BC Home – game PLAN

 

 

Today you must rush out to buy the latest issue of BC Home (October/November) out on news stands.  The reason being that our project in Maple Bay has been featured! Yaaaaaay!

 

 

You can find the article “Game Plan” [page 37].  Under the section: Extreme Renos featuring this fantastic renovation. The space used to be a volley ball court inside of this seasonal home where Meade Design Group  created a set of functional spaces maximizing the clients needs to have more space for sleep-overs and a very generous media room.

 

The majority of the furnishings were custom which make the space even more unique.

 

 

We were very pleased to see our Maple Bay project being presented in such a beautiful end elegant way in this issue of BC Home.   The text by Andrew Findlay  describes our project and our clients experience to a T and Jo-Ann Richards photography is stunning as always.

 

 

This project also caught the attention of the producers of HGTV, which named the space one of the 10 games rooms in North America. It was featured in their show named HGTV Top Ten – You can see the videos under our media section on our website, and if you want to see more photographs of this project check out our website interior section under Maple Bay.

 

MEADE DESIGN GROUP - THE BLOG. Copyright 2007-2011

Eye Candy of the Week – Pippa Collection by Hermès

 

Pippa by Hermès – Folding Console

 

Pippa by Hermès– Folding Arm Chair

 

Pippa Collection by Hermès / Details – Dovetail Joint

 

Pippa Collection by Hermès / Detail – Brass

 

Pippa Collection by Hermès / Detail– Arm

 

PRODUCT

Pippa Collection

 

MANFACTURE

Hermés

 

DESIGNER

Rena Dumas

 

MATERIAL

Pear wood with satin-finish varnish, natural cowhide. Metal pieces in brass.

 

WEIGHT

Console

17.2 lbs.

Folding Arm Chair

18.3 lbs.

 

MEASURES

Console

Base measures 47.24" x 11.81" x 27.56".

Tabletop measures 48.43" x 13.19" x 0.98"

Folding Arm Chair

32.48" x 31.5" x 15.75".

 

DESCRIPTION

God is definitely in the details.  In this case the messenger of the gods or should I say the goods is Hermès. The Pippa collection was designed in 1987 by Architect Rena Dumas wife of Hermès President Jean-Louis Dumas-Hermès.  In my humble opinion this folding arm chair is the perfect directors chair – simple yet extremely elegant. 

 

A new edition of the chair has been created using crocodile leather, sterling silver, and ebony wood.  I like the look of the new design, but I am not too cool with the fact that Hermès is using real crocodile leather when you can use materials that look exactly the same and there is no animal harm.  The thought of purposely breeding and killing crocodiles for the leather makes me a bit sick.  I think Hermès doesn’t need to use exotic leather to make beautiful products.  They could definitely be leaders in the industry showcasing this fact.  Hermès here is my advice - Never is too late for a change of mind. 

 

With this entry I am celebrating the original design not the materials. 

 

YUMMY FACTOR

Cest Magnifique!!!

MEADE DESIGN GROUP - THE BLOG. Copyright 2007-2011

In Conversation with Kelly Hoppen

Kelly Hoppen

 

You can't even have a design conversation without the mention of Kelly Hoppen nowadays; Since starting her business at sixteen and a half years old, the British Designer has created an empire for herself including not only her design services, but also a retail shop where she designs rugs, fabrics, paint, ceramics, shutters and bath fixtures… oh, and did I mention that she is also an author? For heaven's sake, this woman is so accomplished, she even received an MBE from the Queen in 2009!

 

Tailored, refined, simple, classic, crisp, luxurious, sophisticated, opulent… all are words that come to mind when asked about Kelly's designs. She runs the gambit from residential, commercial, architectural, hospitality, yacht and product design - she has even designed the interior for the first class of British Airways! Of course, each project is different but they all seem to share an aesthetic that is uniquely Kelly Hoppen; featuring clean lines and soft palettes with accents of antiques, colour or texture.

 

Kelly is so good at what she does that she even has her very own design school, "Kelly Hoppen Design School" is located in her studio at Notting Hill. Students are able to catch a glimpse of Kelly's design process and learn several of her trade secrets and sources. If you can't afford to fly to England to study at the design school, Kelly offers great design insight in her books, "Close Up", "Kelly Hoppen Home", "Table Chic", "East Meets West", "Kelly Hoppen Style" or "In Touch". She has also been featured in countless magazines globally including Metropolitan Home, Architectural Digest, Casa, Harper's Bazaar, Elle, Instyle and Interior Design (US and Japan).

 

 

So let's get on with it!, I know you are all dying to dive in so please read on to get in on the conversation…

 

Iván Meade - What was your first experience with design?

 

Kelly Hoppen -  My first experience of design was a project for a friend of my father, I designed his kitchen, I think i was around 17 at the time.

 

Interior Design by Kelly Hoppen

 

Iván Meade - What is your approach to lifestyle and design?

 

Kelly Hoppen -  Design wants you want and love, but design using how you want to live as the inspiration rather than solely aesthetics

 

  Interior Design by Kelly Hoppen

 

Iván Meade - You always respect the traditional with a fusion of modernity.  I believe this is what makes your work stand out and remain current.  How do you achieve this?

 

Kelly Hoppen -  I have always kept true to my design principles rather than being led but a current trend, and this in turn has created the 'Hoppen' style, I want my designs to be timeless and elegant.

 

British Airways Design by Kelly Hoppen

 

Iván Meade - You have accomplished something very unique in the interior design world creating a strong, extremely well recognized and beautiful signature style - In this same manner your style keeps evolving - How or where do you find your inspiration?

 

Kelly Hoppen -  My inspiration comes from my down time, when I am relaxing it just comes to me. 

 

Yacht Design by Kelly Hoppen

 

Iván Meade - You are also known as the "Queen of Taupe" - Do you have a new colour in your repertoire that is really speaking to you?

 

Kelly Hoppen -  I do not have an aversion to colour, I just feel that you should design around a base of neutrals that will not date your home and then accent in colour perhaps using fabrics, a star furniture piece or even art.

 

Hotel Murmuri Barcelona designed by Kelly Hoppen

 

Iván Meade - I had the pleasure of reading all your books, they are not just beautifully designed,  they also contain very valuable information.  Are you planning to write more books?

 

Kelly Hoppen -  I am currently in the final stages of writing my new design book which will be released in February.  I am also working on a business book as well as my autobiography.

 

Furniture Design by Kelly Hoppen

 

Iván Meade - How would you describe the value of design?

 

Kelly Hoppen -  I feel that design is very important, especially in the home. Home is your sanctuary, it should reflect who you are and how you live your life. It should be the most important place to you.

 

Interior Design by Kelly Hoppen

 

Iván - Which project are you most proud of?

Kelly Hoppen - My latest project for a private client, the end result is phenomenal.

 

Interior Design by Kelly Hoppen

 

Iván - Who would you like to design something for?

 

Kelly Hoppen -  Cheryl Cole, I could create the perfect nurturing sanctuary for her after everything that she has been through in the past year.

 

Interior Design by Kelly Hoppen

 

Iván Meade - What is your newest venture in design?

 

Kelly Hoppen - I am constantly trying new things, from designing my fashion range with Earth Couture, designing wall art for Graham & Brown, designing a Kelly Hoppen Boat for Pearl Yachts the list goes on!

 

Wallpaper Design by Kelly Hoppen

 

Iván Meade - You have already created a stunning body of work with many mediums and styles, what would you like your legacy to be?

 

Kelly Hoppen -  I would like to be remembered for pioneering a style, the 'Hoppen' style. For creating a way for people to live that is timeless, elegant and Taupe ;-)

 

MEADE DESIGN GROUP - THE BLOG. Copyright 2007-2011

Eye Candy of the Week – Alux by Christian Vivanco

 

 

PRODUCT

Alux Table-Lamp

 

MANFACTURE

Almerich

 

DESIGNER

Christian Vivanco

 

MATERIAL

 

WEIGHT

2.1kg/ 4.5 lbs

 

DESCRIPTION

I am so proud to introduce this really sweet eye candy of the week.  Not only because I love the design of the Alux Table/Lamp, but due to the fact that this innovative piece was designed by fellow Mexican designer Christian Vivanco. 

 

In 2009, Vivanco was selected by Wallpaper magazine as one of the top emerging young designers to follow.

 

In Mayan mythology, Alux is a creature similar to a goblin or a naughty elf that lives in the forest; clearly the cultural background of Christian Vivanco is the inspiration for this stunning light fixture.

 

Who doesn’t love the fact that Alux is the perfect solution for small spaces?  its dual functionality gives strong flexibility as you can use the piece in multiple locations not, just to be next to you as your night stand table/lamp combo.

 

YUMMY FACTOR

Caliente!!!

MEADE DESIGN GROUP - THE BLOG. Copyright 2007-2011

In Conversation with Jonathan Legate

Jonathan Legate

 

Nova Scotian Designer Jonathan Legate has come a long way from his childhood days as an avid design and architecture magazine collector; after opening his own home accessories store at the age of 19, he opened a vintage furniture business, and before long, he opened his own interior consultancy firm (2008). Jonathan's work has been featured in several media outlets as well, including the cover of Canadian Home and Country in 2009 and acting as the guest speaker for various events.

 

Jonathan also maintains a popular blog, where he not only features before and after projects, he also posts his favourite new design finds, other's blog posts, and small little peeks into his private life (including an exclusive performance by Juno winning artist Melanie Doane at a friends home!).

 

The spaces Mr. Legate produces are always eclectic, and unique to the person living within it. He applies interesting combinations of textures, sheens, styles, and colour palettes to keep his spaces interesting, and with a splash of fun.

 

If you haven't already seen Jonathan Legate's work, I can't wait to share it with you! Please read on to get in on the conversation…

 

Iván Meade - What was your first experience with design?

 

Jonathan Legate - My first "experience" with design began at a very young age.   I spent a lot of time visiting my great aunt Eva in her period Victorian house filled with family pieces. It was an amazing place for a child. Like a living museum, filled with wonderful things you could touch and use. Things that belonged to people you looked like but had never known. Everything had a story or provenance. Giant built in cabinets flanking the fireplaces soared to the ceiling filled with magical treasures! It's where I learned how to behave around precious things and I'm certain it's where my love of them and houses began.

 

Interiors by Jonathan Legate

 

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

 

Jonathan Legate - I believe in quality and in living with the things you truly love.

 

Coming home should make you feel like coming home. The things you surround yourself with should fill your heart!

 

I agree with Katherine Hepburn who said about buying good furniture " When you buy it and it's great you get enormous pleasure out of seeing it and you never remember how much it cost."

 

I think people should create homes not just houses.

 

Interiors by Jonathan Legate

 

Iván Meade - I noticed that all your spaces have a seamless integration - How do you achieve that?

 

Jonathan Legate - With a lot of hands on attention. Most of my projects are completely custom so having trades who are willing to try the unknown and work as a unit is paramount.

 

I see things as a finished picture but getting there is an organic process. Quality and tailoring take time. Measure twice cut once.

 

Interiors by Jonathan Legate

 

Iván Meade - With your previuous experience as furniture retalier - What do you look for in a furniture piece? Or, in other words, you are very selective in what goes into your designs, what makes a piece important enough to be used in your projects?

 

Jonathan Legate - Above all I require quality. My clients don't change things every other year so I'm selecting things to last. A lot of my projects include custom pieces designed by me and I want my clients to be happy with them for years. The sofa you end up with should be one you'll recover once or twice in a lifetime but never tire of.

 

I'll include yard sale items along with iconic pieces. I'm not that worried about pedigree as long as the design is good and the quality is there.

 

I avoid trends when selecting investment pieces. Clean lines and pure design- traditional or contemporary. Buy correctly and your things will be worth as much old as they were new if not more.

 

Interiors by Jonathan Legate

 

Iván Meade - I had the pleasure to meet you via twitter - What do you think is Social Media doing to the design industry?

 

Jonathan Legate - The design industry can be very competitive and sometimes intimidating. Social Media seems to be connecting designers, allowing them to share their work and experiences with an audience of peers. It's a forum for encouragement where designers promote one another and keep up on the latest information. It's also a great way to share your work with a limitless audience of consumers who might never have had the chance to see it. 

 

On a personal note without Social Media you and I would have had to be in the right place at the right time to actually meet. The chances of continuing that meeting further would have been difficult with you on one coast and me on the other.

 

Social Media has changed that. You can make connections anywhere in the world now and maintain them.

 

Interiors by Jonathan Legate

 

Iván Meade - What does it mean for you to blog your ideas in design, your travel experiences and basically open your personal life to the web?

 

Jonathan Legate - Blogging is another creative outlet for me. I enjoy sharing ideas and thoughts with my friends and clients. It's a way for them to explore the various aspects of my work and to gain inspiration.

 

Parts of my personal life are there too. The parts I choose to share pertain to lifestyle, living well and experiences that shape the way I see things.

 

The design process is a very personal experience and must be with someone you connect with. Potential clients can see who they'll be working with and gain some insight into my personality. They also get to see a much larger body of work than is on my website. 

 

Yes my life is exposed but there's still plenty of mystery......

 

Interiors by Jonathan Legate

 

Iván Meade - What has been the best experience of being a design blogger?

 

Jonathan Legate - When you begin blogging you wonder what sort of reaction there will be.

 

I feel fortunate to have had such a positive response to both my work and blog. Through this I have established some great friendships and a very encouraging following who make me smile daily.

 

Interiors by Jonathan Legate

 

Iván Meade - It looks like you love gardening - Is this your hobby?

 

Jonathan Legate - I started vegetable gardening for the first time this spring.

 

I'm very fussy about what I put into my body (usually) so it just seemed natural to grow my own vegetables. Canadians eat so many imported vegetables growing your own for the one season we can just makes sense.

 

My friend Gail and I worked on the garden together and it became a sort of a daily vacation from work. We used no pesticides or chemicals of any kind. There is nothing like going out to the garden, picking something and being able to eat it right then and there without questioning what's on it or what's gone in it.

 

I have grown to love vegetable gardening but continue to have a black thumb with flowers and houseplants.

 

My real hobby is cooking which I have done very little of this summer. I owe a lot of people a lot of dinner parties.

 

Interiors by Jonathan Legate

 

Iván Meade - Who is Jonathan Legate? (Outside of being Jonathan Legate – the designer)

 

Jonathan Legate - Pretty much who you see on the blog. A boy with a dog who'd like to make the world a more beautiful place by teaching people to see the beauty in the things that are around them.

 

As I mentioned before a little mystery is always good.

 

Interiors by Jonathan Legate

 

Iván Meade - You have already created a stunniung body of work with many mediums and styles, what would you like your legacy to be?

 

Jonathan Legate - I'd like to be remembered for creating timeless quality and spaces that feel like home to the people who live in them.

 

On a larger scale I'd like to have been able to share my belief in living with what you love with as many people as possible.

 

I want the people I touch to see the little bits of beauty that surround them every day from a raindrop clinging to a leaf to the way the sunlight cascades over a room. If children were taught to see the beauty in small things then maybe they wouldn't destroy them as adults.

 

I invite you to visit Jonathan Legate’s website + blog at:

 

MEADE DESIGN GROUP - THE BLOG. Copyright 2007-2011

Eye Candy of the Week – 45 Table Lamp

 

 

PRODUCT

45 Table-Lamp

 

MANFACTURE

Munkii

 

DESIGNER

Jaren Goh

 

MATERIAL

Lamp stalk is engineered with laser-cut technology for precision. Shade basket is available in fabric white or black steel wire mesh.

 

WEIGHT

2.1kg/ 4.5 lbs

 

DESCRIPTION

Lamp 45 uses laser cut aluminum with steel wire-mesh shade.  The lamp is designed and engineered with the same metallurgy precision as today’s familiar electronic devices. Lamp 45 snugs comfortably on the modern work desk habit.  - 45 Table- Lamp

 

I would love to use this lamp in a industrial type loft or over a very traditional console table and having that unexpected juxtaposition.

 

Where would you use this lamp?

 

YUMMY FACTOR

Singaporean Delight!!!

MEADE DESIGN GROUP - THE BLOG. Copyright 2007-2011

In Conversation with Tara McHugh

Tara McHugh

 

Tara McHugh (or "Tarita Tomato" as I affectionately refer to her), was one of my first team members at Meade Design Group when I first started the business and was still working from my own home. She has since been married and had two beautiful children.

 

It has always been Tara's dream to run her own business in a creative field. She first moved to Victoria from the prairies in 2000 to study interior design, where she worked successfully within the design field for several years. More recently however, Tara has developed her own floral design company - Tara McHugh Flora, which is making her and her clients very happy. As she says on her website, " I am inspired every day by the natural world around us and am grateful to be able to create with the beauty of flowers and share it with others." She is so sweet and personable, a pleasure to work with.

 

 

Tara McHugh Flora

 

Tara specializes in unique arrangements that accent a home. Her experience in interior design is a real asset to her skills as she can easily visualize how to play with colour, texture, scale and proportion to create a perfect vignette or focal point for any space.  I can see Tara McHugh becoming the best flower couturier in the city pretty soon.

 

Iván Meade - What is your favourite local find? Where did you get this item – how long have you had it?

 

Tara McHugh - It's so hard to pick a favorite, but about five years ago I purchased a Sarah Pacini sweater from Hughes Clothing store on Yates Street that I love!

 

 

Tara McHugh Flora

 

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

 

Tara McHugh - It's important to me because it was the first time I spent a lot of money on one item of quality clothing.I am always amazed at how long it has lasted me and how I still love it after all these years. So it reminds me to buy quality items in all aspects of my life when I can.

 

Tara McHugh Flora

 

Iván Meade -  How does this item reflect upon your personal design philosophy?

 

Tara McHugh - Clean lines, textural, modern and always use good quality materials!

 

Tara McHugh Flora

 

Iván Meade - What was your first experience with design?

 

Tara McHugh - In my early 20's I worked in the film industry in the set decorating department. It was such a fun job! I frequented thrift stores, antique shops and design stores shopping for set pieces.

 

 

Tara McHugh Flora

 

Iván Meade - Who or what has influenced your style aside from nature itself?

 

Tara McHugh - Working in film, Dwell magazine, ikebana

 

Tara McHugh Flora

 

Iván Meade - What is the story behind Tara McHugh Flora, how did the company begin?

 

Tara McHugh - I was about two months pregnant and had just spent a couple years at home with my daughter and was so ready to do something new. I knew I wanted to have my own business which would still allow me to be home with my kids. I also knew that flowers were my love and that I wanted to create. Thus, my life as a floral designer began.

 

I really like the juxtaposition of your traditional sounding name and locale mixed with your beautiful and contemporary work. Do you feel this is representative of your floral designs?

 

I think having a balance of classic and modern elements is very important in my designs.

 

Tara McHugh Flora

 

Iván Meade - It was very refreshing to find someone in the city who does new and different floral designs. How do you keep current in the floral industry?

 

Tara McHugh - Books, magazines, and the internet are what keep me up to date with the floral and especially the wedding world.

 

 

Tara McHugh Flora

 

Iván Meade - You are well known in the city for being one of the best  floral couturier, what do you feel sets you apart?

 

Tara McHugh - Thank you. I think the fact that I love to make the vase an integral part of the over all design. Gone are the days of the cheap, generic florist vases. I think the vase should be worth keeping and used again and again. It is an important part of the gift, or in an event setting the vase is expressive of a certain look or mood.

 

Tara McHugh Flora

 

Iván Meade - Do you feel that Victoria is ready for a change? Where do you see floral design going in the next 10 years?

 

Tara McHugh - Sure, change is always a good thing. I think we will see the floral industry become more green, and more sustainable practices will be used.

 

Tara McHugh Flora

 

Iván Meade - What kind of things do you have to keep in mind while creating a floral design that the client might not realize is important for you to know?

 

Tara McHugh - The mechanics and the pairing of flowers can be challenging in floral design. Trying to make something organic do what you want it to do isn't always easy.

 

Tara McHugh Flora

 

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

 

Tara McHugh - Nothing too unusual has been requested yet.....but I'm taking orders!

 

  Tara McHugh Flora

 

Iván Meade - What do you consider to be your greatest strength and weakness?

 

Tara McHugh - One of my greatest strengths would be my ability to think outside of the box and come up with non-traditional ideas. My weakness would be my memory. Note pads are my friend!

 

Tara McHugh Flora

 

Iván Meade - What project are you most proud of?

 

Tara McHugh - Just this past summer I did a wedding up island with an ivory and green color scheme. I used some spectacular Dahlias which I just love! It took place on the shores of a stunning lake with mountains in the background and the bride didn't want anything too formal. I was very pleased with the end result!

 

Tara McHugh Flora

 

Iván Meade - What would be your dream project if you were given carte blanche?

 

Tara McHugh - I would love to do something on a really large scale, almost like a flower installation of sorts. For the installation to be inside an architectural gem would be a bonus!

 

Tara McHugh Flora

 

Iván Meade - What is your favourite plant to work with?

 

Tara McHugh - That is something that always changes, especially with the season. I have been really loving tropical greens lately.

 

Tara McHugh Flora

 

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?

 

Tara McHugh - That I was a wonderful mother, wife, friend and business woman.

 

Tarita Tomato & Little Tomatillo

 

I invite you to discover Tara McHugh's work at her website:

 

 

Ivan Meade is a local designer and principal of Meade Design Group, a multidisciplinary interior and graphic design studio in the heart of downtown Victoria – www.themeadegroup.com

MEADE DESIGN GROUP - THE BLOG. Copyright 2007-2011