Style at Home – Shop Etc Victoria

 

If you are wondering what my favourite shops are in Victoria you must rush out to buy the July issue of Style at Home out on news stands.

 

You can find the article “Shop-Etc” [page 112] in which I wrote about some of the best interior design shops in Victoria, BC.

 

 

I am very pleased to see my article and shop selections being presented in such a beautiful and elegant way by one of the top design magazines in the country. The team at Style at Home were phenomenal with their guidance. A big “THANK YOU” to Julia Armstrong for her support and patience.

 

I am not only promoting the magazine because I appear as a guest writer. The magazine also has stunning content like the notes from editor Erin McLaughin “An Unexpected Adventure” - totally worth reading. The article "Painted Ladies" features Martha Stewart, Margot Austin and Sarah Richardson and their colour selections for the summer (Margot Austin selections are my favourite). Also worth reading is an article featuring Carlos Mota – One of the best Stylist in the Interior Design World. The Donna Hay recipes for Semifreddo look very yummy – I can’t wait to prepare the Mint Chocolate Cookie Crush Semifreddo. Filled with beautiful images and decorating ideas I ensure you its a great issue that will give you much reading pleasure - especially my article - page 112.

 

Happy Sunday Reading!

MEADE DESIGN GROUP - THE BLOG. Copyright 2007-2011

Eye Candy of the Week – Dessin by Catherine Memmi

 

 

PRODUCT

Luminaires

Lampes et Lampadaires

Dessin

 

DESIGNER

Catherine Memmi

 

MATERIAL

Chrome

 

DESCRIPTION

I love the simplicity and the clean lines of this elegant light fixture. This lamp collection was designed by one of favourite French designers Madame Catherine Memmi. 

 

This is what I like to call “quite-elegance”.

 

I highly recommend you to visit Catherine Memmi’s website.  Her site is worth the visit.

 

YUMMY FACTOR

Sweet !!!

 

MEADE DESIGN GROUP - THE BLOG. Copyright 2007-2011

In Conversation with Dale Kosowan

Dale Kosowan

 

I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Dale Kosowan at one of my dear friend Patricia Gray’s blogging parties. I am blown away by his insight on hospitality design - he not only has an amazing talent for creating beautiful hotel spaces, but also for scouting them out world-wide; his blog “HD Inspirations”, features stunning hotels from around the globe that are incredibly stylish and (as his blog promises,) inspirational.

 

Dale graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Manitoba’s FIDER Accredited Interior Design program, and is currently an associate with one of Vancouver’s top architectural/interior design firms in hospitality design. He has had over 11 years of experience in Canada, the US, and even China. In addition to a multitude of boutique hotels, Dale has had the opportunity to work with big name clients such as Delta, Westin, Sheraton, Hyatt, Fairmont and Hilton Hotels. His designs are beautiful and well thought out, you can tell that Dale’s work is certainly his passion.

 

Dale’s work has not gone unnoticed; he has been the recipient of several awards including honours from IDIBC (Interior Designers Institute of British Columbia) and IDA (Interior Designers of Alberta), not to mention his features in Calgary Magazine, Western Hotelier Magazine, and Hotelier Magazine. Not to mention the prestige that comes with his very well maintained blog; he has been studiously posting away since 2007.

 

Please read on to learn more about this talented designer…

 

Iván Meade – What was your first experience with design?

 

Dale Kosowan - I remember when I was about 8 or 9, I'd watch ruruns of "I Dream of Jeannie" on TV after school, and then afterwards I'd start sketching out new bottle layouts for Jeannie.  I remember thinking her bottle was so cramped that she could use some extra storage space as well a new color scheme involving way less pink and purple!  I now know that was a very obvious sign that I entered the right field.

 

Design Concept by Dale Kosowan

 

Iván Meade – Who or what has influenced your style?

 

Dale Kosowan - My first boss in the industry, the late Ms. Delcy Walker, was a huge influence on my design aesthetic.  As a new graduate venturing out into the design world, she not only taught me the basics such as proportion and scale, but also how to challenge the rules and to always think a little bit outside the box.

 

Interior Design by Dale Kosowan

 

Iván Meade – How would you describe your style?

 

Dale Kosowan - When it comes to project work, the "style" is my best interpretation of the style requested from the clients, who often have definite ideas of their own.  Each project can vary tremendously, and I have come up with designs from very fussy traditional to very minimal and contemporary.  My personal style is contemporary, with traditional infusion.  I love punches of warm colour and pattern mixed with cool, neutral backdrops.

 

Interior Design by Dale Kosowan

 

Iván Meade – What is your design philosophy?

 

Dale Kosowan - Keep it simple, keep it uncluttered, and let beautiful materials speak for themselves. 

Interior Design by Dale Kosowan

 

Iván Meade – Who is Dale Kosowan? (Outside of being Dale Kosowan – the designer)

 

Dale Kosowan - I'm not one of those over the top, Diva, designer type personalities.  I'm actually a fairly shy and quiet person who enjoys simple times with family and friends.  I love to paint (abstract art), go for long walks on the Seawall here in Vancouver, travel, metaphysical study, and going shopping in my spare time.

 

Iván Meade – Have you ever forayed into another facet of design?

 

Dale Kosowan – As part of interior design, I've been lucky to be able to design custom furniture pieces, graphics, custom fabric and carpets, and signage.  But outside of interior design, I have not had the opportunity yet.

 

Interior Design by Dale Kosowan

 

Iván Meade – What have you found to be the most challenging part about hospitality design, and what to be the most rewarding?

 

Dale Kosowan - The worst part about hospitality design is the long project schedules and often tight budgets passed down from corporate headquarters.  Long project schedules mean that you don't' see the completion of your project sometimes years later, and tight budgets really limit you to certain materials and vendors.  At the same time these challenges stretch your creativity, so that it is also rewarding is to see projects can be successful after all the work and changes you've endured along the way.

 

Interior Design by Dale Kosowan

 

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

 

Dale Kosowan - Clashing colour combinations.  Ugly Pretty (as Tyra Banks of America's Next Top Model) would call it.

 

Interior Design by Dale Kosowan

 

Iván Meade – What would be your dream project?

 

Dale Kosowan - A high end, fashion forward and avant garde boutique hotel in a big, cosmopolitan city like New York or Mexico City where I can push the limits of what is traditionally considered "normal".

 

Interior Design by Dale Kosowan

 

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

 

Dale Kosowan - Believe it or not, it was the Hotel Indigo Pittsburgh concepts we came up with, which was a project that was actually cancelled last year due to the recession.  It was the first time a client had embraced such strong color, pattern, and design recommendations.  We had designed a glowing behive inspired ceiling in the lobby lounge with multi coloured stretch nylon poufs randomly scattered about, and back lit hot pink chain link drapery behind a paisley upholstered curvy banquette.  It would have been truly outrageous.

 

Interior Design by Dale Kosowan

 

Iván Meade – What is the best advice (design related or otherwise) that you have ever received?

 

Dale Kosowan - Of the three (Value, Time, and Quality) you can only have 2 without sacrificing the third. 

 

 

Design Concept by Dale Kosowan

 

Iván Meade – What are 3 things you each can’t live without?

 

Dale Kosowan - My family (husband and 2 dogs), chocolate, and my iphone

 

Design Concept by Dale Kosowan

 

Iván Meade – What is your next design venture?

 

Dale Kosowan - I'm currently working on the design of some meeting and ballroom spaces at two different hotels in downtown Vancouver, as well as a large renovation to a shopping mall, and a very modern, architecturally design vacation home in Whistler.

 

Interior Design by Dale Kosowan

 

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?

 

Dale Kosowan - As a selfish wish, I would love one of the hotels I've designed to make it to one of the exclusive "must go to" hotel lists, like Hip Hotels or Design Hotels or Conde Nast Top 100.  As a more inclusive legacy, I would just hope that I can design as many spaces (rooms, restaurants, lobbies, etc.) as possible so that guests have positive and memorable experiences in them.

 

I invite you to follow Dale’s blog at:

 

MEADE DESIGN GROUP - THE BLOG. Copyright 2007-2011

I’m Late For Dinner! - Benavides y Camino

 

 

Installation by Benavides y Camino

 

One of my very first entries on my blog back in 2007 was about the re-discovery of my very talented furniture designer relatives from Spain.   - THE DESIGN GENE

 

Phillippine and Inés are the creative minds behind Benavides y Camino. Their talent has been proved over the years and they have become a strong design force in Europe.  With a voice of their own and a dialogue through their designs today Benavides y Camino is sending a new and evocative message.  Always thinking forward; their furniture pieces are ahead of their time, but yet they have a memorable and timeless quality.

 

This morning I received an email from Inés in which they were presenting this installation for the prestigious “Casa Decor”  show home hosted in an XVIII century palace in downtown Madrid.  The 12,000 sq ft residence was completely revamped by 120 design professionals and over 300 exhibitors.  This is the 43rd edition that designers have been asked to redecorate a space in “Casa Decor” and it is one of the most important design events in Spain.

 

Their colourful interpretation of the servant's quarters was created in only five days and it is truly unique and original.

 

Entitled “I’m late for dinner” this installation contains hand painted murals of the butler, the daughter and the home owner which bring the space to life.  All of the pieces are part of Benavides y Camino’s new collection (aside from the antique stove).

 

 

Philippine, Inés & Ana

 

Since my last post Ana, another cousin has joined the team.  I was very excited to see her picture. Ana is the only relative I have had the opportunity to meet in person on that side of the family.  I have great memories about her and I going thorough the markets of Mexico and giving her a tour of my home town.

 

I am the proudest and furthest away relative that they have.

 

I invite you to visit their website and support their work at:

 

MEADE DESIGN GROUP - THE BLOG. Copyright 2007-2011

In Conversation with Donna Livingston

Donna Livingston

Donna Livingston, principal of Donna Livingston Design, has just been dubbed one of Architectural Digest’s “The New AD100” for the fourth consecutive time – just one of many testaments to her 30 years of success in the design industry.

Donna grew up in Louisville Kentucky and got her big break when she earned a contract with The Bren Company, designing model homes in Southern California. These days she is one of the most requested interior designers for luxury homes in Los Angeles; known for her combinations of Asian, European and contemporary designs. Ms. Livingston prides herself in her “standards of creativity, attention to detail, high quality and architectural integrity”, she also shares her wealth of knowledge and experience with colleagues, giving seminars in Japan and at the well-known Pacific Design Center in Los Angeles.

Vignette by Donna Livingston

You may also recognize Donna from a plethora of appearances in the media; in addition to her many appearances in Architectural Digest, she has also been features on HGTV’S “Homes across America” and the popular radio program “Living Large”. She has also been the recipient of the esteemed “Golden Nugget Award”. Ms. Livingston has also created a line of beautiful custom furniture that perfectly encapsulate her sought after style, including case goods, upholstery and even stemware.

Donna is not only a great designer, but a great person. She is an avid donor advocate and fundraiser for the Concern Foundation, a non-profit organization that was developed to raise funds for cancer research; she was even honoured at the 2009 Block Party event held by the foundation.

Vignette by Donna Livingston

I greatly enjoy Donna Livingston’s blog as well, it is personal, fun and informative; she is relatively new to the world of social media but I think is off to a really great start!

Please read on to learn more about Ms. Livingston and her design point of view…

Iván Meade - What is your design philosophy?

Donna Livingston - My style is a combination of European, Asian and Contemporary design. I always find a key element that is the inspiration for the entire project, whether it’s a Chinese embroidered silk screen or an old world antique chandelier. After that, everything else comes into focus and starts to develop into the full picture.

Interiors by Donna Livingston

Iván Meade - You have had many successful years in design, are there any design trends that you never want to see again? Maybe some you think should return?

Donna Livingston -

a. South western style

b. The color Mauve

c. 50s sofas upholstered in chartreuse fabric

Interiors by Donna Livingston

Iván Meade - You have been included in Architectural Digest many times, including 4 consecutive times on the New AD100 – what do you feel sets you apart and keeps them coming back for more?

Donna Livingston - I’m honoured to be included in such esteemed company. Having my worked featured in the magazine has been one of the highlights of my career.

Interiors by Donna Livingston

Iván Meade – Often time designers have other creative hobbies, you also have an art history background – do you partake in any creative pastimes?

Donna Livingston - Actually I was an English major and I got my first break designing model homes for the Bren company. This past summer, I visited the Victoria & Albert Museum in London. I think it’s so important to look at historical works of art for inspiration.

Interiors by Donna Livingston

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

Donna Livingston - Technology. I have been using the Crestron Home Operating System for several years now. It is marvellous how it incorporates the operation of lighting, A/V, window shades, security, HVAC and internet all from one keypad. It can also be operated remotely when the client is away from home.

Interiors by Donna Livingston

Iván Meade - What would be your dream project?

Donna Livingston -Every project is a dream as long as you have the right team.

Interiors by Donna Livingston

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

Donna Livingston - I designed and renovated my own home – a John Woolf Hollywood Regency style – last year. I selected the combination of colors and materials, every finish, piece of art and furniture. Everything was about small details. It’s wonderful to have the opportunity to live in a home that I designed.

Interiors by Donna Livingston

Iván Meade - What is the best advice (design related or otherwise) that you have ever received?

Donna Livingston - Trust your gut instincts. It’s a common piece of advice but there is nothing better.

Interiors by Donna Livingston

Iván Meade - What are 3 things you can’t live without?

Donna Livingston - My DLD team. My health. My friends.

Vignette by Donna Livingstone

Iván Meade - What is your next design venture?

Donna Livingston - I’m launching a line of custom home furnishings that reflect my signature style. I’m still passionate about Asian artefacts and antiques but this collection also embodies a 40s French Moderne aesthetic. Every piece is designed to be the focal point that inspires the look and feel of the rest of the room.

Interiors by Donna Livingston

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?

Donna Livingston - I am as proud of my charitable work as I am of my work in design. So I’ll use this space to advocate for two causes that are close to my heart. The Concern Foundation funds cancer research worldwide. In the past 40 years, the Foundation has raised well over $41 million dollars to cultivate the expertise of outstanding young investigators and to sustain the progress in prevention and treatment of cancer.

I am also on the Board of Directors of Jazz Aspen Snowmass which presents and preserves jazz, American and popular music through world-class festivals, performances and education programs including scholarships, school and summer camp programs.

Finally charities for underprivileged children like Children Uniting Nations are also very important to me.

I invite you to visit Donna Livingston’s stunning body of work at:

MEADE DESIGN GROUP - THE BLOG. Copyright 2007-2011

Eye Candy of the Week – Avonmouth Embroidery Wallpaper by Carl Robinson

 

Avonmouth Embroidery Wallpaper

 

 

 

 

PRODUCT

Avonmouth Embroidery Wallpaper

 

DESIGNER

Carl Robinson

 

REPEAT

66 cm

 

ROLL LENGTH

68 cm X 10 m (sold by the lineal yard)

 

PATTERN NUMBERS

CB11903, Cream

CB11905, Stone/Taupe

CB11908, Rust

 

DESCRIPTION

This is perhaps one of the most exquisite luxury wallpapers I have seen.  I love the scale and the elegant design.  It is one of those wallpapers that will be timeless and unique because it has an embroidered detail rather than just print.

 

I took some close ups so you can appreciate the detail and the texture in the paper.

 

YUMMY FACTOR

Sumptuous !!!

 

Available in Canada through Meade Design Group

MEADE DESIGN GROUP - THE BLOG. Copyright 2007-2011

In Conversation with Darrin Cohen

  Darrin Cohen

 

I discovered Darrin Cohen’s work through the marvels of social networking. I was so pleased when he offered to do an interview for our blog, and greatly looked forward to knowing more about the man behind his great designs.

 

In 1989 Darrin acquired his Bachelor of Fine Arts from a combination of schooling at Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture and Design in Chicago and University of Illinois. He is very passionate about design as one can see in his varied careers over the years: Interior Designer, Graphic Designer, Trivia Game Designer, and Marketing Consultant. He seems to have found his niche with his current company, established in 2000, Darrin Cohen Design and sister company, Darrin Cohen Fine Art. His website describes his services as “photography, painting, graphic art, illustration and the construction of interior, exterior, public and private spaces”.

 

Upon browsing his interior design portfolio I discovered that Darrin’s spaces are clean and elegant, but not without unexpected elements such as his artwork, an interesting light fixture or a unique material. His spaces are collectively warm and comfortable looking without relinquishing that crisp feeling. Mr. Cohen’s artwork is equally impressive. His pieces are as varied in technique as they are in subject matter – he tries everything with great success. I highly suggest reviewing his portfolio to see which works strike you.

 

Please read on to learn more about this talented designer/artist…

 

Iván Meade – What was your first experience with design?

 

Darrin Cohen - When I was young my parents bought a house in Rosedale in Toronto and tore it down to build a custom home. I helped my parents design their home from the ground up.

 

Interiors by Darrin Cohen

 

Iván Meade – Who or what has influenced your style?

 

Darrin Cohen - I have not been influenced by one person or event in my life but rather by my surroundings at any given moment. I am always inspired by architecture and find traveling to new cities very inspiring. I am a very detail oriented person so I try to pay attention to details when I travel and incorporate them into my designs.

 

Interiors by Darrin Cohen

 

Iván Meade – How would you describe your style?

 

Darrin Cohen - Warm modern with a nod to traditional. Comfortable and contemporary with colour accents.

 

Interiors by Darrin Cohen

 

Iván Meade – What is your design philosophy?

 

Darrin Cohen - My philosophy is very simple. Listen to your clients and pay attention to details. Good design is like storytelling – it’s all in the editing. It is the details that make a space unique.

 

Interiors by Darrin Cohen

 

Iván Meade – Your fine art is very diverse – what is your favourite medium and/or subject matter?

 

Darrin Cohen - I love photography because it is immediate and the camera never lies – it captures things you miss with the naked eye. I also like to paint and create mixed media pieces. I don’t have a favourite subject matter – I think art can be created from anything that inspires you.

 

FIne Photography by Darrin Cohen

 

Iván Meade – You have many different collections in your fine arts portfolio, many of them have content and colour combinations that show no fear whereas your interiors are much more subdued and calm – both are very beautiful in their own way, is there a reason for the different approach you take to your fine art and your interiors?

 

Darrin Cohen - When I am designing for clients, they often dictate the direction the project takes. Even if they don’t express it specifically, I am always listening and trying to find the details that will lead me in the right direction. That being said, I believe that a home should have a sense of calm and, most of all, should be comfortable. While the overall design may be subdued, I will often use a pop of colour as an accent.

 

When I am creating art, I am free to explore without restrictions or reservations. My surroundings, a life experience or the way I feel at a given moment can all have an effect on the direction I take. The release of this creative energy can be both relaxing and an enlightening journey.

 

Fine Photography by Darrin Cohen

 

Iván Meade – Our career paths are very similar, branching out into several facets of design; which facet of design is your favourite and why?

 

Darrin Cohen - For me, design comes in many forms. Whether it’s an item of clothing, a car, a piece of art, a building, a film, or even a plate of beautifully presented food, I see design. I love it all, so there isn’t one facet of design that I prefer. I appreciate it in all its manifestations.

 

Interiors by Darrin Cohen

 

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

 

Darrin Cohen - I am most excited about how the world has started to appreciate and embrace design in all aspects of life. Design has always been around us but never more appreciated.

 

Interiors by Darrin Cohen

 

Iván Meade – What would be your dream project?

 

Darrin Cohen - To design my own line of products, fabrics and wall coverings, combining my fine art and commercial design sense.

 

When working on a design project, there are often obstacles or sacrifices to be made because you can’t find that special piece – creating custom products would solve this challenge for me.

 

Interiors by Darrin Cohen

 

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

 

Darrin Cohen - Every design project gives me satisfaction and I learn something from every project – about myself and about others.

 

Working with different people all the time gives me insight into what makes us all unique. If I can educate a client about design in the course of a project, it is a great sense of satisfaction for me.

 

I think the project that gave me the most satisfaction was designing a house for a good friend of mine. It is wonderful to be there for dinner and to watch them entertain and truly enjoy the spaces that we created together.

 

Interiors by Darrin Cohen

 

Iván Meade – What is the best advice (design related or otherwise) that you have ever received?

 

Darrin Cohen - I have been given so much great advice over the years, but one that stands out is – if you are about to get frustrated or say something you don’t really mean, stop and think about it, don’t react. In the end, you will always make a better decision.

 

Interiors by Darrin Cohen

 

Iván Meade – What are 3 things you each can’t live without?

 

Darrin Cohen - Family & Friends, Traveling and Exercise.

Friends, because they accept you for who you are and they don’t judge. Travelling for the insight and stimulation it always brings. Exercise for the energy and the way it makes me feel.

 

Interiors by Darrin Cohen

 

Iván Meade – What is your next design venture?

 

Darrin Cohen - This interview has really made me think a lot about my design business and has inspired me to stop talking about creating my own product line and just do it!

 

Fine Photography by Darrin Cohen

 

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?

 

Darrin Cohen - Thank you so much!

 

If I had a legacy, it would want people to remember me as a designer who appreciated all aspects of design and always tried to enlighten and educate others about the positive effect it has on our culture. Ultimately it would be to inspire others

 

I invite you to visit Darrin Cohen’s stunning body of work at:

 

MEADE DESIGN GROUP - THE BLOG. Copyright 2007-2011