MAKING AN INFORMED INVESTMENT

As seen in SNAP magazine, March 2012

 

During our past 10 years of doing business in Greater Victoria, my experience assisting clients in developing their home renovation plans has reinforced the fact that a wise investment in home improvements can add great value to both your property and to everyday enjoyment of your home. 

 

In addition to consulting with a professional design firm, homeowners can benefit greatly from a consultation with their Realtor to discuss specific issues relating to their property which may impact a home renovation plan.  Local market conditions as well as aspects of the property itself can greatly affect issues around design and layout as well as quality and types of finishes incorporated into your design.

 

I asked Roger Jones of JONESco Real Estate for his thoughts on what are the most critical issues a homeowner ought to consider prior to investing in a major renovation:

 

Roger Jones

 

“First and foremost, it is important to recognize that certain home improvements add real market value to a property while others should be viewed more as personal preference items which enhance your own enjoyment of the home.  An improvement which has potentially broad appeal (such as an upgraded and more functional kitchen or hardwood floors) definitely adds value while more specialized items (such as a swimming pool or exotic hardwood built-ins) may not necessarily add direct value when it comes time for resale.  It is wise, therefore, to factor your likely timeframe for ownership of the home into your plans.  If you are thinking in the longer term, it makes more sense to invest in those more personalized options which will add your own enjoyment over a long period of time – if you know that your timeframe is likely only a few years, then the renovation should probably be more focused on making improvements which will stand you in good stead when it comes time to resell. ”

 

“Location and the quality of surrounding homes are also key factors when considering the scale of your renovation.  It is generally true that you don’t want to create the most expensive house on the block.  There is a cap on the price range a prospective buyer expects to consider paying for a home based on the property size, location and setting .  Buyers may  also expect a certain minimum level of finishing and amenities based on these factors.  Prior to commencing a renovation project one needs to be realistic in terms of how much should feasibly be invested in a particular property based on these kinds of considerations.  Your Realtor will be able to supply you with current market information specific to your neighbourhood and can offer advice pertaining to your own situation.”

 

In conclusion, here are a few of my own rules of renovation which I pass on to my design clientele:

 

- Contact your Realtor and have a discussion about what you are hoping to achieve with your renovation.

- Work with a local Interior Designer utilizing their expertise in developing your plan.

- Get several quotes prior to commencing work.

- Always allow for a 25 percent overrun in your renovation budget (if you stay within budget it’s a bonus!) and set a realistic timeframe for completion of your project.

- Enjoy your home and your informed  investment.

 

I invite you to visit Roger Jones website at:

 

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.meadedesigngroup.com

MEADE DESIGN GROUP - THE BLOG. Copyright 2007-2011

EYE CANDY OF THE WEEK – guggenheim colours

 

Gallery Colours & Classic Colours

 

Installation view from Villhem Hammershøi, Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York,

 

Installation view from The Aztec Empire, Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum,

New York

 

Paul Gauguin, In the Vanilla Grove, Man and Horse (Dans la vanillère, homme et cheval), 1891. Oil on burlap, 28 ¾ x 36 ¼ inches (73 x 92 cm). Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York,

 

Amedeo Modigliani, Nude (Nu), 1917. Oil on canvas

 

 

PRODUCT

Guggenheim Colour

 

MANUFACTURER

Fine Paints of Europe

 

COLLECTION

Gallery Colours

Classic Colours

 

DESCRIPTION

As a designer, I like the art pieces in my interior design projects to stand out and be the protagonists of the room. Sometimes I play with theatricality, other times I want the piece to blend in and become part of the space, but in the end I want these pieces to have the best background possible.

 

I usually select my colour palettes to complement the art pieces, but to let the background maintain a dialogue with the materials, fabrics and furnishings used in the space. When I found out that “The Guggenheim” had launched a new paint collection my initial thought was  ‘another one!?’, but when I reviewed the colours and learned that the colours have been inspired by their art collection, my initial thought went away.

 

“This colour collection reflects the Guggenheim’s celebrated collection of modern masterpieces, and recreates the color palette of artists such as Paul Cézanne, Vincent van Gogh, Robert Delaunay, Giorgio de Chirico, and Vasily Kandinsky. Each color was carefully chosen from paintings in the Guggenheim galleries. The selection was then refined in consultation with exhibition designers to ensure the colors are appropriate for a variety of architectural settings. Fine Paints of Europe precisely matched each color and created the final formulations.”

- Guggenheim Colour

 

Unfortunately, this collection is only available as an international order and according to the reviews, this environmentally friendly paint is on the pricey side. My thoughts on this: if you can’t purchase a Master at least you can have a master’s palette in your home, and if you happen to have a master in your home - like a Picasso or a Miro - why not complement the painting with a wall paint of equal quality? In the end, the claim to fame for this collection is the hue and the value of their colour selections, the quality of the paint and the fact that for more than 50 years the background colours at the Guggenheim museum have been extremely well received. For me, one of the things I have always admired in art is the use of colour and I personally think that this collection is onto something big.

 

YUMMY FACTOR

Sweet!!!

MEADE DESIGN GROUP - THE BLOG. Copyright 2007-2011

IN CONVERSATION WITH JAMES HUNIFORD

 

James Huniford

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Iván Meade - What was your first experience with design?

 

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

 

Interiors by James Huniford

 

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

 

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

 

Interiors by James Huniford

 

Iván Meade - Where is your favourite place to shop?

 

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

 

Interiors by James Huniford

 

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

 

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

 

Interior by James Huniford

 

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

 

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

 

Interiors by James Huniford

 

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

 

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

 

Interiors by James Huniford

 

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

 

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

 

Interiors by James Huniford

 

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

 

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

 

Interiors by James Huniford

 

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

 

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

 

Interiors by James Huniford

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

MEADE DESIGN GROUP - THE BLOG. Copyright 2007-2011

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

 

 

PRODUCT

Flamingo Console

 

MANUFACTURER

Voi Artis

 

COLLECTION

Consoles

 

DESIGNER

Tareq Abu Ghazaleh

 

MATERIAL

Pictured in Walnut.  Available in Ebonized Oak and Cherry.

 

SIZE

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

 

DESCRIPTION

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

 

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

 

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

 

How/Where would you use this piece? 

 

YUMMY FACTOR

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

MEADE DESIGN GROUP - THE BLOG. Copyright 2007-2011

In Conversation with Barbara gergel

As seen in SNAP magazine, February 2012

 

Barbara Gergel

 

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

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

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

 

Iván Meade - What was your first experience with design?

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

 

Interiors by Barbara Gergel

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

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

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

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

 

Interiors by Barbara Gergel

 

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

 

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

 

Interiors by Barbara Gergel

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Interiors by Barbara Gergel

 

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

 

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

 

Interiors by Barbara Gergel

 

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

 

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

 

Exteriors by Barbara Gergel

 

Iván Meade - What are gardens for?

 

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

 

Exteriors by Barbara Gergel

 

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

 

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

 

Vignette by Barbara Gergel

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

MEADE DESIGN GROUP - THE BLOG. Copyright 2007-2011