FRESH and BACK ... (above is an image of our front entry.  Living in a loft, we're lucky to have exposed poured concrete walls as a back drop for a floral arrangement I change with each season - it's amazing how fresh flowers can bring a sense of calm each time I come home ... floating white orchids once submerged. These lovely buds last longer than most flowers, if you change the water once a week.  Note: to fill the vase using a wide spray faucet while filling the vase to make the water bubble, the more air bubbles you add the better - you get an amazing effect to a floral submerged in water.  The bubbles collect amongst the petals and with the buds slightly submerged the scale of the floral is magnified.  A collection of oversized glass vessels translate into more creative & artistic installations, where we combine submerged florals with floating or votive candles.  Adding a layering of single stem flowers combines into a simple yet sophisticated arrangement.  Repetition, scale, keeping it simple makes for bigger impact.) To most this arrangement is too simple but that's why I love it - less is more ... if I had more space I would have a collection of 12 vases ...

It's been a while since I've posted and I just wanted to drop a quick hello, yes I am still alive post. Thank you to all my readers who have been writing me with their support and kind comments.  I wanted to let you all know, I plan to start blogging again.  With recent meetings and working with amazing people, I am inspired to share with all of you what I have been up to and to why I decided to make Vancouver home base.  Stay tuned ... I plan to write on all the modern inspiration I have found in Vancouver in addition to sharing the happenings along the way from my last visit to ICFF this past May.   Till my next post, please stay tuned ... 

Where to start ... with my recent relocation to the gastown neighborhood, it is the community of creative individuals that have drawn me in and helped me find my new love for Vancouver. Immediately from street scape PROVIDE HOME caught my eye. A sophisticated white interior complimented with local fir paneling and a unique custom line of fir furniture. A modern interior that features unique home accessories from some of my favorites: beautiful modern pottery from Rina Menardi to hand blown glass light fixtures from Niche Modern, to glass candle holders from Laurence Brabant, Paris, or the glass collection from Anna Torfs or Lawrence. For those who appreciate the art of Pottery, each of the pieces produced by Rina Menardi are sculptural pieces, seeing them in context with modern furniture will give you a good sense of how they compliment modern interiors, even the family at Inform Interiors showcases them in their B&B Italia room settings. I first came across the beautiful hand blown light fixtures in New York when I attended ICFF (International Contemporary Furniture Fair) and was in awe of their modern translation of the traditional exposed bulb, what a pleasant surprise to see that Provide Home introduced this New York design company to Vancouver by providing a couple of my favorite restaurants Chambar & Medina Cafe with their accent lighting.

In contrast to a previous negative comment about this retail space being "pretentious?" - it does take a sophisticated eye to appreciate good design. There are no knock offs or cheap representations here, only fine investment pieces that are all about quality. What I love about this neighborhood boutique is that the Owners Robert Quinnell and David Keeler feature a number of local designers and artists as well. Too often our local talents are missed, Provide Home provides a platform to showcase the local creative community. Check out the jewelry designed by Shereen de Rousseau or the resin vases of Martha Sturdy or the stationary designs of The Pink Door Company.

As an interior designer constantly sourcing unique product for clients, what a pleasant surprise to see this lovely modern interior become my lifestyle specialty boutique right here in Vancouver.

Provide Home carries a selection of unique home accessories that exclusive to their showroom - some of my favorites to add to my list above ADONDE, TICHELARR ceramics, DAFF FELT, CALEB SIEMEN, MAISON ET OBJET to EX VETO, ENO, MUUTO to JUDY ROSS textiles.

To learn more about exciting new products from Provide Home, Robert  recently joins the blogging world through Provide's blog where he shares with readers his favorite modern design sources.

When I first saw this image, a few descriptive words that came to mind sophisticated, timeless, calm, subtle, simple, modern, minimal ... This home showcased on Molteni & Co reminds me of why I love architectural interiors.  It is the detailing of such architectural interiors as this one that makes me love the beautiful subtelty of what we do as a profession.  For the sophisticated eye to appreciate a floating floor plate, flush drywall ceiling and floor details, recessed drapery tracks, frameless full height glazing, corner glass butt joints ... all breath taking.  If anyone knows who the architect is of this amazing home or the stylist who has reflected an interior that speaks a carefully selected refinement of finishes.  Some of my favorite designers work with this amazing company, to name a few of my favorites: the glove chair & clip bed by Patricia Urquiola, the 505 system by Lca Meda, the Less table by Jean Nouvel.  A must see showroom in Vancouver is Italinteriors where Molteni & Co, meets Unifor,  Dada Kitchens, Citterio, and Cassina. 

Furniture designed by one of my favorite designers Patricia Urquiola for B&B Italia available through INFORM INTERIORS.  For the Modern Morroccan outdoor space, mix these sculptural woven pieces with textured fabrics in tones of warm charcoals or fresh aquas - these are perfect pieces to creating a casual yet luxurious living space.

Vancouver is one of those cities where everyone can't wait till summer.  It's that time of year again for many home owners who plan to design their outdoor spaces in time for summer. Working with several clients on their outdoor spaces here are a few of my top picks for the summer, stay tuned for more modern outdoor spaces.

What I love about chairs is that they can be the perfect key element to adding some glam and bling to a space, the jewelry to completing an outfit. The Caprice chair is one of my new favorites ... I think any girl that grew up in the 80's will remember getting excited to put on a pair of her favorite jelly shoes. I love how light transfers through the surface of this lace like chair and highlights the 3dimensional transparent ribbon texture. A great feature of this chair is that it an be ordered with steel legs and be used for outdoor application. Available through Spencer Interiors. For $370.00 CAD this is a steal, high-end design, quality and comfort made affordable for those with a design fetish.

Exciting news to see our local Solus decor share their new launch of modern outdoor concrete products. Perfect timing for it's already that time of year to start planning for the summer. Thanks to the team at Solus and to Lindsey & Khai for the update! I'm looking forward to using the firebowl for an outdoor installation this upcoming summer.

Solus Handcast Concrete Decor Goes “Outdoor” For Spring - (thanks Lindsey for the info!)
Solus Decor Inc, a Vancouver, Canada-based firm that designs and manufactures precast concrete home decor products, has been creating fireplace mantels, tiles, site furnishings and custom pieces since 1997. This spring, Solus is launching a new collection of planters, vessels and site furnishings under the banner “Solus Outdoor.” The line is highlighted by an outdoor fire feature called the Hemi Firebowl, and the Grate Bench, a 2007 selection for New York’s Haute Green, “the best in sustainable design for the contemporary home”.

Concrete "Hemi Bowl" - $1,800.00 CAD
The Outdoor line was created as a response to a dearth in modern four-season outdoor furnishings and is the result of four years of experimentation and refinement. All the pieces in the collection are cast in high performance concrete: formulations that are up to five times stronger and more durable than typical concrete. This state-of-the-art material gives the pieces their uniquely contemporary look and also allows them to withstand harsh Canadian winters without “weathering ugly.” Unlike other materials used for outdoor furniture, high-performance concrete requires no maintenance and is not adversely affected by UV rays and dampness.

The Litha - Plank Bench $1,800 CAD

The Litha - Grate Bench $2,200 CAD
The benches and planters in the collection utilize Solus’ Litho, an ultra high-performance concrete with a compressive strength in excess of 20,000 psi (140 MPa+). This has allowed the Solus design team to push the boundaries of what was previously possible, with pieces that are unexpectedly thin and detailing that is refined crispness. Further, all pieces in the Outdoor line employ post-industrial recycled content in their formulations which not only helps to reduce the environmental impact of the products, but also enhances the concrete’s performance characteristics.

The spring line-up includes the Hemi Firebowl, Box Planters in two sizes, the multi-use Hemi 36 vessel, and two modern garden benches. All are available in a range of architectural colours and can be shipped across North America. The Solus Outdoor collection will be displayed at IDS West at the Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Centre, May 19-22, 2008, Booth 705.

Solus Decor was founded in 1997 in a small garage in North Vancouver by two Fine Arts graduates from the University of British Columbia. Solus continues to manufacture all of its products in Vancouver, but has grown into a 15,000 square foot facility and showroom with a dedicated 18-person staff.


The Box Planters:
Trough $1,100.00 CAD or Cube $400.00 CAD
Find out more at SOLUS DECOR. If you would like more information on this topic, or to schedule an interview with Khai Foo, please contact Solus at 604.255.2472, toll-free at 1.877.255.3146 or email: khai.foo@solusdecor.com

I've always dreamed of living in a concrete box highlighted by white walls and the simplicity of modern white furniture, an investment in creating a perfect environment to start creating, thinking, brainstorming and sharing what I love most about modern interiors

My 12" powerbook, black moleskin with notes for the day, a hot cup of lady gray tea in my favorite double walled glass and 3 books of inspiration on architecture details, an architectural firm I admire and an amazing topography book



BOOK #1 - TOPOGRAPHY23, The Annual of the Type Directors Club
This is when I know I am a total design geek when I judge a book by it's cover. I love the white glossy slightly transparent cover with minimal type. In reading more about the art of topography and finding inspiration for various projects this year, I highly recommend this book for those who have an appreciation for image, branding, packaging, and a fetish for fonts and layouts. My favorite quote "It has been said that typography is the architecture of the printed word because it makes thoughts visible and understandable. As there are manifold ways of laying out a building, there are - nowadays more than ever - varied ways of formulating the typo/graphics of a book, a brochure, a poster, or any media in which print is used" - Klaus Schmidt.

BOOK #2 - MAK ARCHITECTS
While I love white, I also love black! I love the matte black cover with black edged pages revealing full sized images bleeding off the page to examples of perspective sketches, concepts, and bubble diagrams.
We often refer to the design icons of our past when searching for inspiration. How great is it to see our present day design professionals have their work published and setting the tone for high caliber architecture and interiors. Multi-disciplinary firm Mak Architects shares with readers their process as a dynamic team who's synergy of a young talents give each client a unique solution vs. the traditional mind set of working with an architect for their "inhouse" style.
-"Working in architecture is characterised by participating in may processes: from planning to construction, from dream to reality from work to play. Throughout the process many things can influence and shape the intended goal. MAK Architects understand 'process' as fluid and open, their body of work cannot be defined as a monograph or a mere representation of process. Compiled in this book, the MAK approach comes across as both conventional and playful intone and is marked by a strong desire to engage with how environments can become meaningful for the user. MAK's body of work is reflective of how architecture is produced within the service economy of global city. Their unique position within the design world is evinced by the complex contemporary urban projects presented here. This book is a recording of the evolution of an architectural practice through the progression of many authors and users, and is essential to anyone interested in current architectural developments." - Phaidon Press
BOOK #3 - DETAILS IN CONTEMPORARY RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE by Virginia Mcleod, Laurence King Publications
An excellent book showcasing modern residential architecture with beautiful photography, floor plans, and the construction details that reflect the precision of quality in seamless transitions between materials.

With no book shelf yet, aligned against an exposed brick wall, I read though a collection of books we have from design, architecture, martial arts, photography, floral design, interior styling to programming ... the list goes on, as much as we use the internet daily, there is nothing like flipping though the pages of a good book. "turning a new page" ...

It's 2008 and there is so much to be excited for. While the last 8 years of working in the design industry have been an interesting collection of career paths and amazing opportunities of working with many great talents, I am grateful to look forward to sharing more of what I've learned is a passion of mine - sharing resources. Modern design and meeting the talents behind these great projects has become a great source of inspiration. It's hard to believe at times how designers have this bad wrap for being so hush hush when it comes to their resources, that for some reason this information is something owned. Reality is that the world of technology and speed at which information sharing is advancing far more quickly than what some might think. In a day where the internet has become the #1 source of information for not just saving time, increasing efficiency as well a source for learning. We are just at the beginning of what lies ahead. I learn that the more information I share with other liked minds, the more I learn through this process of corresponding and discussing modern concepts.


Closing thoughts:
This is the little guy who helped me through a few of the hardest years in my life, I am grateful to have shared these moments with him. 2008 marks a new beginning and I say good bye to Tyson knowing, that our time together was one I will always remember for the good things that have brought me here and have made me grow into the person I always want to be. Unconditional love and appreciation for all that is in my life today - I thank this little guy for always reminding me that learning to love yourself is the most important lesson we can all learn. That finding your passion for what makes you wake each morning thankful and excited ... I hope 2008 is a year we all make the changes to living our dreams.

I'm inspired by the talent, compassion, hard work, motivation and positive energy of the special people like you. Each season of 2007 has brought me experiences and lessons I look forward to sharing with all those who appreciate modern design, authenticity, quality, passion for learning the value of sharing resources and most of all staying true to yourself with each of your choices. Whether you're buying a new sofa, to finding a talent that reflects your values or to understanding the design process that best fits your goals ... I look forward to sharing a new meaning for MODERN design for living. Tyson and I send our our love and smiles - HAPPY MODERN HOLIDAY WISHES TO ALL OF YOU! -

A great example of modern residential design is the LeBlanc House which was the recipient of a 2007 Special Jury Award from the Architectural Institute of British Columbia.

Client: Jean Claude LeBlanc
Architect: Peter Cardew, David Scott, Angie Jim
Structural: Rob Smith
Contractor: John Mason and Associates; Peter Montgomery, Highliner Construction
Groun Floor Area: 2,961 ft2
Completion: December 2006




This house is now on the market, a perfect home for the sophisticated Vancouverite who appreciates a modern minimalist interior with the influence of west coast materials. To read more about this property visit realtor Jason Soprovich's website.

I love this beautifully executed renovation by Vancouver based design team Peter Cardew Architects. The interior has a sophisticated restraint of materials combining polished concrete floors, natural stone and a signature of BC architects - the subtle layer of maple seen in flush panel millwork. Each interior space is filled with natural light filtering through full height glazing throughout the home.

Our local 18karat recently highlighted their collection Gemma Spring/Summer 2008 in this perfect setting, a refreshing combination of earthy natural accessories and vessels. One of my favorite sources of inspiration is to look through 18 Karat's award winning styling and imagery. Photographs below 18 Karat.

Geothermal building with a green roof - environmental details in addition to re-using, rebuilding and recreating an amazing interior space, Inform Interiors is a destination retail space and experience that every modern design enthusiast must see when visiting Vancouver.

Gastown is a cool and hip neighborhood filled with great little boutiques, restaurants and shops. None of the expected main stream big box stores ... rather a collection of unique retailers and eateries that set the tone of bringing upscale design to a the less obvious street scape. This little pocket of historic Vancouver offers a cutting edge to building character for the city. The cobblestone roads now meet a new wave of modern transformations which encompass the best of loft living and the design studios of creative minds behind recent face-lift exterior facades. Inform Interiors re-opened their showroom and will re-launch in spring'08 a new flagship B&B Italia and Boffi showroom in their previous location. (stay tuned - the Inform family is cleverly building local pedestrians and design lovers like me into modern addicts anxiously waiting for the big opening)





Images provided by Obakki
Architecture & Interiors by Mcfarlane Green + Biggar4
Historic Gastown is now the home to an A-list of must sees from a cool hip shop for modern mom and pops, visit Modern Kid which offers kid-friendly "easy on the eye" design for the modern novelist while fashion fronts like Obakki (tops as my favorite fashion retail interior for Vancouver) or Hunt & Gather bring a unique collection of one of a kind pieces made right in the store by costume designer atelier.




Images of Obakki above are through my eyes. Some of my favorite details include exposed concrete walls meeting seamlessly with polished concrete floors. The extension of corian meeting reclaimed fir to reverse beveled drywall details lit from behind to give a diffused wash of light to highlight the exposed brick walls. Love, love the architectural detailing. The interior reflects the quality and craftsmanship of the Obakki label right down to each detail.

I'm excited to be guest blogger for 2modern and share with readers design finds I come across while working on various projects, a growing collection of my favorite eye candy. There are many up and coming designers who are truly innovative in not only design, fabrication as well experimenting with fresh new materials and higher levels of impeccable quality. Here are a few of my furniture favorites:

MODERN FURNITURE - COOL SWIVEL CHAIRS (to see full article go to 2modern)

Luxy italy | big jim
31.5" wide x 32.28" high, seat height: 16.53"
for version with swivel auto return and polished aluminum base
$1,525.00 available through SPENCER INTERIORS

MODERN LOUNGE CHAIR re-inventing the bean bag chair


Available through Ligne Roset, Livingspace Interiors Vancouver

MODERN DAYBEDS - Frigerio Italy (to see full article go to 2modern)


Frigerio Italy | cooper wings daybed 90 cm
35.43" x 59.84" x 26.77"/34.25" high, seat height: 13.77"
$5,685.00 in fabric Cat Lusso available through SPENCER INTERIORS

MODERN FURNITURE - SPAIN (to see full article go to 2modern)

This home is an amazing example of architecture meets engineering as shown in the design of the cantilevered floating roof. A private residence located in Okoyama Prefecture, Japan brings the translation of walls into a new light. Now if only Vancouver didn't have 44 inches of rain each year, this home could be a great example of architecture for a water front vacation home to take in an ocean view.

From bridal showers to weddings, from modern minimal to gothic chic floral couture, a collaboration of working with a great venue and working with the bride and wedding planner. To view photos of the floral concepts we came up with see slide show.

I am honored to share special moments with amazing friends ... a year filled of weddings. In helping a few friends with planning and styling ... I discovered a new passion in the art of floral design. What an amazing experience to work with such a beautiful medium. With a background in residential development designing display suites to private homes, organizing special events to styling private parties. Stay tuned as I find a way to turn my new found passion into as an extension of my work for 2008.

Floral design by JEFF LEATHAM, to see more of his work see website

Floral design by OLIVIER GUIGNI to see more of their work see website

Floral design by OVANDO to see more of their work see website
I learn so much working with an amazing team and find inspiration from talented New York based florists Banchet, Ovando to Olivier Guigni and Jeff Leatham. I admire the sculptural arrangements of Singapore based Sakul Intakul & Devehastin na Ayudhya, London based floral designer John Carter and LA based Krislyn Design. Flowers transform a room while providing a lasting impression and creates a signature feature in a room. Applying the rule of "less is more" to a floral arrangement allows the natural beauty of a bloom to stand alone, with a skill full eye and attention to details, choosing one single floral type or combinations of monochromatic arrangements give much more impact to a room. I find myself in pure bliss when making an arrangement. More so, I love the design process of creating a focal point where light, water and air meet the stem and petals of a bloom. I also love fully submerged flowers love to breath in water ... and when lit in the right way, you can see the bubbles collect around each petal ...
I share with you the amazing talents of those who have inspired me and the work that unfolded.

One of my favorite flower shops to see in New York is Blanchet located in the meatpacking district. They always have amazing window displays and a beautifully designed floral shop.

It feels like just yesterday that I first met Khai Foo and Brad Carpenter at their studio on 3rd off Main street in Vancouver, BC. A modest exterior entrance led to palette of sophisticated and refined concrete finishes. Four years ago, large format tiles had just started to be introduced to the residential market and Solus was already in production with a line of 12" x 24" floor tiles, showcased in their showroom in a perfect shade of charcoal. Examples of elegant fireplace mantels featured a new updated look to traditional crown profiles using simplified and well thought out use of scale and proportions. Also in their showroom - custom door surrounds for a dramatic entryway to a wine cellar. It's inspiring to see that within the last few years, Solus Decor has built a business model based on quality product and a belief in bringing excellent service to a growing market of sophisticated Vancouver buyers, as well international markets. A recent visit to Solus Decor's new location offered a sneak peek at behind the scenes efforts that go into each product from design process to careful production and packaging, Solus Decor is one of my favorite success stories and the best part is they are a great team to work with. To read more and view an inside story on Solus, see our collaborated effort at MODERN 604.COM where we feature all of Vancouver's talent and modern resources.

Concrete tile collection featured at current showroom location at 1445 Powell Street

New "Quadra" profile, a seamless single cast concrete surround that can be floor or wall mounted. I'm excited to see the collaboration between Solus Decor and Inform Interiors showcase this new concrete profile at the new Inform Interiors showroom located in Gastown.

It is a pleasant surprise to find out that one of my favorite New York based interior design firms Avroko who specializes in restaurant design, also has some great examples of residential interiors. Above are some images of their residential work. During my last visit in New York I had the treat and privilege to enjoy 3 fabulous meals in three amazing restaurants Sapa, Quality Meats and European Union. To read more about their work, check out a great blog article of images from my blog friend Andrew of BuildBlog or you can view collection of my favorite Avroko designs - see my slideshow.

Thanks to amazing blogs out there like one of my new favorites by Justin Anthony of materialicious he shares with readers his amazing sources on residential architecture, design, craftsmanship, materials and products. An excellent resource. Featured on one of his articles is an amazing company SHOOTFACTORY based out of the UK. "shootfactory is a full-service location agency, representing UK and international properties, studios and venues for TV, film, photo shoots, product launches and events. With over ten years’ international experience in our respective arenas of photography, styling, location management and production, we are committed to providing our location owners and clients with the best service, advice and support." Shootfactory is great option for clients to consider to turn their vacation properties into a source of income while not in use.

Here are a few examples of the many amazing interiors Shootfactory features. My top cities for modern inspiration MALORCA + SINGAPORE + LONDON.

LONDON - "Striking architect designed and photographer owned timber house. Bright and minimalist rooms with large expanse of glass. Stylish diner-kitchen room with outside space. Parking. Loading gates." The amazing architecture of David Adjaye

Looking back ... I attribute my learned love for modern minimal interiors and architecture to our days of working together and brainstorming for projects ... that excitement of opening the pages of beautiful books or magazines, and like twins at birth, the synchronized - oohs and aahs would follow. If we didn't say the exact same comment of excitement at the same time, there was always at least one of us thinking as the other is saying "look at the detail - LOVE IT". For those who aren't design junkies and cannot relate ... basically a PASSION for MODERN DESIGN is as addicting as that glass of wine you may be drinking as you read this or for others as you inhale that smoke or wolf down that block of cheese - that immediate sigh of bliss. It is that synergy or excitement and energy that inspires designers like me to be grateful for moments like those. Pure LOVE of appreciating all that is beautiful and visually articulate in its execution. I attribute my love and detailed eye to years of appreciating the laughs, cries, excitement, pop corn evenings, power walks, sushi dinners over lengthly design chats and talks. The experience of learning through eyes of someone you admire and respect helps motivate one to learn and crave more. Thank you DONNA for reminding me on your special day the moments in life that take your breath away, make you smile, make you cry and make you love - the beauty of seeing from within. MODERN DESIGN and INTERIORS isn't just about the aesthetics, is is a lifestyle, a process of embrassing and appreciating the experience of that moment.