah’s favourites, or the suggestions of any Home Decor magazine but we hardly ever find them in the city we live. With this in mind I decided to write this entry about these particular finds. Finds that are accessible in Victoria and that will make the perfect gift for that someone who really deserves the best!

NOTE - For Prices and availability of the products please contact the stores directly - Thanks !

* Fresh Soaps – Bernstein & Gold
Stunning ready-to-give gifts.






Our favourites are the Linden and Orange Chocolate

Available locally at:
608 Yates Street - Ph 250. 384.7899


* Dora Maar Vase (Jonathan Adler) - Only Human
Surprising ! Surreal ! Sublime !


Our favourite Dora Maar Vase by Jonathan Adler

Available locally at:
Dragon Alley - Ph 250.661.4945


* Essence Glass Ware (IItala) – Gabriel Ross
Designed by Argentinan Alfredo Haberli - This glass ware respects tradition in its design, but also sets out to create something new to meet modern needs.


Our favourite champagne flutes

Available locally at:
http://www.gabrielross.ca/
589 Bay Street - Ph 250.384.2554


* French Water Bouquet – Ramsey and Ramsey


Available locally only at:
Ramsey and Ramsey
2000 Oak Bay Avenue - Ph 250.595.8919


* Dwell Bedding - Bespoke


Our favourite Chinoiseire Collection

http://www.dwellstudio.com/
Available locally at:
146-560 Johnson Street - Ph 250.298.1105

* Home by Kelly Hoppen - Bolen Books


Available locally at:
http://www.bolen.bc.ca
111-1644 Hillside Ave - Ph 250.595.4232


* Head Sculpture – Studio 201
A unique piece with strong personality.


Head Sculpture
Available locally at:
536 Herald St - Ph 250.385.5600

* Oopsy Daisy Art – Finn & Izzy
Fresh and cool art for kids !


Our favourite Hush Little Baby by Karina Bania

http://www.oopsydaisy.com/
Available locally at:
Finn & Izzy
2041 Oak Bay Ave - Ph 250.592.8168


* Harmony flatware – Design House
Erik Bagger has created a new classic set of cutlery, matching modern table arrangements. Each item of Harmony embodies the designer's sense of function and aesthetics and shows his ability to combine modern ergonomics with traditional design. From Denmark.



Available locally at:
http://www.designhouse.ca/
616 Yates St. - 250.383.3579

* Calvin Klein Rugs - IPC Decor

Our favourite Calvin Klein Luster Washed Collection

Available locally at:
#22-532 Herald Street - Ph 250.361.3772

* Paper Soft Seating - Place
One of the coolest new innovative products on the market - It is so sculptural and unique - Love it!


Available locally at:
3690 Shelbourne St - 250.381.3488

* Pick-up Bar - Nicholas Randall
3.5 oz of milk chocolate that promises never to lie to you, to be there in the morning, to never ask your age and to really truly listen to everything you have to say. It is a MUST have for the season (lol)


Available locally at:
Nicholas Randall
2041 Oak Bay Avenue -Ph 250.592.1789

Keep visiting us for more Ideas to come ...
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Saturday, 24 November 2007

The 10 commandments of fabric

This morning I was thinking what I am going to write for my next entry. Minutes later I received an e-mail from one of my best friends. She has a great zest for life and is always looking for ways to improve her life and to live it to the fullest. She is currently in Milan, Italy and her new goal is to meet with the Dalai Lama in the search for her spirituality.
She sent me a list of her 10 new commandments. As I was reading her email I saw a pile of memo samples in front of me and I thought to myself that these commandments could each represent a style of fabric.

Here is the result of this exercise:

1.- Seek lessons of life hidden in every moment.

The Toile de Jouy motifs are a great example of this commandment. They depict scenes of everyday life and the characters always have great expressions on their faces.


The Seasons - Mustard on Ivory
G. P. & J. Baker
100% COTTON
ENGLAND


2.- Believe that you are always more.

I feel that stripes could represent this mantra because of their repetitive nature that you can imagine going on forever, vertically or horizontally.


Canoga - Caviar
Robert Allen
91% Viscose 9% Cotton
PERU



3.- View confusion as a prelude to clarity

Over scaled Florals appear a little busy from afar but their individual forms are very beautiful. I particularly like this example because it displays the tulips during many stages of blossoming or opening which could be taken in several ways: opening up to someone emotionally-giving them clarity as to your true character, or opening your eyes to see a new solution to a problem.


Lieff - Quince
Andrew Martin
100% Linen
ENGLAND

4.- Pursue the dream in your heart

Damasks are an example of this commandment because of the fairytale feeling they create, a form that is still as popular today as it was long ago.


Modern Barroque - Cafe
Kravet Couture
84% Viscose, 16% Polyester
ITALY


5.- Know what you believe in & why

For me, this fabric is a great example of what I believe in. I feel it exhibits the principles I find most beautiful in design. The subtle changes in colour and texture mix beautifully with the balanced geometric shapes.


Inlay - Sienna
Barbara Barry - Kravet Couture
36% Linen ,35% Cotton, 29% Silk
INDIA


6.- Cherish the Earth, thankful for each breath you take.

Botanicals are a great example of this commandment. Portraying nature in all its beauty.



Fans - Botanical/Foliage
Allegra Hicks - Groundworks
Groundworks
60% Linen, 30% Cotton, 10% Nylon
ENGLAND

http://www.leejofa.com
http://www.allegrahicks.com

7.- Nurture yourself as a friend in need

You can find interlocking and harmonizing geometrics in many patterns. They look beautiful because of the relationship they create by fitting together perfectly, never breaking the chain.


La Fiorentina – Ivory/Bark
Groundworks – David Hicks
100% Linen
U.S.A

http://www.leejofa.com
http://www.dh1970.com/


8.- Create new ways to generate positive energy

Metalics are here to give us their energy - Gold, Silver, Platinum, Coin ...




Key Maze – Coin
Beacon Hill
100% Silk
INDIA

http://www.beaconhilldesign.com/


9.- Find your place through choices you make

I feel this can be represented by black and white fabrics. Most choices we make in life are very black and white, each choice will have a consequence. What makes life interesting is finding the balance of these choices-the yin and the yang.


Angelica Trellis - Domino
Groundworks -David Hicks
100% Silk
ITALY


10.- Know that your mind is the lifeblood of your future


Blood Orange is going to be a huge trend in the near “future” but it also represents a hunger for life and excitement.



Arboretum - Clay
Groundworks
100% Cotton
ITALY

http://www.leejofa.com
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Monday, 19 November 2007

The Design Gene





This blog is dedicated to Inés and Philippine

First of all, I would like to thank all of you who have been reading our blog. It is very encouraging and we appreciate all the positive feedback we have received. You have inspired us to update our blog two times per week .


In the last few years we have all been taken aback with how global our world is becoming and the “6 degrees of separation” between us. This entry is the result of an amazing coincidence and appreciation of design running in my family genes. Last summer I received my Architectural Digest magazine from Spain, and while I was flipping the pages a red piece jumped out at me – “That piece will fit perfectly in my new studio” was my initial thought. It’s contemporary but will still read well in my traditional space.



Iron and Laquer wood - Mueble Bar


I decided to read the article to find out who the creator behind this piece was. Two names stood out in the article: Inés Benavides and Philippine González-Camino. Well, that was a bit of a shock – the last names are not that common and they rang a bell. Then I saw their picture in the article. I must say, Inés and Philippine are just stunningly beautiful and I began to suspect they were members of the family.



Architectural Digest Spain (Article)
Summer 2007


I was really excited with the find and decided to go on-line and check out their website. Following my instincs I wrote them a spontaneous email: "... maybe this is a coincidence but I think there is a history of elegance in the family that has been carried through in the designs you are portraying. I believe your grandmother the very famous and elegant Tía Beba (Aunt Beba) was my grandfather’s sister. Anyhow I just want to congratulate you for your amazing work and wish you all the success in the future."



Iron, Wengué Wood and Leather - Otto chair


The next day an email was waiting in my account – It was Philippine – Yeah! She was my cousin and she was so excited. She knew who I was and was really surprised with the coincidence that we were working in design. Another email – It was Inés – what a coincidence. The connection was here to stay.


Iron and marble - Domino

I'd like to share some details of their peices and my thoughts on their designs. Their pieces are inspired by their lives – what they have seen in the years they lived outside of Spain and their personal experiences. “Every place, every space, every material and form has something to teach us and for this reason, it is important to travel, to study any branch of art, architecture or design”



Galvanize iron and Iroco wood - Omega

The difference in their personalities create unique results – Inés brings the rationality and practicality while Philippine leaves space for the improvisation, provoking a really strong juxtaposition. The lines of their pieces are simple, yet versatile, furniture pieces that work as a unique presence in any space.


Laquer wood - Ecco


All of their pieces are signed and are limited editions. Their philosophy is to create objects for small particles of creativity in the universe of creation. They have been named Mercury, Krypton, Nugget, amongst others. Function is always an integral part of their designs.


Iron and Oak wood - Puzzle


Iron and Glass - Jaula


As we speak, and as many of you know, Meade Design Group is working on our new studio. I would love to include this piece in my new studio design so that I can share a little bit of my heritage and family’s creativity with Victoria.


Iron and Laquer wood - Mueble Bar
http://www.benavidesycamino.com/


at 5 comments:

Thursday, 15 November 2007

The Resurrection of the Bamboo Motif

Bamboo is back in a big way, and it’s not just for homes with an Asian flair. Bamboo will be everywhere !






Meurice buttler tray table by Johnatan Adler








Bamboo Pillow




Furniture made with Bamboo Cane was all the rage in Victorian Times, and re-emerged itself in the 30’s, the 60’s and the 70’s. This resurrection may be a result of the trend that Philippe Stark initiated with his world famous Ghost Chair - a modern interpretation of a Louis XVI chair made in translucent acrylic.


Jacques Adnet (circa late 1930"s) - stool


Jacques Adnet (circa 1950’s) - coffee table




The same concept is happening today with the use of bamboo cane as the muse or model for a new classic that has come to stay.





Area rug by Allegra Hicks
The Rug Company




Jonathan Adler Meurice Floor Lamp with Black Shade

These materials and applications are a far cry from the traditional hand-made pieces and can be used in any modern interior.




zen teapot




Cole & Son Wallpaper

The Patina Collection - Saigon


Jonathan Adler Meurice Chandelier in Polished Nickel

http://www.johnathanadler.com/
also locally available @ http://www.onlyhuman.ca/


The bamboo cane is natural, sophisticated and reads extremely well in any interior design application from the traditional to the contemporary room.





De Gournay hand painted wallpaper


Japanese & Korean collection
Bamboo in argent design colours
http://www.degournay.com/



As a material, bamboo has been a breakthrough in sustainable development due to it’s incredibly fast growth cycle, in contrast to our limited supply of global hardwood. Bamboo has become increasingly popular as a building material and as flooring partly as a result of it’s natural beauty and incredible durability but now this eco-friendly product is ready to take on the furniture, textile, and accessory market!


bamboo chairs


First used in China over 5000 years ago to create books, food and buildings, Bamboo has been reinterpreted over the years for many purposes. In addition to furniture and flooring, bamboo may also be used for soft materials like bedding and clothing. Bamboo has also been used throughout the centuries in art, but now, you don’t have to look far to find it being used in wallpapers, fabrics, furniture and more as a simple motif.





Ralph Lauren Flattware




Bedding by Lulu de Kwiatkowski


Now with the use of modern materials and concepts this inspiration can take on any number of forms without looking cliché or lending itself strictly to the Asian style. With the right finish or setting Bamboo may be applied to any décor. With it’s natural class and texture I believe it is a great addition to any home!
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