Meade Design Group - The Blog - Interior Design Victoria BC: March 2009

Monday, 30 March 2009

Is it wise to invest money in your home during these economic times? Part 3/3

Thank you again for your continued support. Today I am posting the final part of these series.

Iván Meade - What are a home’s major selling points?

Brenda Russell - Location. Presentation. Price.

Roger Jones - Location is most critical - you can change finishes easily enough, add on or even go so far as to tear a home down and rebuild, but you can not create the overall setting and proximity to the amenities you enjoy that the right neighbourhood provides.

Tony Joe - Location, condition, tidiness and features which set it above the direct competition. Did I mention location?

Before & After Marifield – Meade Design Group

Iván Meade - Do you find homes sell better when furnished or vacant?

Brenda Russell - If the home shows well then furnished is best. If the home is very dated as well as the furnishing...then vacant.

Roger Jones - Definitely when well furnished.

Tony Joe - Seems most prospective buyers believe they can envision what a vacant house would look like furnished but in reality this is seldom the case. Oftentimes, lack of furniture or belongings can over accentuate weak points such as smaller living spaces or poorly placed structural elements.

Before & After Spring Bay – Meade Design Group

Iván Meade - Is it wise to sell your home with window treatments throughout?

Brenda Russell - Absolutely yes. Buyer's are calculating if they have to also buy blinds or drapes for all their windows. If the window treatments are very old, worn or doesn't help the room look fabulous then I would suggest removing them entirely or replace them with a modern blind.

Roger Jones - Most prospective buyers appreciate the value of quality window treatments in a home - this is an area in which help from your designer would be particularly beneficial.

Tony Joe - Window treatments can very much be a matter of personal taste. I cannot recall ever losing a deal or having a seller sell for less based solely on the inclusion/exclusion of window treatments. If you plan to keep them, just be certain to clarify this in the purchase contract as they are generally deemed to be included as part of the sale.

Before & After Spring Bay – Meade Design Group

Iván Meade - What would you tell someone who is asking about the benefits of hiring an interior designer for their home?

Brenda Russell - A designer is always an asset. They bring a trained and talented eye (assuming you hire a trained and talented designer of course) and an unbiased opinion of what a room or area or home needs or could use. To what extent their suggestions or services are used is a personal choice of course but often just hearing an opinion can be of enlightening.

Roger Jones - Enlisting the help of a professional who's expertise you feel confident in is always the best way to get a job done in the shortest amount of time and with the least complication!

Tony Joe - Do not hire a designer based on low price. Select someone with a proven track record, practical knowledge, a portfolio of recent work and a list of glowing testimonials. In other words, hire Ivan Meade!

Before & After Spring Bay – Meade Design Group

Brenda Russell

www.brendarussell.ca

Roger Jones

www.jonescompany.net

Tony Joe

www.tonyjoe.ca

Saturday, 28 March 2009

Is it wise to invest money in your home during these economic times? Part 2/3

I feel really encouraged after reading the comments from our readers in the first portion of this post. The comments definitely reflect the reality of our industry and where we are now as a society.

Here is the second part of the entry.

Iván Meade - Does colour play an important part when buyers are viewing your home?

Brenda Russell - Absolutely. Human beings have colour vision and they respond to the colours around them. The colours in a room can make you happy, uncomfortable, relaxed or jumpy as well as making the room seem larger or smaller or open or closed.

Roger Jones - Definitely - certain colours can be completely off-putting to a prospective buyer while others create an environment in which the buyer can envision their own lifestyle.

Tony Joe - Yes. Bold colours can often lead to distraction from the other positive attributes of the home so selecting a palate which is current and tasteful yet neutral are important. Remember to play for a large audience, not a small one.

Before & After Wilson Penthouse – Meade Design Group

Iván Meade - What is the most popular architectural and interior design styles in homes right now?

Brenda Russell - Eco - consciousness. Modular. Interiors are clean lined and uncluttered. On the other hand, there are places like Oak Bay where there are still a great many traditional style homes with comfy and inviting interiors.

Roger Jones - Clean, uncluttered lines and quality finishes and fixtures are always in style - the richness of dark wood (flooring and cabinetry) continues to be popular.

Tony Joe - Angular surfaces, glass elements in back splashes and counters, industrial themed lighting and plumbing fixtures. Owners and builders are incorporating more and more sustainable green aspects to homes today.

Before & After Shoal Point – Meade Design Group

Iván Meade - Do you think they will have longevity?

Brenda Russell - Well, the Buddhists say that nothing lasts so in the larger philosophical sense I guess that is the way of all things but Traditional is called that for a reason and the planet is demanding that we pay attention to the environment so I think they are here to stay. As for interior designs, comfort, simplicity and style always dictate. Luckily just how to do that seems to know no bounds in terms of creativity so we can always spruce up the cave.

Roger Jones - With the trends toward more streamlined living spaces and greater quality, well organized and uncluttered interior spaces will stand the test of time. As far as flooring and other materials, we should continue to see all kinds of great new sustainable products for the home which are both good for the environment and help to promote a healthy home environment.

Tony Joe - Since there appears to be some degree of ‘retro’ in texture and shapes, I believe so. It’s amazing how the architectural designs and construction of the 80s and early 90s have not aged well at all.

Before & After Meade Design Group Studio

Iván Meade - When is it the right decision to improve rather than move and vice versa? Whether it be adding square footage, the ability to rent space or just changing materials.

Brenda Russell - There is no formula unless you are a developer or something. For regular citizens a home is a very complex emotional center as well as often being the largest asset and liability a person has. As a home it gives you safety and security and warmth and comfort and history. Dealing with it takes money and a bank and business thinking. Living in it takes love.

Roger Jones - A home owner basically must consider what investment is required in order to make the necessary improvements to the property and then determine realistically whether the end result will justify that investment. Will the home be worth the sum of the current market value plus renovation costs? Are you able to increase the usable living space of the home by enough to warrant an addition or significant renovation? Does the rest of the neighbourhood justify the type of improvements being considered?

Tony Joe - Location here is key. Oftentimes a move cannot replicate a fantastic location so renovation in such cases is beneficial. Just be careful not to improve beyond what can be sustained in the immediate vicinity.
Increasing square footage is traditionally the only true way to add value to a home.

Before & After Wessex – Meade Design Group

Please stay tuned for part 3 coming soon.

Brenda Russell

www.brendarussell.ca

Roger Jones

www.jonescompany.net

Tony Joe

www.tonyjoe.ca

Friday, 27 March 2009

Is it wise to invest money in your home during these economic times? Part 1/3

As principal designer of Meade Design Group I am often asked how certain choices my clients make for their homes will affect their home’s value. I always try to stay up-to-date with changes in the real estate market and popular trends with homeowners.

I decided homeowners such as my blog followers may be interested in this information as well; and during a time of economic uncertainty it is always good to know that the money you are investing in your home will be a wise choice.

I wanted to take my questions to the experts so I asked my favourite local realtors in Victoria B.C. Canada to give me their insight on the relationship between designers and the housing market. Our panel includes:

Brenda Russell

Brenda has been a realtor since 1990, specializing in the Fairfield/Oak Bay area and is also a registered relocation specialist. The proof is in her sales: she has been the recipient of the Award of Excellence 5 out of 7 consecutive years, this award means that she is in the top percentile of sales within Vancouver Island, Royal LePage. She is not only accessible, but she is the most pleasant and warm individual one can imagine, we were so pleased to help her create her new image in 2007.

http://www.brendarussell.ca/

Roger Jones

Roger's career as a Real Estate Salesperson began in 2000 and has been driven almost exclusively by repeat and referral based business. Being a consistent MLS sales award winner and having grown up in Victoria, he has the local market expertise to help facilitate his clients' real estate related goals. Roger understands that every buyer or seller is unique and recognizes the importance of providing highly responsive service in building ongoing relationships with his clientele.

http://www.jonescompany.net/

Tony Joe

A very active member of the Victoria Real Estate Board, Tony was born and raised in Victoria and knows his market well. A multiple award winner with RE/MAX, Tony has been practicing real estate since 1991 and has the sales and testimonials to prove his knowledge and success. Tony’s professionalism and easy-going personality makes each client’s real estate transaction a breeze. We were lucky enough to work with Tony on the interior design of his own home in 2006.

http://www.tonyjoe.ca/

Iván Meade - Do you feel that any money a client invests in their homes is money well spent?

Brenda Russell - This is a difficult question because it depends so much on where and when the money is spent so I would have to say that my answer would be no.

Roger Jones - There are definitely rules that determine where money ought to be spent - consider local market factors (an outdoor swimming pool or air conditioning might be considered to add little value or even to be a liability in a climate such as ours, yet it is considered essential by many prospective buyers in Palm Springs). Also consider whether the renovation is strictly for resale or whether it is to increase your own enjoyment during your ownership of the property - most people will likely find that their position lies somewhere in between.

Tony Joe - This depends where. Swimming pools and other lifestyle upgrades are poor investments, as are overly unique or expensive fixtures. An owner cannot expect to upgrade certain items, enjoy them and hope that a prospective buyer has the same appreciation for them.

Before & After Kona Residence - Meade Design Group

Iván Meade - If your answer is no, where do you think it is most important to invest or upgrade?

Brenda Russell - Buyers like to see all the latest trends such as granite counter tops in the kitchen or a spa tub in the bath or the latest wall colours or flooring. To what extent is a matter of budget and the times. A lovingly cared for home shows stability and good maintenance, a bit of style gives it taste and pizzazz and comfort.

Roger Jones - Fresh paint, wood flooring and kitchens and bathrooms (whether a complete renovation or a simple 'face lift') continue to be the higher return areas of the home from an investment point of view.

Tony Joe - Sound investments are increasing liveable area, kitchens and baths, flooring and colours.

Before & After Maple Bay - Meade Design Group

Iván Meade - Do you see value in bringing an interior designer into one of your clients homes for resale purposes?

Brenda Russell - I have upon several occasions seen the aesthetic value in using a designer to make even a few minor changes which have resulted in making a noticeable difference in the look and feel of a place. Even when it's something simple like a matter of un-cluttering or a photo grouping or furniture placement or a throw pillow here and there, the liveability of a room or area or house is suddenly highlighted and its potential is easier for a buyer to see.

Roger Jones - Definitely - particularly in a strong buyer's market such as we are currently experiencing. There is a lot of inventory for prospective buyers to choose from, so any way in which a homeowner can differentiate their property and make it really stand out (in a good way, of course!) could be of significant benefit.

Tony Joe - Most definitely, I recommend it often. Homes are very personal in nature and oftentimes a seller may be attached to themes or tones which may detract from the selling process, thereby resulting in either an extended or lower value sale.

Before & After Maple Bay - Meade Design Group

Iván Meade - What are the 3 biggest changes a designer can help your clients do to improve the value of your home?

Brenda Russell - A theme. A style. A specialness.

Roger Jones
1. Helping to create a consistent look throughout the home
2. Helping with organization and the elimination of 'clutter'
3. Assisting with appropriate colour selections.

Tony Joe
1. Colours. Having an expert help with colour selection is an excellent idea and often inexpensive relative to other upgrades
2. Kitchen and baths. Unfortunately pricey renovations but here’s where the money goes a long way. Don’t renovate them to sell- you should at least enjoy them for a while before moving.
3. Exterior approach. There’s nothing like ownership pride when pulling up the driveway of your own home. Very helpful during resale as well.

Before & After Shoal Point - Meade Design Group

Please stay tuned for parts 2 and 3 coming soon.

Monday, 23 March 2009

In Conversation with Joost van Bleiswijk

JVB Joost van Bleiswijk

Joost Van Bleiswijk has a great eye for shape and form, he designs pieces with a great respect for traditional techniques and craftsmanship. Joost shares a studio with our previous interviewee, Kiki Van Eijk in the Netherlands where they share ideas that form beautifully created pieces of furniture, art and accessories. Kiki and Joost both graduated from the Design Academy Eindhoven in 2001.

Joost's website www.projectjoost.com is full of fabulous works of art as well as information about the designer and a great news section. To learn more please see our interview below...

Iván Meade - What was your first experience with design?

Joost van Bleiswijk – My father, Dick van Bleiswijk, was an arts teacher at a high school in my hometown Delft.

I remember going to the school with him in the weekends and pickup or arrange something. The smell of the workshop and the whole atmosphere of creativity was intoxicating to me. At home me and my brothers were encouraged to be creative in all kind of ways. We had a special room where we could work with wood, clay etc.

Later when I went to the design academy in Eindhoven, I was able to use my skills in making, and solving problems in a technical way because of all these years of handicraft, laying with lego and building huts in the woods.

I think my designs are a logical step after all this previous things, still a boy playing and making.

Joost van Bleiswijk - High Cabinet XL -Polished Stainless Steel - No Screw No Glue

Iván Meade - Who or what has influenced your style?

Joost van Bleiswijk - I’m mainly influenced by the history of architecture and design ( or crafts and art pieces) from the earliest time till about the beginning of previous century. I never look to what other designer do, to what trends are or what is said to be cool.

I try to be original in the source of inspiration and therefore I prefer a book about the treasures of Tsar Peter the Great, than the newest flashy design book.

Joost van Bleiswijk - Steel Desk - Polished Stainless Steel - No Screw No Glue

Iván Meade - How would you describe your style?

Joost van Bleiswijk - I don’t like to describe my style. I don’t design in styles, but in dogmas of creation. The compose project are just block of wood, fixed in place by pewter. This results in a limitation of possibilities. Also the single-cut vases where I draw a vase shape on a piece of cardboard, where I fold this line after, is a dogmatic way of getting to shape. Probably the most well-known is the no screw no glue method, where sometimes hundreds of little parts slot in one and other without welds, screws etc, is just a way of designing, in witch I force myself to stretch the method to limits.

Where I don’t care about stule, It’s other described as art deco, modern classics etc.

Personally I don’t really care.

Joost van Bleiswijk - Jars – Ceramic

Iván Meade - I love your quote "The greatest trend should be the absence of a trend", could you please elaborate on this concept?

Joost van Bleiswijk - If you would design following trends, you would be to late, not original and it would be boring for yourself.

If you would decorate your house according to the latest trend, you would have to change it each year.

If you come up with a trend, you just tell people what they should buy because money has to be made.

If we would all design, create and buy in a personal and original way, a more sustainable, ecologic and personal world arises.

Just like in the old days where people had their dresser made by the carpenter for life….

Joost van Bleiswijk - Game Table – Macassar Ebony Veneer

Iván Meade - What books are currently on your bedside or coffee table?

Joost van Bleiswijk - An original Russian pocket encyclopedia with beautiful drawings, from the early fifties, and the large version of Taschen’s ‘from the library of Sir William Hamilton’ . In this book, beautiful fold outs, technical drawings etc of classical vases and amphora's can be found….

Joost van Bleiswijk - Vases - Hand Polished Stainless Steel

Iván Meade - What are you excited about right now in the world of design? Are there any new materials that you can't wait to work with?

Joost van Bleiswijk - In this crises period i\I would like in the contrast. I’m planning to work with 24k gold plating, but also with concrete.

I don’t get so much inspired with materials, but each project asks for a specific approach and finish.

Joost van Bleiswijk -Steel Chair - Polished Stainless Steel - No Screw No Glue

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

Joost van Bleiswijk - To slowly create a large collection, and keep on adding more pieces. I try to approach design as telling stories about my fascinations, and ways of working. Not in a teaching way, but in natural and evolutionary way. I only design to finish the ideas in my head. The advantage of being a self producing designer, is that very rarely I have to please anyone. In this way, I can be expressive as I want. Having earned credits for the outcome of this way of working, I’m now asked to come up with surprising and uncompromising designs….

Joost van Bleiswijk - Compose Amphora - Polished Pewter, Solid Wenge

Iván Meade - What would be your dream project?

Joost van Bleiswijk - I think that’s also a matter of evolution of the process, more projects etc.

By the time a large projects has been finished, you might already feel different about it..

But for now I would say the dream project would involve more architecture, more autonomy, and a larger scale.

I think scale is a very important aspect of design.

Joost van Bleiswijk - "My 15 Minutes of Fame "- Polished Stainless Steel + Hour Glass

Iván Meade - What is your next design venture?

Joost van Bleiswijk - Keep checking my news section.

First the opening of our new studio in February (a giant old Philips factory transferred into the ideal design studio)

Joost van Bleiswijk - Nothing Studio

Milan fair (no solo this year, but on more than one place you’ll find new works) Rotterdam, Rome, Osaka Japan, Paris at Gallery Revolts (it’s new, you should check it out)

And I think I forget a lot.

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?

Joost van Bleiswijk - That the works I create now, are not been thrown away by the time I die, and maybe long after….

Joost van Bleiswijk - With Me - Candle Holder XL - Polished Stainless Steel

Saturday, 21 March 2009

Eye Candy of the Week - Set of 2 Bookends by Andrée Putman

PRODUCT
Set of 2 Bookends

SERIES
Vertigo

DESIGNER
Andrée Putman

MANUFACTURE
Christofle Paris

MATERIAL
Sterling Silver

DESCRIPTION
Silver sculptures that embrace your most prized literary works.

YUMMY FACTOR
C'est exquis !

Thursday, 19 March 2009

The Best Patterned Silks

Today I am excited to feature my favourite selections for one of the most luxurious textiles known to mankind - silk. One of my personal mantras is that natural materials will never go out of style and will always look elegant and lavish. Silk is no exception. God bless the little worms that work their little non-existent bums off to give us this beautiful, natural fabric!

All fabrics are available through Meade Design Group - Purchase during the month of March, 2009 and save 20% on your order.

Which one is your favourite?