In Conversation with Kiki van Eijk

Kiki van Eijk
Photograph by Marjan Holmer

Kiki van Eijk began working in design in 2001 after graduating Cum Laude from the Design Academy Eindhoven, her work has been published and sold internationally and she is well respected amongst her peers. She has an excellent way of infusing fun and playfulness into her designs while maintaining a strong balance of the elements and principles of design. I find her work beautiful, original and inspiring.

Please read on to learn more about this talented designer from the Netherlands…

Iván Meade – What was your first experience with design?

Kiki van Eijk – first reaction; I don’t remember… I guess via my cousin, who is a graphic designer. I must say I knew more about arts at a younger age.

Domestic Jewels - High Bench - 2008
Kiki van Eijk

Iván Meade – Who or what has influenced your style?

Kiki van Eijk – The small things in life around us that we often tend to forget.

Chaise Lounge - 2008
Kiki van Eijk

Iván Meade – How would you describe your style?

Kiki van Eijk – Personal, intuitive and vivid/ frivolous

Patchwork Cabinet 01 l 02 - 2008
Kiki van Eijk

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

Kiki van Eijk – That’s 2 things at the same time; that my range of work and materials is extremely broad.

Quilt Chair - 2007
Kiki van Eijk

Quilt Stool - 2007
Kiki van Eijk

Iván Meade – What has been your greatest collaboration?

Kiki van Eijk – Uptill now this my collaboration with my partner in life and designer Joost van Bleiswijk. We don’t really work together, but we dicuss our works together which keeps us both very sharp. I think you can call that a collaboration as well.

Lightbox - Kiki van Eijk

Iván Meade – What books are currently on your bedside or coffee table?

Kiki Van Eijk – Garden of Eden, Taschen

Iván Meade – What are you excited about right now in the world of design? Are there any new materials that you can’t wait to work with?

Kiki Van Eijk – I can’t wait to work with any material! We’re in a big removal to our new studio were we’ll have all the space of the world to work with any material.

Rose Lace - Carpet
Kiki van Eijk

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

Kiki Van Eijk – I can’t choose one, but my latest project the whole range of domestic jewels was a very interesting research for me.

Knick Knack Pot - Ceramic
Kiki van Eijk

Iván Meade – What would be your dream project?

Kiki Van Eijk – An interior for a hotel or embassy

Porcelain Silverware - Kiki van Eijk

Iván Meade – What is your next design venture?

Kiki Van Eijk – I’m going to make a very exclusive and personal series in wood combined with brass which really reflects my world of ideas and it represents furniture in a new way. That’s all I can say!

Also I’ve designed a lot of new products for a new Italian label which will be presented in Milan at the Salone del Mobile this year.

And many more… but still secret unfortunately. And of coarse: the renovation of our new studio!!

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?

Kiki van Eijk - I guess I don’t understand the question completely, can you put in in other words?

Thanks, best Kiki

Kiki van Eijk - Sketches

I invite to visit Kiki's website and enjoy her creativity...

Kiki van Eijk

MEADE DESIGN GROUP - THE BLOG. Copyright 2007-2011

Eye Candy of the Week - Crystal Candy Set by Jaime Hayon

Pina Passion Vase

PRODUCT
Crystal Candy Set Collection for Baccarat

DESIGNER
Jaime Hayon

MATERIAL
Crystal

DESCRIPTION

The opportunity to research and exercise creative possibilities along with Baccarat led to the creation of the Crystal Candy Set.

The approach was guided by the search for exquisite color and material combinations. With these pieces, Hayon wanted to replicate the richness of fresh tropical fruit using crystal and other materials, such as ceramics.

Using a variety of textures and thicknesses, a new game of reflection has been accomplished with each of the 9 characters that make up the collection. Diverse crystal cutting techniques can be appreciated throughout the collection. They result in a series of soft, feminine shapes with touch of humor. Fruity inspirations are mixed with gem-like features: pineapples, pomegranates, golf balls and water drops are some of the ideas explored.

The pieces are a limited edition of 25.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Baccarat
11, place des Etats-Unis 75116 Paris

thais.boissy@baccarat.fr

YUMMY FACTOR
Sweet! ... Really Sweet!

Jaime Hayon

Sketches from Jaime Hayon

MEADE DESIGN GROUP - THE BLOG. Copyright 2007-2011

Weekend in Tofino, British Columbia

Last weekend I left snowy Victoria to stay up island at the Wickaninnish Inn in Tofino B.C.

The Wickaninnish Inn, has become a landmark - the rustic beauty of this critically acclaimed destination has become a must-see for anyone traveling to the west coast. Guests can be sure to enjoy excellent service not only at the resort itself but also within all of the amenities. The Inn is also recognized with a Relais & Chateaux accreditation.

The Wickaninnish Inn

After enjoying a fantastic meal at The Pointe Restaurant and a relaxing massage at The Ancient Cedars Spa I went to explore the beauty of the Pacific Rim and it inspired me to take some photographs of the sand formations and mother nature.

Views from my room

Up close and personal with Mother Nature





Sand Formations

MEADE DESIGN GROUP - THE BLOG. Copyright 2007-2011

The Best Bold Colour Outdoor Fabrics

As promised, here are my favourite bold colour outdoor fabrics for those of you planning your new patios and decks for the spring/summer season. Just in case the snow is depressing you!

Any one of these fabrics, or even a combination, would look great paired with any of the selections from our previous entry.

- The Best Black and White Outdoor Fabrics

All fabrics are available through Meade Design Group - Purchase during the month of March, 2009 and save 20% on your order.

Which one is your favourite?

SHORE PAISLEY - SKY
Multi-Purpose
Outdoor
Ralph Lauren
100% ACRYLIC, Soil/Oil Repellent
USA
Sold by the YARD


NEPTUNE STRIPE - TANGERINE
Multi-Purpose
Outdoor
Ralph Lauren
100% POLYESTER, Stain/Water Repellent w/Mildew Resistance
FRANCE
Sold by the YARD


TERRYBROOK - AVOCADO
Upholstery
Outdoor
Robert Allen - Al Fresco
USA
Sold by the YARD


GAZEBO - TOMATO
All Purpose
J. Ennis Villa Collection
100% SUNBRELLA ACRYLIC
Sold by the YARD


PEBBLE - 012
Upholstery
Check/Houndstooth
100% SOLUTION DYED ACRYLIC
AVANT GARDE
Sold by the YARD


MASAI MARA - PINK
Upholstery/Drapery
Groundworks Solarium
100% ACRYLIC
USA
Sold by the YARD


MNYAMA CHENILLE - COCOA
Upholstery/Drapery
Groundworks Solarium
61% ACRYLIC, 39% Polyester
USA
Sold by the YARD


MNYAMA CHENILLE - BLUE
Upholstery/Drapery
Groundworks Solarium
100% ACRYLIC
FRANCE
Sold by the YARD


KALAHARI PLAID - PINK
Upholstery/Drapery
Groundworks Solarium
100% ACRYLIC
FRANCE
Sold by the YARD


CANE - PARROT
Upholstery
Kravet Soleil
100% SOLUTION DYED ACRYLIC
USA
Sold by the YARD


SOLEIL CANVAS - 405
Multipurpose
Kravet Design
100% SOLUTION DYED ACRYLIC
USA
Sold by the YARD


RUMRUNNER STRIPE - PETAL
Upholstery
Lee Jofa
100% ACRYLIC
FRANCE
Sold by the YARD


SOLARTE - TANGERINE
Upholstery
Kravet Soleil
61% ACRYLIC, 39% POLYESTER
USA
Sold by the YARD


ESCHER - GRASS
Upholstery
Kravet Soleil
55% ACRYLIC, 45% POLYESTER
USA
Sold by the YARD

MEADE DESIGN GROUP - THE BLOG. Copyright 2007-2011

In Conversation with Brad Ford

Brad Ford is one of the most well-recognized up-and-coming young designers. His work has been published in House Beautiful, the New York Times,  as well as a number of other respected publications.

Brad Ford

He is able to uphold a signature, clean look while tackling various styles and colour palettes. Brad also maintains a great blog [ Design Therapy ] with posts about everything from projects to products to politics. With over 10 years of experience, an amazing portfolio and two degrees behind him he is most certainly going places! In my personal opinion Brad Ford is one of the coolest designers out there.

Iván Meade – What was your first experience with design?

Brad Ford –When I was around 10 years old, my mom decided it was time for me and my brother to each have our own bedroom. So she put up a dividing wall in the room we shared and told us we could each pick out our own wallpaper and furniture and decorate it any way we like. My room ended up being about an 8' sq. box and I picked out this psychedelic, over-scaled, leather belt wallpaper. The belts ran horizontally and vertically forming a giant plaid pattern, but the best part was the belt buckles! They were actually made of gold metallic mylar and I remember thinking it was so modern. I even had the wallpaper hanger put it on the ceiling. It was pretty insane, but I loved it and I knew then I loved design!



Iván Meade – Who or what has influenced your style?

Brad Ford –Probably one of my biggest influences has been nature. I'm originally from Arkansas and growing up I was surrounded by the most beautiful natural resources. We were always out on the lake, down by the river or up in the mountains. The forms and the textures and the colors in those landscapes have always had a huge influence in my design approach.

Photograph courtesy of Brad Ford

Iván Meade – How would you describe your style?

Brad Ford –Organic, earthy, modern, warm and soulful.

Photograph courtesy of Brad Ford

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

Brad Ford –I think I have a pretty good eye, but in this business patience counts for a lot. The design process is just that...a process. Whether it's decision making, lead times, vendors, contractors, scheduling, clients-this business requires a great deal of patience and I think I have a fair amount (.... sometimes.) This could also be looked at as a weakness, at least from a business perspective. If we're looking for a vintage piece of furniture or an interesting design element, I'll often tell my clients we should wait until the right piece comes along as opposed to getting something just to have it. Eventually we'll find the right thing, and the client ends up appreciating it in the end.

Photograph courtesy of Brad Ford

Iván Meade – What books are currently on your bedside or coffee table?

Brad Ford –On my bedside table is "My Life In France" by Julia Child...it is so charming and inspiring! On my coffee table is "LaLanne(s)" by Daniel Abadie and it features the work of husband and wife sculptors Francois-Xavier and Claude LaLanne. Their work is absolutely stunning and clever at the same time. It's a must have for any design enthusiast.

Photograph courtesy of Brad Ford

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

Brad Ford –Right now I'm excited about technology and it's impact on design. There are computer programs out there that are capable of figuring out certain engineering aspects in a design that might normally have taken a huge amount of time or manpower. A perfect example is the artist/designer Joris Laarman. He used software created by car manufacturer GM to create the Bone Chair which as far as I'm concerned is a technological and design masterpiece. Another example is Frank Gehry's new IAC building here in New York. The shapes and forms and how they relate to each other would have been a 2-dimensional nightmare on paper, but with computers they were able to create an incredibly complex structure! These advances really open up all sorts of creative possibilities and I'm hoping they'll trickle down to the designs of even the most mundane objects, whether it's a pencil or a coffee cup.

Photograph courtesy of Brad Ford

Iván Meade – On the day of Obama’s inauguration you posted 2 very patriotic entries. Are you excited with the recent American political change? How do you think this will affect our industry?

Brad Ford –I honestly can't imagine anyone not being excited about the political change. I feel like as soon as President Obama put his hand on that bible the United States regained instant credibilty from around the world. We're in a brand new century and I feel like it's time for everyone to start thinking in a forward manner. President Obama seems to have grasped that philosophy and I think it's beyond exciting. I know it's a bit unsettling right now with the economy, but history has proven that in times of great despair, great things happen. You don't have to look too far back to remember the industrial revolution. I think we're headed into a "technological revolution."

Photograph courtesy of Brad Ford

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

Brad Ford –Definitely the mudroom I designed for the Hamptons Cottages and Garden show-house with the insects!

Photograph courtesy of Brad Ford

Iván Meade – In one of your projects you used a really interesting insect theme wallpaper – I found this selection really intriguing – what is the story behind this project?

Brad Ford -When they approached me to be a part of the show-house they said "how about the mudroom?" I jumped at the opportunity. I just loved the idea of trying to do something special with this often overlooked space. However, knowing it was the smallest room in the house, I knew I had to kick it up a notch in order to make it worth my time. I kept thinking about the function of a mudroom and how it's supposed to "protect" the rest of the house from outdoor elements. I thought why not bring in some of those outside elements and make them part of the design. Long story short .... I ended up attaching thousands of actual insects onto hand-printed wallpaper and I remember thinking to myself before anyone else saw it ...."This is either going to be the coolest thing I've ever done or the dumbest....I mean who puts dead bugs on the walls of a house in the Hamptons?" Luckily, it got a great reaction and really ended up putting my name on the map.

Photograph courtesy of Brad Ford

Iván Meade – What would be your dream project?

Brad Ford –Honestly....my dream project would be to design my very own house on a lake in a remote wooded area back home in the south, and then retire! All I have ever wanted is a house on the lake. I don't want it to be huge and I don't want it to be over the top. I just want a couple of fireplaces, stone floors and lots of windows. THAT is my dream project.

Photograph courtesy of Brad Ford

Iván Meade – What is your next design venture?

Brad Ford –I'm not exactly sure. To be honest, I'm still trying to figure that out. That's one of the reason's I started the blog [ Design Therapy ], to talk about things that interest me and to see if anything sticks. I love the idea of a small product line that includes a few pieces of furniture, possibly some tabletop accessories and lighting. I'd also love to write a book one day. And I love music and would love to do something related to that field. Sometimes I even find myself daydreaming about making a movie. I just think it would be the perfect format to combine a lot of my passions. Do you have any connections?

Photograph courtesy of Brad Ford

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?

Brad Ford –Authentic.

I invite you to see more of Brad's work at:

WEBSITE

www.bradfordid.com

BLOG
www.designtherapy.com

MEADE DESIGN GROUP - THE BLOG. Copyright 2007-2011