DO SOMETHING ORIGINAL FOR DAD!

Get JUNE-14 marked in your calendars for a special Tintype Portrait session on location at CITIZEN CLOTHING to celebrate the rugged handsomeness of your father.

A tintype portrait is a true heirloom gift and on Father’s Day weekend we are hosting a Saturday Tintype Portrait event with a difference as we strive to raise awareness and funds to support the fight against testicular cancer.

 

So bring dad to Citizen Clothing for a unique, fun experience and a one of a
kind portrait 4X5 Tintype $ 60 and we’ll donate $15 from each portrait to

- TESTICULAR CANCER CANADA -

 

Each tintype is a unique image made on blackened metal using LUZ studios vintage cameras and brass lenses, using traditional wet plate collodion methods developed back in 1851. It takes approx. 30 minutes to receive your wonderful varnished & beautifully smelling plate (we use lavender oil, as part of the varnish!) While you wait for your tintype you can explore Citizen & shop more for Dad.... 

 

Here are some excellent examples of good fellas who have exposed their natural handsomeness to tintype plates

 

Patrick Tier by Quinton Gordon/Luz Studios

 

Ivan Meade by Quinton Gordon/Luz Studios

 

Jeff Michaud by Quinton Gordon/Luz Studios

 

Quinton Gordon by Quinton Gordon/Luz Studios

 

CAN'T MAKE IT TO THE EVENT?

You can still support the cause! 
If you are unable to make it to the Tintype Photo Booth on location at Citizen Clothing; June-14 2014, you can purchase a $60 Gift Certificate for a 4x5 Tintype Portrait to support Testicular Cancer Canada.  Remember $15 from each tintype will be donated to TESTICULAR CANCER CANADA.

 

*Portraits will be done later at LUZ studio; 569b Hillside Ave. Victoria BC...we just ask that you book your portrait by July-14, 2014

 

Follow the link to purchase your gift certificate online & we will contact you with more details on booking your portrait.

 

This unique portrait will be something that you & your Dad will cherish forever...
+ SAVE THOSE NUTS -

 

Gift certificates will be available to purchase until Jun-15, 2014

 

 

SPONSORED BY:

 

LUZ STUDIOS

CITIZEN CLOTHING

METROPOL

MEADE DESIGN GROUP

MEADE DESIGN GROUP - THE BLOG. Copyright 2007-2011

IN CONVERSATION WITH AMBER KINGSNORTH OF MAK INTERIORS

Amber Kingsnorth RID LEED AP

Alas, the Victoria market lost this gem of a designer to the mainland, but Amber Kingsnorth is making a name for herself in the big city with her new design firm, Mak Interiors. After nearly a decade of Vancouver Island based design experience, she's moved on to see what Vancouver has to offer

.

Not only is Amber a talented, professional, and smart designer – she is also one of the most fun! Her blog and social media pages never fail to make her readers smile. Plus, she is award-winning (2011 IDIBC Awards of Excellence – Silver), a LEED Accredited Professional and a Registered Interior Designer and a very active member of IDIBC to boot.

 

Amber takes on a wide-range of projects including; hotels, condominium and town home developments, offices, restaurants, healthcare, retail and residential. The connecting thread? She approaches projects with a mind for salvaging the unsalvageable.

 

We had previously interviewed Amber with Inoui Design in 2010, but with a new firm, new city (Vancouver) and new projects, we wanted to get an update from this spirited design aficionado.

 

Amber also has a special place in my heart, she is the team captain of the Designer Survivors Tour, an industry team of cyclists raising funds for the BC Cancer Foundation – and she dedicated on of her treks to me when I was first diagnosed – I will be forever grateful for that.

 

Read on to get in on the conversation and find out what Ms Kingsnorth has been up to…

Iván Meade – So, what's new since we featured you last?

Amber Kingsnorth - After about a year of traveling back and forth between Victoria and Vancouver to see clients, I finally set down roots on the mainland.  That move came with a lot of change and a lot of personal reflection.  This is an industry full of amazingly talented people and no shortage of vision so it was important to me to define what I was bringing to the table.   I believe in bringing value and purpose to bricks and mortar construction and creating spaces that support goals and foster growth.  A store isn't just a place to buy things, it's a way to experience the message behind them.  A doctors office isn't just where you go to see a doctor, it's a place of comfort and care.  Not to get too deep on the first question but it's the basis for my new interior design firm!  Māk Interiors (pronounced 'make') is all about making space work for the people it serves; commercial and residential.  We also have a great team of collaborators who help extend our services into the branding, business development and marketing realms for those commercial clients who need a little help finding their own message.

 

Interiors by Amber Kingsnorth

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

Amber Kingsnorth -  Community!  I've always been an advocate for an open and collaborative interior design community and that's crossing into other disciplines as well.  For commercial clients seamless messaging is very important; from business cards, to website, to environment, the feeling needs to be cohesive.  By coming together with graphic designers, web developers, and industry specific suppliers, we can create spaces that are tailored to each client and the needs of their business.

 

Interiors by Amber Kingsnorth

Iván Meade – What is on the horizon for Mãk Interiors?

Amber Kingsnorth –  We're really carving out a niche for ourselves in the retail industry; helping retailers better define their brand and create engaging spaces that showcase their products in unique ways.  Right now we're just in talks with one of my favorite furniture retailers in the city.  I can't say much right now but I'm very excited to be working with them!

 

Interiors by Amber Kingsnorth

Iván Meade – I have seen that you’ve been featured in GRAY magazine for your concept window displays?  What is the process to design a window display and where did you get your inspiration from?

Amber Kingsnorth -  First of all; GRAY is a great publication that your readers should definitely get their hands on!

The feature was of a window display we created for a great local retailer; espace d.  The store itself is a gorgeous modern space (designed by the Office of Marfarlane Biggar) and the owner was looking for a creative way to display his very unique houseware and objet d'art for the holiday season.  He wanted a very provocative display to draw attention to the store so we took a chance and presented a concept that placed his products amongst a pile of discarded ordinary home goods.  The premise being that the quality and unique aesthetic of his offering would really stand out.  He took a risk  (I love a client who trusts the vision!) and it completely paid off.  The installation has outlived the holiday season and is still going strong, attracting new clients and creating a buzz about the shop.

Because they're temporary, window displays offer a lot freedom in design but they also need to showcase the products in a practical way.  Drawing people into the store is a major value to a retailer but only if you're attracting the right people so you really need to understand the brand before diving in.  You want to design something that will have meaning to their target audience - those are the eyes that you need to catch!

 

Iván Meade – What would be your dream project?

Amber Kingsnorth - If we're really talking 'Dream' jobs ... I would love for Jenna Lyons (President and Creative Director of J. Crew) to call me up asking me to re-design their flagship store, conceptualize a years worth of art installations for their store windows and design her personal home ... And then we would become friends, of course :) *
*this will likely come back to haunt me in a future interview ... Or if Jenna ever does call!

 

Interiors by Amber Kingsnorth

Iván Meade – You always have at least one stroke of genius in terms of repurposing in your projects – where does that inspiration come from?

 
Amber Kingsnorth -  This is definitely a product of my childhood!  My Dad can often be heard saying 'Hey! You know what you could do with this?! ...' while holding up some construction cast-off.  Well, that turned out to be hereditary :)  

Seeing the potential in ordinary objects and having that light-bulb moment is something that I've refined through my design work.  What started as a way of achieving impact on a budget, has revealed itself to be an important aspect of my work; giving new spaces a feeling of familiarity and meaning.  These customized touches always end up being the most memorable.

 

Interiors by Amber Kingsnorth

Iván Meade – Now that you are officially flying solo with your firm, how would you describe your style? Feel free to answer this either personally, or as a company – we also won't complain if we get both!

Amber Kingsnorth - I'd call it Modern With Meaning.  No matter what type of space I design, it must has to strike a chord with those who are intended to use it.  I personally prefer modern spaces with an injection of fun through colour, pattern, or those unexpected touches to keep things from getting too austere or predictable. 

 

Interiors by Amber Kingsnorth

Iván Meade – What is your favourite thing about being a designer?

Amber Kingsnorth - The parties of course!  I kid :)
I have two favourites:
1)  Working both sides of my brain.  Design allows me to test the limits of my creativity and be very analytical and technical at the same time.  
2)  Inspiration is on my to-do list.  My job is literally to be inspired by my clients and their stories and to return the favour through my work.  Not bad!

 

Interiors by Amber Kingsnorth

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

Amber Kingsnorth - When you give, you are never without :)

 

Interiors by Amber Kingsnorth

Iván Meade – Back in 2010 I asked "Do you think Victoria is ready for a change? Where do you see things going in the next ten years?" and you had replied "YES. Since entering the field 6 years ago, we’ve noticed a huge shift in the design community. Designers are finally seeing each other as colleagues rather than competition, sharing ideas, sources, information, horror stories… and it’s great!" How do you feel about your prediction so far? Would you adapt it, agree with it, or change it completely 3 years later?

Amber Kingsnorth - I have to stick with my prediction, see question #2 :)

 

Interiors by Amber Kingsnorth

Iván Meade – Likewise, one final question - would you have changed your legacy from "we just want to love what we do everyday and know that people are enjoying the spaces we’ve designed"?

Amber Kingsnorth - I wouldn't necessarily re-write that answer but I can add to it; enjoying the space isn't enough, I want my clients to feel that the investment in their space has a measurable return to them.  For my commercial clients that may mean keeping their overhead low by making efficient use of less square footage, better employee retention & workflow, and a greater experience for their own customers or patients.  For my residential clients that could be an increase in the value of their property, or a more enjoyable homelife in a space that supports and encourages what they love to do.  I hope my legacy is that I opened people's eyes to the value of a well-designed space.

 

Interiors by Amber Kingsnorth

 

I invite you to visit Amber’s stunning body of work and to read her fantastic blog at:

 

MEADE DESIGN GROUP - THE BLOG. Copyright 2007-2011

IN CONVERSATION WITH KYLA BIDGOOD

As seen in SNAP

Kyla Bidgood

 

You may recognize this name around town – and I believe it will only continue to become more recognized as her career forges ahead – the name is Kyla Bidgood, a registered interior designer right here in Victoria BC. Kyla has been featured in local publications, is very active in the design community (including being a committee member for IDIBC: Vancouver Island Chapter) and has done some guest speaking at design events. You may even recognize her from right here on our blog, we had previouslyinterviewed Inoui Design in 2010, but with change in environment comes change in perspective, and I wanted to follow up with Ms Bidgood for a fresh new interview.

 

She now has her own boutique namesake firm, Kyla Bidgood Interior Design, after years of experience with some of the best designers in the city. I couldn't describe her philosophy better than these words which come straight from her website: "With every project I strive to open my client’s eyes to new possibilities, spatially translating their brand or style into an interior that surpasses their initialvision. I create meaningful and enduring environments that perfectly align with both my client’s budget and needs".

 

Interiors by Kyla Bidgood

 

Taking on projects from various fields – residential, commercial, and hospitality alike – she approaches each one with passion which has had award winning results. With her attention to detail, innovative thinking and approachable attitude, it's not wonder Kyla has a long list of happy clients with beautiful spaces.

 

Ready to find out what Victoria's young design scene is up to right now? Read on to get in on the conversation…

 

Iván Meade – So, what's new since we featured you last?  

 

Kyla Bidgood – Quite a bit! I tested the corporate waters and worked for a large design firm for 6 months, on a range of large-scale projects including a university, a hospital and several airport concessions. I love commercial work, but what I found most valuable from the experience was re- discovering where my heart truly lies: with highly creative, boutique projects. You can really only have complete creative control with projects of a certain size. So I ventured out solo working under my own name, with a focus on out of the box retail, hospitality, office and residential projects.

 

Interiors by Kyla Bidgood

 

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

 

Kyla Bidgood – No surprise here: I get geek-giddy over colour and pattern. Bold repetition, mixed with the right combination of scales & textures is perfection in my world. Throw in a bright pop of colour in an unexpected place, like hardware or fixtures, and that’s the cherry on the cake. I also love incorporating unexpected historic details into modern spaces, like turned wood spindles or abstract patterns tufted into upholstery. But ask me tomorrow and the list would be completely different. I have commitment issues when it comes to design, everyday I’m excited about doing something new.

 

Interiors by Kyla Bidgood

 

Iván Meade – What is on the horizon for Kyla Bidgood interior Design?

 

Kyla Bidgood – I’ve recently started a magical collaborating with the multi-talented and graphically gifted Sarah McNeil. We’ve pooled our skills and similar aesthetic to seamlessly integrate interior design with window graphics, custom wallpapers & signage for Blenz Coffee in Vancouver. A well-branded company goes beyond a logo, the entire experience from the second you step in their door should communicate a company’s culture, values and vibe. Understanding a companies brand and developing their branded interior is something I thrive at.

 

Interiors by Kyla Bidgood

 

Iván Meade – What would be your dream project?

 

Kyla Bidgood – I am busting at the seams to do a restaurant. Since I’m hopelessly lazy when it comes to cooking I eat out often, and every time I redesign the restaurant space in my mind. I have so many great ideas banked, I would love to give Victorians and Vancouverites a new dining experience, something buzzworthy, totally out of the box different.

 

Interiors by Kyla Bidgood

 

Iván Meade – I find your projects to be consistently fresh, cheerful/playful and sophisticated yet urban. How is this balance achieved?

 

Kyla Bidgood – Why thank you Ivan! My aesthetic is at a constant tug war with itself. On one hand I adore the simplicity, materials and craft of Scandinavian and mid century modern design, and on the other hand I’m a total sucker for over the top pattern, colour and whimsical concepts. I think the method to my madness is interweaving these two extremes into a refined eclecticism. It’s about striking a carefully curated balance without going overboard.

 

Interiors by Kyla Bidgood

 

Iván Meade – Now that you are officially flying solo with your firm, how would you describe your style? Feel free to answer this either personally, or as a company – we also won't complain if we get both!  

 

Kyla Bidgood – Fun, modern & eclectic. I think the same can be said for my personal style. My house is a laboratory where I experiment with ideas that might be too bold for some clients. For example, my living room is painted a dark ink-blue and an artist friend of mine Miguel Afonso da Conceicao created a large scale instillation with hot pink yarn covering all the walls, kind of like a non-repeating geometric wallpaper pattern. I also wallpapered the ceiling in my home office with a small-scale white, gold & black triangle print. Experiments paid off, looks amazing!  

 

  Interiors by Kyla Bidgood

 

Iván Meade – What is your favorite thing about being a designer?  

 

Kyla Bidgood – Everyday, every project, and every client is so vastly different from the next, no day is ever repeated. I am never bored, always challenged, and constantly being inspired by new things. I heart my job, and I can’t imagine doing anything else for a living.    

 

  Interiors by Kyla Bidgood

 

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

 

Kyla Bidgood – “Worry is a misuse of your imagination” and “Change is the only constant”. Truer words were never spoken!

 

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

 

MEADE DESIGN GROUP - THE BLOG. Copyright 2007-2011

LIVING WITH FABRICS

As seen in SNAP – May 2013

 

Fabrics can give a room its character as well as reveal as much about your personality as the clothes you wear.  Fabrics can be used in interiors in so many different ways – They can be your drapes, the upholstery in your furniture, pillows, table linens, sheets, blankets and even the towels you use every day are a type of fabric (terrycloth).

 

Iván Meade & Echo Eaton checking fabrics at Meade Design Group Studio

 

As you can see, we are surrounded by fabrics every day.  It seems that using fabrics in interiors should be a very important element in any home, but often this is underestimated.  Aesthetically, fabrics add texture, interest, and beauty; but they can also add functionality to your home.  For instance there are many reasons to dress up a window: Privacy is usually the first need, to keep out sunlight, to disguise the window’s unattractiveness or an unattractive view, and to add more colour and decorative interest to the room.

 

Echo graciously carrying fabrics available at Meade Design Group

 

On the other hand; cushions, pillows and trims come in various styles and can be used to reinforce the lines and style of your upholstered piece.  It is also important to select the right fabric for your lifestyle.  Something that will be durable, yet comfortable to the touch.  People are generally spending more time on their sofas than before, they eat while watching TV, have naps or socialize with friends and pets.  For linens in the 90’s  a 300 thread count was the minimum requirement for a nice set of sheets, nowadays you can find higher thread counts, but take this with a grain of salt because fiber quality, yarn size, finishing and construction can also affect the quality of a pair of sheets regardless of the thread count. After all, we spend around a third of hour lives in our bed.

 

Barbara Barry Fabrics at Meade Design Group

 

If you have kids or pets at home are you choosing the right fabric for your needs? If you have a window facing east or west where the sun hits the strongest – Have you selected the right fabric for your window treatments? – Do you have the softest sheets in your bed?  A fabric is defined by four qualities: its hand, which is the way it feels – rough, smooth, thick, or thin; its textural quality – tufts, nubs, bumps, and reliefs, it’s fibres – natural, synthetic, or blends;  and its pattering – interwoven or imprinted designs.  As a broad generalization, rough, nubby fibers and bold geometrical patterns tend to be more contemporary and masculine in style; smooth, glossy cottons, silks, and pictorial patterns tend to be more traditional and feminine in style.

 

Window Treatments at Meade Design Group

 

Fabrics definitely make our life more comfortable and enjoyable.  We often forget we are surrounded by them so why not give them the attention they deserve and choose fabrics that are really going to improve our lifestyle?

MEADE DESIGN GROUP - THE BLOG. Copyright 2007-2011

THE PALAIS LIECHTENSTEIN

The Palais Liechtenstein, one of Vienna’s and Europe’s most beautiful privately owned palaces has been fully restored and will be open for public tours this spring for the first time.  This palace is considered one of the best examples of Baroque architecture and was once the residence of the royal family of Liechtenstein. 

 

Garden Palace Delsenbach etching © LIECHTENSTEIN. The Princely Collections

 

In the final days of World War II the palace suffered extensive damage from direct hits in a bombing raid and an aircraft crashing into the roof. The ceiling of the stairway on the second floor was completely destroyed, and there was considerable damage to the adjacent state rooms. In the years immediately following the war work was carried out to secure the fabric and repair the worst damage, but due to the financial losses sustained by the family as a result of and after the war, the palace was not restored until 1974/76.

 

City Palace west facade © LIECHTENSTEIN. The Princely Collections, Vaduz-Vienna

City Palace west facade destroyed © LIECHTENSTEIN. The Princely Collections

Liechtenstein City Palace facade © Palais Liechtenstein GmbH_Fotomanufaktur Grünwald

 

At a cost of $135 million and four years of hard work by over 500 artisans the palace has restored the place to its pre-war beauty revamping the building for the family’s private apartments, while visitors will finally get a peek at many of its gilded Rococo interiors, not to mention the prince’s neo-classical art and furnishings collection.

 

City Palace mirror detail © LIECHTENSTEIN. The Princely Collections, Vaduz-Vienna

City Palace Bouquet room before completion © Palais Liechtenstein

© Palais Liechtenstein

SP Prunktreppe mit Teppich © LIECHTENSTEIN. The Princely Collections, Vaduz-Vienna

Square room © Palais Liechtenstein GmbH_Alexandra Matzner

 

Deeply rooted in Vienna’s history for over 300 years, the palaces of the princely family of Liechtenstein are notable for their superb state of restoration, original interiors and their stunning symbiosis of nature, architecture and masterpieces of art history.

 

The project was overseen by Hans-Adam II, the reigning prince of one of the smallest and richest principalities in the world.

 

HSH Prince Hans-Adam II von und zu Liechtenstein

 

“It was very important to us to renovate the CITY PALACE, which has belonged to our family since 1694. I feel that we have a certain obligation to preserve it for posterity. Elaborate detailed work has been carried out to bring the palace up to modern standards, whilst preserving all of its historic charm. Now we are delighted to be able to hire the house out for wonderful events and to bring it back to life with guided tours,” explains the owner, HSH Prince Hans-Adam II von und zu
Liechtenstein.

 

With a dramatic palatial staircase, silk wall hangings, and intricate parquet floors the palace has been restored to its full glory.

 

Garden Palace Prohaska Garden © LIECHTENSTEIN. The Princely Collections

Garden Palace aerial view 2 © LIECHTENSTEIN. The Princely Collections, Vaduz-Vienna

I invite you to visit the website and the video tours of the palace at:

 

MEADE DESIGN GROUP - THE BLOG. Copyright 2007-2011

LIVING WITH Art

As seen in SNAP – April 2013

 

Often I think that the associations with the word “Art” are too strong and misunderstood. Art does not only belong in museums, public buildings or city landscapes. Art also belongs in your home, your bedroom, your bathroom, and your garden.

 

Recently while working on a project with a client in some part of the process I mentioned that we needed to consider some art pieces for the focal point of the room and other walls. My client looked hesitant " But I can't afford art in my space, art is so expensive! " Well I said. "Art doesn’t need to be expensive; It only needs to speak to you and your surroundings".

 

You can find really interesting pieces even in second hand stores. When you bring art to a living environment you bring interest and a more sophisticated feel. Art impacts space in a very personal way. One's art selections can reflect one's mood, vibrancy, culture, and even one's sense of humour in some cases. Art is for me a "stamp in your letter" (Spanish saying) or the icing on the cake for you Canadian people.

 

I have always been fortunate to be surrounded by art. I always thought that having art in your home was as common as having a dish washer or an iron. But this thought started changing when I realized that people often get intimidated by the word and by the art itself. Art can be found in so many ways – Paintings, Sketches, Photographs, Etchings, Sculptures, Masks, Object d’Art, or even an item of nostalgic value. Art can be expensive – yes! , but also art can be inexpensive; a simple framed napkin with a sketch on it can be art in itself. I wish I could have a sketch by Frank Gehry for example. Why not frame the latest cover of Rolling Stone Magazine or a black and white photograph from a Magazine - Art can be social and art can be political, but the most important thing is that art can be everywhere you are - just need to find it and make it yours.

 

 

Sketch by Frank Gehry

 

Here are some examples of Meade Design Group projects where we have use art.

 

African Masks + Engravings – Shoal Point Residence

 

Hand Sketch and Bust – Sherman Oaks

 

"Man and the Bird" by Artist Cony Valdes - Marifield Project

 

Black & White Photography – The Village

MEADE DESIGN GROUP - THE BLOG. Copyright 2007-2011