SAVE THOSE NUTS

"April is Testicular Cancer awareness month, and as many of our readers know, I was diagnosed with stage III-B testicular cancer in the summer of 2011 at the age of 37.  Although there were many sources of information on Cancer available, I struggled to find information on my particular condition. Furthermore, I was shocked to hear that none of my peers were educated about regular check-up procedures to prevent this from happening to them. Had I known more about preventive measures and the early signs of detection, I would have acted on my symptoms sooner and could have avoided the spread of the disease within my own body.

 

My prognosis is much better now, and although I am still fighting, I am confident that the great team at the BC Cancer agency are keeping me healthy and looking out for my best interests.

 

 

I wanted to put a positive spin on my experience, and use the resources at my disposal (the graphic and web design side of Meade Design Group) to encourage men to give themselves regular checkups, and spread the word about this disease. I am pleased to be partnering with Testicular Cancer Canada in the hope that this campaign proves to be informative and encouraging for anyone who finds themselves up against testicular cancer.

 

So far, our campaign is focusing on outreach, via information cards and posters (which can be found at local storefronts such as Citizen, Habit, Still Life, Mango, Flavour, Outlooks, and many other locations – contact us if you are interested in any of these items to help spread the word!) and our website: www.savethosenuts.com.

 

The information cards (shown here), boast a lot of information for their small size. Outside is a bold graphic, aimed to catch the eye of those at the highest risk, with the URL for the website; inside, a step-by-step guide on how to check yourself for signs of early detection.

 

 

If you see one of these posters (below), that means you can find our information cards inside – and that the business is awesome, because they are supporting our cause! We hope to see more and more of these around town!

 

 

The most comprehensive facet we have introduced so far is our website, where visitors can get all of the information about regular self-checks and how to do them, along with the signs and symptoms. A valuable asset for me, is the stories of testicular cancer survivors – which we have dubbed 'testi-monials', it's encouraging to know that there are others fighting alongside you. If you are a survivor, or have a story you would like to share, there is a link to add your very own 'testimonial' to the campaign. We hope the website will be a great resource and connect the community of those affected by the disease.

 

 

Another great feature of the website is the donation link, where you can make your own donation to Testicular Cancer Canada, which was where I turned to when I was diagnosed. Since Testicular Cancer Canada is based out East, we have partnered with them with our campaign to spread all of their good works to the West Coast. Our goal is to increase awareness and raise enough money to purchase an ad campaign with BC Transit.

 

 

Let's make this happen, readers!

 

Thank you so much for all of your efforts and support so far, monetary donations are wonderful, but if it is not something you can do right now, please contact us about our awareness materials – after all, spreading the word is our goal, if you've got a window, you can help!"

MEADE DESIGN GROUP - THE BLOG. Copyright 2007-2011

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!

The team here at MEADE DESIGN GROUP want to wish everyone and their families a very Happy Holidays and all the best in the new year!

We hope you enjoy our extra special video message below!

 

MEADE DESIGN GROUP - THE BLOG. Copyright 2007-2011

aRCHITECTURAL WALKING TOURS – VICTORIA BC

One of our favourite interns of all time, Vanessa Lloyd, will be one of the knowledgeable guides responsible for showing you a side of Victoria you have never seen before.   If you want a great adventure in Victoria BC, or you have guests from out of town and want to learn something new about your city while supporting the AIBC  (Architectural Institute of British Columbia) this will be a great opportunity.  Vanessa, amongst other design enthusiasts, will be a tour guide for The Architectural Walking Tours this summer.  This year they will have six stunning architectural perspectives of Victoria:

 

1.- Inner Harbour – Victoria’s famous waterfront

Experience the magnificent golden age of Victoría’s downtown Inner Harbour and surrounding areas.  Explore the heritage of this once central public space and learn about the many changes that have taken place throughout the history of this relatively young city.

 

 

2.- Fort Victoria – A city and its stronghold

Learn about the development of Victoria, from a small Hudson’s Bay
Company fur-trading fort to the provincial capital it is today. Follow the
outline of the fort walls along Government Street, and learn about the
architectural conservation and re-use strategies employed over time.
Explore Bastion Square, once the heart of Victoria’s legal community,
and Wharf Street, the city’s original “Commercial Row” converted into
residential and commercial spaces.

 

Board & Trade Building

 

3.- Chinatown – Canada’s oldest

Explore public plazas and back alleys from Yates Street to Waddington
Alley and Johnson Street, the heart of Old Town. Inspect surrounding
examples of circa-1880 architecture, Market Square, and Fan Tan Alley.
Learn about the culture, social, and architectural history of Canada’s
oldest Chinatown, and discover the gems found along Douglas Street
including the Hudson’s Bay Company Store, City Hall and Centennial
Square.

China Town

 

4.- Ecclesiastical – Faithful buildings

Enjoy a brisk walk featuring Victoria’s rich legacy of religious
architecture. Visit the city’s two cathedrals and Canada’s oldest surviving
syngogue. See how historical events have shaped and changed the look
and feel of some of Victoria’s most impressive buildings.

See what remains of a pioneer cemetery and stroll through the grounds
of early 19th century buildings of worship. The sheer size and massing of
these buildings is enough to make you want to learn more.

This tour includes several other landmark public buildings and presents
a great opportunity to learn about traditional architectural styles and
how they have been integrated into Victoria’s modern designs.

 

St. Andrew Cathedral

 

5.- Art Deco/Modern – A snapshot of influencial art

In the 1920’s, Victoria architects embraced the stylized, geometric Art
Deco and Style Moderne, the latests trends emanating from Paris and
New York. Discover how these styles suited new building types and
businesses, and how they altered traditional approaches to the use of
stone, marble and concrete. This tour includes a look at some of the
city’s innovative banks, office buildings, motels and residences, as
well as the Inner Harbour’s landmark Information Centre Tower.

 

Art Deco Building – Beacon Hill Park

 

6.- James Bay – A small town within a large city

Discover James Bay, Canada’s oldest residential neighbourhood on
the West Coast. Learn about the historic homes of some of Victoria’s
most influential residents, dating back to the days of colonial
administration.

Explore houses built in architectural styles from Queen Anne
Cottages to Arts & Crafts, many of which have been designated as
Provincial Heritage sites. Nearing Beacon Hill Park, you’ll find Emily
Carr House, the childhood home of the famed B.C. artist and writer

 

Emily Carr House

 

For more information please check  the online brochure below:

 

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

VIC 42–A SPECIAL Feature

Today I was included in a great feature that I would like to share with all our blog readers.  VIC 42 – A local website that celebrates the unique and interesting people in Victoria -  invited me to be part of their collection of personalities.  I feel very honoured to be selected and to share virtual space with some of the most influential people in my own community. 

 

I have always said that Victoria has great talent and that we should embrace it – Now we have an opportunity to discover our locals thanks to VIC 42. 

 

Teresa Lindsay & Al Smith are the geniuses behind the VIC 42 concept.  A very innovative and progressive platform to showcase talent.

 

I had the pleasure of meeting Teresa many years ago and thanks to VIC 42, we have rekindled our friendship.   Teresa took the time to learn about me and who I am and I could not be more pleased with her write-up. Al’s photography is outstanding – it can be appreciated not only in my own photo, but in the rest of the pictures you can see on their site. Working with Al was a pleasure.  He made me feel comfortable during the whole process and now I even have a photo of myself that I like – lol -

 

 

I invite you to check this great website and support out amazing local talent in Victoria.

 

MEADE DESIGN GROUP - THE BLOG. Copyright 2007-2011

ORIGINAL ART AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

GUEST ENTRY

Not too long ago I received a very kind email from Renee Crawford about the amazing service that the ART Gallery of Greater Victoria offers.  A brilliant service that I have used in the past, it’s a great way to bring original art to any project at an affordable price point while supporting our local ART Gallery and our ART community.

 

My name is Renee Crawford, and I run the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria’s Art Rental and Sales program. What is that, you ask? Well, it’s the city’s largest inventory of rentable and buyable contemporary local art, with hundreds of pieces of original work.

 

With low monthly rental fees (starting at $20 per month) and no commitment to purchase, original art work has never been more accessible! Perfect for decorating and staging homes and businesses, contemporary art work easily transforms a room into an unforgettable experience. Contemporary art can provide colour, ambience, a focal point, and can considerably increase the “cool” quotient. It can help sell a home, increase a business profile, and complete the look and feel of any space.

 

 

Who uses the program? A vast array of people, from homeowners and renters to interior designers, home stagers, film companies, offices, corporations; anyone who has wall space could benefit from hanging a piece of amazing local art. For those who decide they can’t live without the work, we offer up to six months of rental fees towards purchase.

 

 

What kinds of art do we have to offer? We have the most comprehensive cross-section of local work in the city, with work in almost every genre, and limitless sizes and shapes. From watercolour to oil and acrylic paintings, printmaking pieces, mixed media and more, we have something for everyone. Need to fill a really big space? We have large scale works and can bring in works on demand as well. All of our work is stored here at the Art Rental and Sales office at the Art Gallery (1040 Moss St.), ready to be viewed by appointment.

 

 

Not sure what kind of art to hang? No problem! We offer professional consultations, delivery and installation services. We also offer an online archive that you can browse from the comfort of your own home or office.

 

 

Make an appointment today to come in and view our inventory, and browse our online archive for inspiration:

 

 

For more information call 250. 384. 4171 ext. 222 or email rcrawford@aggv.ca.

MEADE DESIGN GROUP - THE BLOG. Copyright 2007-2011

IN CONVERSATION WITH ZECH INKSTER

Zech Inkster

 

As seen in SNAP – July 2012

 

Zech Inkster of European Flooring in Victoria BC is always one of our first sources for flooring questions. He’s been in the industry for some time now, and we are always pleased with the flooring knowledge and products he is willing to share with us. We have been working with Zech for several years now and thought he would be a great resource for readers of our ‘In Conversation With’ series. We get a lot of questions about wood flooring, and here we plan to share with you some of the most common questions we get, as well as the ones that aren’t always asked - but should be!

 

Whether you are looking for new flooring or not, you should definitely stop in to check out their new showroom on the Gorge Waterfront – it looks great and the products really stand out and are easy to peruse. There is a little something for every taste and style and the friendly staff are always eager to help.

 

In the meantime – get your pen and paper handy because this interview is chocked full of useable, tips and suggestions for your home – including a few reality checks that anyone considering new flooring should know. Please, read on to get in on the conversation…

 

Iván Meade - How did you get into the flooring industry?

 

Zech Inkster - It's safe to say that wood has been part of my life since childhood, from grade school woodshop class to a summer job in a sawmill at the North Island community of Sointula. Following graduation I returned to Victoria where a friend's family owned a hardwood flooring store. First working as a wood floor refinisher, then as an installer of new floors, after 10 years I had to choose between continuing in installations – with the associated wear and tear on the knees – and being able to continue playing soccer; as I loved sports as well, I opted to take the knowledge and experience I had gained on the job and move into the sales and marketing side of the industry.

 

It was at a the IDS West trade show almost 7 years ago that I discovered the products featured at European Flooring and couple years later I was able to help bring the store and their unique, quality hardwood flooring to Vancouver Island.

 

Cosmopolitan Wengé - Natural Oil Finish

 

Iván Meade - A floor accounts for approximately 30% of a room.  What are the priorities that need to be taken into consideration while choosing a hardwood floor?

 

Zech Inkster - Flooring is one piece of a bigger puzzle, and as such it needs to fit within the homeowner's overall aesthetic and budget. If the home has a very neutral setting and décor, a more dramatic flooring might be appropriate, but typically the flooring is a complementary component of the design and should work with the style of home, paint colours, etc.

 

Aesthetics aside, choosing the correct hardwood floor also involves asking certain questions – Will you use area rugs? Is it in a humid area? Do you have pets or children?  

 

L'Amour France Oak "Nantes" - Chevron Herringbone - Natural Oil Finish

 

Iván Meade - What are the differences between a solid wood floor and an engineered wood floor?

 

Zech Inkster - A solid wood floor is exactly how it sounds – one piece of wood from top to bottom. An engineered wood floor has a solid wood top layer over a multi-layered plywood core. An engineered wood floor has all the natural beauty of a solid wood floor but with one major benefit: extra stability. This allows us to use longer and wider planks and use wood flooring in areas that solid wood floors are not recommended or cannot be used, such as over radiant in-floor heat, over unheated crawl spaces, below grade and over concrete subfloors to name a few.

 

L'Amour France Oak "Metz" - Distressed - Natural Oil Finish

 

Iván Meade - What type of flooring is more popular now a days: hardwood or engineered?

 

Zech Inkster – Engineered. It's the natural evolution of wood floors, offering more stability, more flexibility and greater environmental benefits. At the same time, people need to know that not all engineered flooring is created equal. The term engineered flooring can cover a broad spectrum of quality and technology, so people need to do their homework.

 

XL Collection Oak "Artico" CUSTOM - Herringbone - UV Cured Laquer Finish

 

Iván Meade - I have to ask these questions as I get them very often – Do wood floors scratch?  Is there any wood floor that doesn’t dent?

 

Zech Inkster - Unfortunately there isn’t a real wood floor that doesn’t scratch or dent. Wood is a natural material and as such is subject to denting and scratching. We are coming out with new finishes and treatments, such as natural oiled floors that can help camouflage mishaps and make repairs for everyday wear and tear easier, but when purchasing and installing new wood floors, homeowners need to understand that denting and scratching is in the nature of wood. Again, asking the right questions about the home environment will help select the right floor and finish.

 

European Flooring Showroom – Victoria BC

 

Iván Meade - Does the type of climate affect your flooring selection?

 

Zech Inkster - Absolutely. Wood is a living material and will move as humidity changes. The lack of humidity will make the wood contract while the addition of humidity will make a floor expand. Engineered wood flooring will help minimized this effect. In addition, different products will have different stability ratings, so knowledge of the home environment can ensure homeowners select from the appropriate woods.

 

Cosmopolitan Wengé - Natural Oil Finish

 

Iván Meade - What are the differences in the types of wood flooring – Strip, Plank, Parquet, Engineered?

 

Zech Inkster - Technically speaking, the term “strip wood flooring” represents wood flooring that is 3” or narrower in width and “plank flooring” represents wood flooring wider then 3”. In North America, “Parquet” stands for wood flooring with a geometrical mosaic and/or angular patterns such as herringbone or the famous Versailles pattern. "Engineered" is the evolution of wood flooring, aesthetically the same as solid wood but more stable and incorporating a better use of natural materials.

 

XL Collection - CUSTOM colour - Distressed - Natural Oil Finish

 

Iván Meade - Which type of wood floor is the most popular and why?

 

Zech Inkster - Wide plank oak is the new classic in wood flooring. Not only does oak perform well, but it's also a very sustainable product. While we have seen a trend toward more exotics in the last 10 years or so, trends fade. Oak has inspired homeowners for generations.

 

L'Amour France "Nantes" - Wire-brushed - UV Cured Laquer Finish

 

Iván Meade - What are the most common finishes you can find in wood flooring?

 

Zech Inkster - The UV cured urethane finish is still the most popular finish but a natural, oil-finished floor has so many advantages that we are seeing a real surge in its popularity. Welcome features include ease of repair, reduced “off-gassing” for improved indoor air quality and a more natural appearance so the floor doesn't appear "plastic."

 

European Flooring Showroom – Victoria BC

 

Iván Meade - As an expert, what do you recommend to your clients: unfinished boards or pre-stained ones?

 

Zech Inkster - Pre-stained. A factory-applied finish is stronger, more consistent and penetrates deeper into the wood, offering a better protectant. In addition, it can shave weeks off the time it takes to complete a project. A common problem we have heard of with site-finished floors is inconsistency in the finish.

 

XL Collection - European Walnut "CUSTOM" - Natural Oil Finish

 

Iván Meade - One of the things that sets your company apart from other flooring suppliers on the island is your commitment to sustainability – How can readers find this beneficial to them?

 

Zech Inkster - When it comes to the environment, the first thing to consider when buying a natural resource-based construction material such as wood flooring is quality – purchase a product that will last a lifetime. It really doesn't matter how many environmental certifications a product has if it has to be torn up and replaced in a few years due to poor quality. When buying a product from European Flooring, strict European environmental laws allow you to be confident you are buying a sustainable product.

 

L'Amour France "Nimes" - Wire-brushed - Natural Oil Finish

 

Iván Meade - What is your favourite product from European Flooring?

 

Zech Inkster - Oak #19 – it's the perfect grey. Taking five steps to complete, the colour extends all the way through the wood top-layer for added depth and durability; it's the perfect blend of form and function.

 

L'Amour France "Chalk White" - Natural Oil Finish

 

Iván Meade - What is new in wood flooring? – What are the new trends? - Which type of wood floor is the most popular and why?

 

Zech Inkster - Super WIDE boards in extra longer lengths and natural finishes, definitely, along with design details like the chevron and herring bone pattern and band sawn effect. 

 

Wide plank oak is the new classic in wood flooring. Not only does oak perform well, but it's also a very sustainable product. While we have seen a trend toward more exotics in the last 10 years or so, trends fade. Oak has inspired homeowners for generations.

 

L'Amour France "Reimes" - Distressed - Natural Oil Finish

 

I invite you to visit European Flooring’s website at:

 

MEADE DESIGN GROUP - THE BLOG. Copyright 2007-2011

Antique Hunting In Victoria BC

One of my favourite activities to do during summer weekends is to explore the great selection of antique shops and auction houses we have here in Victoria, BC.  I am always amazed at the quality of furnishings and antiques that you can find at affordable prices.   Pieces that had a good life many years ago can tell a new story now.  I also believe that antiquing can be something that reflects the current state of our economy; not everything needs to be new, or come with flashy packaging to be beautiful, or even to work in a sleek interior.

 

French Bronze Cherub

 

I love the thrill of the hunt, the experience in which you can identify a piece that is unique and can tell it's individual story. Victoria is also a world renowned location for great antique finds, and there are often incredible state sales.  As a designer, you need to have an appreciation for the style periods, and all the decorative arts. It doesn't matter if you prefer contemporary design, you should still know the origin of many of our design elements and principals, as well the styles that led to the evolvement of what is now known as contemporary design.

 

Jade Foo Dogs

 

I know that sometimes it is a hard sell to bring an old piece full of patina to my clients homes; but to me, it is like inviting an old friend - someone who can tell a great story and bring that unique and memorable factor to the space.  Nobody else has it. It is uniquely yours, you are special and your space is special to have it. We are often bombarded by the media to buy more, buy cheap and buy the best deal. A vicious circle that you can break by supporting our local antique stores and auction houses.  Sometimes you don't even need to leave your home to go antique shopping, you can find something really special in your grandpa's attic for something that has been a part of your family history.

 

Chinese Antique Cabinet

 

I have been very fortunate to find amazing treasures on my antique hunting trips like a pair of Foo Dogs in jade, a 1740's antique etching with Ann of Cleve, a French bronze Cherub. an antique Chinese cabinet, a couple of paintings, including an over scale daguerreotype,and my all time favourite a 1950'S Gio Ponti tea set.  All these pieces have become part of my everyday life, bringing that juxtaposition factor that as designer I love between new and old.

 

Tea Set -Gio Ponti

 

I encourage all my readers to go antique hunting their own treasures, and support our local Antique Road and see what our great town has to offer!

 

 

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

In Conversation with Erika Smolders

Erika Smolders

 

Erica Smolders is without a doubt one of the best floral designers in the city. She runs the premiere luxury floral boutique, Rook and Rose located in the fashionable district in lower Johnson Street (aka "LoJo"). 

 

I met Erica over a year ago when she was opening her quaint shop, and since then every time I walk by on my way to the studio her floral displays outside make my day brighter and happier.  She always has the most beautiful and unexpected flower arrangements ready to take home and you'll undoubtedly find the most stunning selection of seasonal and exotic blooms as well. 

 

Erica Smolders and her talented team including Lolita, her bulldog (which has stolen my heart completely) are available to work with each and every client bringing the beauty, the unique and the unexpected to every floral creation.

 

Lolita

 

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

 

Erica Smolders – Last spring I found a 1950’s Smith Corona typewriter while helping a friend clean out their garage. A few months later, I opened Rook & Rose and really liked the idea of using it at the shop to hand-type card messages and little love letters.

 

 

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

 

Erica Smolders – I think it makes people happy. The sound of a typewriter might seem a bit out of place in a flower shop but it sure gets a lot of attention. I also really like that no two notes are ever the same. Some might be a tiny bit crooked or have a spot of white-out but I think that makes them special and I bet people will keep those cards for a really long time.

 

Floral Design by Rook & Rose

 

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

 

Erica Smolders – In floral design I really appreciate small, unexpected details and I think you can always tell when someone has taken the time to include those things. Plus, I love anything with a slight DIY vibe and I’m a sucker for anything vintage.

 

Floral Design by Rook & Rose

 

Iván Meade - What was your first experience with floral design?

 

Erica Smolders – I was attending University overseas, took a part-time job at a small flower stand and fell in love with it. Within weeks I’d decided that I just had to be a floral designer... and the rest is history.

 

Floral Design by Rook & Rose

 

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

 

Erica Smolders –Without a doubt, the years spent working in Australia, Hong Kong and Singapore and were the most inspiring and influential experience I could have asked for as a young designer.

 

Floral Design by Rook & Rose

 

Iván Meade - Your shop is really unique and beautiful - It is not your typical flower shop what is your idea behind the shop?

 

Erica Smolders – I actually framed a restaurant napkin that I used to take notes when I was coming up with the concept for the shop. It says “clean, modern, stress the basics, affordable luxury, approachable design, beautiful packaging, quality customer service” and I think we’ve really done that.

 

Rook & Rose – Floral Boutique

 

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?

 

Erica Smolders –My eyes are always open. I follow high fashion, interior design and modern art really closely and have noticed that it doesn’t take long anymore for trends in those industries to influence floral design.

 

Floral Design by Rook & Rose

 

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

 

Erica Smolders – Absolutely! There’s been efforts to push the envelope around the city but it’s sometimes been met with hesitation. Luckily, being a new business, we’ve built an incredibly supportive clientele who are always checking in to see what’s new and that really keeps us on our toes. Hopefully within the next 10 years more and more people will choose flowers to compliment the style of their surroundings and maybe those fluffy, tacky, novelty arrangements will finally retire! 

 

Floral Design by Rook & Rose

 

Iván Meade - What project are you most proud of?

 

Erica Smolders – I live for the moments when a bride tells me that her bouquet was ‘exactly what she wanted’ or that the flowers were ‘the favourite part of her wedding day’. Knowing that you’ve made someone so happy on one of the most memorable days of their life... you just can’t beat that.

 

Floral Bouquets by Rook & Rose

 

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

 

Erica Smolders –I really love events to have either a clear theme or a really cohesive look, so a dream project for me would be having a hand in the planning process from the beginning so that I can spend a majority of my time on all the thoughtful little details. Our flowers just look so much nicer on a perfectly planned table.

 

Floral Design by Rook & Rose

 

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

 

Erica Smolders – Orchids! It might seem like a really obvious answer but I just love how versatile they are and some of the rare varieties are really special.

 

Floral Design by Rook & Rose

 

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?

 

Erica Smolders – Oh wow...I don’t know! I’m still just the new kid on the block. Ask me again in 5 years?

 

Erika Smolders in full action.

 

I invite you to discover Rook and Rose website at:

 

MEADE DESIGN GROUP - THE BLOG. Copyright 2007-2011