Next week's B & A : Second Avenue Bathroom
Ciao!
Friday, November 8, 2013
Why We Love Before & After Photos : Week 1 Black Cat Bistro
Why do we love them so much - because they are awesome! They show how fabulous a transformation... a renovation can make you feel....not to mention increase the quality of life exponentially. The uplifting lightness you feel once finished is like getting a new haircut x1000. Over the years I have been asked to show some of my before and after photos, which I was reluctant to share for fear I would hurt someone's feelings. But I think I'm overly sensitive and have changed my mind. So here is the first installment : Black Cat Bistro
Next week's B & A : Second Avenue Bathroom
Ciao!
Next week's B & A : Second Avenue Bathroom
Ciao!
Monday, October 7, 2013
Rooms with Focal Points We Love
Hello, everyone! It’s Mari here. I'm so happy to be with you today to share a guest post from Arcadian Home blog. It's a fantastic place to find interior design inspiration including great decorating ideas for everything from beautiful folding screens to warm rugs for the floor.
Today’s topic is all about focal points we love. I’ve brought along images of eight rooms with some of my favorite beautiful, interesting and sometimes unexpected visual points of
interest. Please enjoy!
Thanks to Yvonne for letting me visit for a bit.
~ Mari
Perhaps the focal point of a room design is in the eye of the beholder. One might say the fireplace and contemporary artwork above it combine to create a focal point or the lovely ceiling perhaps,
but for me the fascinating couture art piece is what I’m drawn to in this gorgeous space. What catches your eye and holds your attention here?
We don’t often think of buffet lamps, even colorful ones, as focal points.
But this chartreuse glass lamp is most certainly the most eye-catching element in this high-rise apartment vignette. I love the brilliant color and curvy shape.
An intriguing oval desk takes center stage in this beautiful home office. A soft slightly feminine Hermes botanical wallpaper provides a lovely backdrop for this unique desk created from a steel oil drum—a study in contrast.
Even with a beautiful color-drenched painting on the teal wall behind it, a long red Chesterfield sofa is definitely the focal point in this sophisticated living room.
The appealing texture of leather becomes the point of interest in this contemporary living room. Strips of leather have been used to create an eye-catching rug that defines the conversation area.
How about double doors with a beautiful metallic finish for a fascinating focal point in an entryway? It looks stunning with the delicate gold chair.
I love surprising focal points like decorative trays as art in the bathroom.
This stylish bath with large glass enclosed shower and pretty glass tile wall below the wainscoting goes for the unexpected with a not so serious take on a gallery wall.
In the midst of an amazing city view, a black and white rug from Diane Von Furstenberg is still the focal point of this open-air dining room. It provides an anchor and beautifully defines the dining area.
Images 1
| 2 | 3 |
4 | 5 |
6 |
7 | 8
What do you think of these interiors? Leave us your thoughts below and come by our blog for more home decor, foyer lighting, and interior inspirations. Blogatchalater ~Yvonne and Mari
Perhaps the focal point of a room design is in the eye of the beholder. One might say the fireplace and contemporary artwork above it combine to create a focal point or the lovely ceiling perhaps,
but for me the fascinating couture art piece is what I’m drawn to in this gorgeous space. What catches your eye and holds your attention here?
We don’t often think of buffet lamps, even colorful ones, as focal points.
But this chartreuse glass lamp is most certainly the most eye-catching element in this high-rise apartment vignette. I love the brilliant color and curvy shape.
An intriguing oval desk takes center stage in this beautiful home office. A soft slightly feminine Hermes botanical wallpaper provides a lovely backdrop for this unique desk created from a steel oil drum—a study in contrast.
Even with a beautiful color-drenched painting on the teal wall behind it, a long red Chesterfield sofa is definitely the focal point in this sophisticated living room.
The appealing texture of leather becomes the point of interest in this contemporary living room. Strips of leather have been used to create an eye-catching rug that defines the conversation area.
How about double doors with a beautiful metallic finish for a fascinating focal point in an entryway? It looks stunning with the delicate gold chair.
I love surprising focal points like decorative trays as art in the bathroom.
This stylish bath with large glass enclosed shower and pretty glass tile wall below the wainscoting goes for the unexpected with a not so serious take on a gallery wall.
In the midst of an amazing city view, a black and white rug from Diane Von Furstenberg is still the focal point of this open-air dining room. It provides an anchor and beautifully defines the dining area.
Images 1
| 2 | 3 |
4 | 5 |
6 |
7 | 8
What do you think of these interiors? Leave us your thoughts below and come by our blog for more home decor, foyer lighting, and interior inspirations. Blogatchalater ~Yvonne and Mari
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
Design Adventures in China : Photo Journal of My Working Holiday
Designing for an English speaking client is tricky enough - what is their vision? what goals do they have? how are they expecting the end result to enrich their life? Now add to that, that none of the suppliers, contractors or users speak English !! The cultural difference is another story....luckily for me, it was the "American" design culture they were looking to emulate and capitalize on. These were some of the challenges I faced while on contract to design a trade show booth, company branding and of course...furniture for furniture manufacturer EDIMASS in Guangzhou, China from 2005-07.
Below is a photo journal of my experience, enjoy !
Land in Hong Kong and marvel at the architecture :
and the commerce, the Hong Kong port stretched for miles as we whizzed past :
Enter into "The Mainland" and fear for my life !! :
many, many modes of transportation and means of survival :
And some shocking roadside poverty :
A nice spot of tea with Horace, EDIMASS factory owner, before starting our 12 hour day :
EDIMASS' beautiful factory including inner courtyard [turns into basketball court after hours] :
One of a hundred or so modern factory showrooms we went to. Such a contrast of old and new !:
Here we are at a lumber yard - notice the background of the sign indicating the product they sell :
Lunch time with Lorna [factory co-owner and my personal translator / assistant] and Horace
- notice the Le Corbusier and Mies van der Rohe reproductions that they produce :
Working on new designs. Prototypes would literally appear overnight, as opposed to 2-3 weeks later when working with North American furniture makers. The Chinese work very fast therefore a lot was accomplished in 2-3 weeks :
Working on some branding for my designs; a super cool technique used to etch logos onto knives. This solution was suggested by Nicola working for Driade [Italian furniture company] :
And marketing materials for EDIMASS including the logo; chosing a Pantone color was tricky as they had no idea what I was talking about.... :
Finally, a day off with a friend [a concierge at my hotel who spoke some English] to see some gorgeous parks :
Building the EDIMASS tradeshow booth I designed, for the CIFF in Guangzhou, China :
Show time ! Outside of the super modern trade show complex :
and inside :
Coffee break at the show - typically hilarious translations of American marketing mumbo jumbo :
More of my furniture designs at the show :
Having a quality control meeting with the factory workers in the tradeshow booth !! :
And now the night life when the real business happens ! :
Karaoke Chinese style after dinner - this club probably holds 1,000+ people :
... these photos don't portray how extremely hot and extremely crowded it was....
A fond farewell to my Mainland friends, and back to Hong Kong and it's amazing lights, fashion and interior design. Here I had dinner with my great friend Phillip Van Leeuwen whom I am forever thankful to for encouraging me to go. :
I am also eternally thankful for my loving, caring husband Richard, who encouraged me to go and supported me every step of the way, never complaining once....even after missing 2 wedding anniversaries.
Will I ever go back? You bet ! It has been an amazing experience I never thought I would ever have.....
Blogatachalater,
Y
Below is a photo journal of my experience, enjoy !
Land in Hong Kong and marvel at the architecture :
and the commerce, the Hong Kong port stretched for miles as we whizzed past :
Enter into "The Mainland" and fear for my life !! :
many, many modes of transportation and means of survival :
And some shocking roadside poverty :
A nice spot of tea with Horace, EDIMASS factory owner, before starting our 12 hour day :
EDIMASS' beautiful factory including inner courtyard [turns into basketball court after hours] :
One of a hundred or so modern factory showrooms we went to. Such a contrast of old and new !:
Here we are at a lumber yard - notice the background of the sign indicating the product they sell :
Lunch time with Lorna [factory co-owner and my personal translator / assistant] and Horace
- notice the Le Corbusier and Mies van der Rohe reproductions that they produce :
Working on new designs. Prototypes would literally appear overnight, as opposed to 2-3 weeks later when working with North American furniture makers. The Chinese work very fast therefore a lot was accomplished in 2-3 weeks :
Working on some branding for my designs; a super cool technique used to etch logos onto knives. This solution was suggested by Nicola working for Driade [Italian furniture company] :
And marketing materials for EDIMASS including the logo; chosing a Pantone color was tricky as they had no idea what I was talking about.... :
Finally, a day off with a friend [a concierge at my hotel who spoke some English] to see some gorgeous parks :
 |
| Michael Yu |
 |
| Me |
 |
| White Cloud Park, Guangzhou, China |
Building the EDIMASS tradeshow booth I designed, for the CIFF in Guangzhou, China :
Show time ! Outside of the super modern trade show complex :
and inside :
Coffee break at the show - typically hilarious translations of American marketing mumbo jumbo :
More of my furniture designs at the show :
 |
| Speaker Wire Weave - Detail |
Having a quality control meeting with the factory workers in the tradeshow booth !! :
And now the night life when the real business happens ! :
 |
| Eugene, Ian, Lina, our driver |
Karaoke Chinese style after dinner - this club probably holds 1,000+ people :
... these photos don't portray how extremely hot and extremely crowded it was....
A fond farewell to my Mainland friends, and back to Hong Kong and it's amazing lights, fashion and interior design. Here I had dinner with my great friend Phillip Van Leeuwen whom I am forever thankful to for encouraging me to go. :
I am also eternally thankful for my loving, caring husband Richard, who encouraged me to go and supported me every step of the way, never complaining once....even after missing 2 wedding anniversaries.
Will I ever go back? You bet ! It has been an amazing experience I never thought I would ever have.....
Blogatachalater,
Y
Friday, July 5, 2013
Top 5 Tips : How to Make the Most of Your Initial Interior Design Consultation
Generally speaking, people who want an interior design consultation either a] just bought a house or condominium, and need help turning it into their home; or b] want to improve, update and refresh their existing home. A lot of valuable ideas and information can be shared in as little as 1 hour, especially if the tips below are considered :
1] Come prepared. Make sure you have a list of questions and concerns in priority sequence. Let your designer know in advance if you are looking for something in particular so they come prepared. For example, if you want to change the color of your bedroom, the designer will bring paint and possibly wallpaper samples.
2] Have an idea of the styles/ colors/ objects you like [and dislike]. Start a file and have it on hand as a communication tool with your designer. Buy some magazines, scour the internet and save images that appeal to you. Don't think about it too much - this should be a "gut reaction" exercise without too much analysis at first.
3] Take lots of notes including brand and company name information your designer may give you. This information is very valuable as it probably took them many hours or even years [saving you many hours !] to find these brands/ suppliers/ contractors etc. and to research their competency/ reliability/ quality/ etc.
4] Determine some sort of budget for what you are trying to achieve. This will help the designer narrow down the choices for you, and propose things that are suitable.
5] Know your schedule and share this with the designer. Are you the type of person who wants to start a project quickly and get it done asap? Or do you prefer to take your time and think about all the options, sometimes spending 6 months to work on an overall design plan? Let your designer know your expected timeline, so they can advise you accordingly.
Ciao!
1] Come prepared. Make sure you have a list of questions and concerns in priority sequence. Let your designer know in advance if you are looking for something in particular so they come prepared. For example, if you want to change the color of your bedroom, the designer will bring paint and possibly wallpaper samples.
2] Have an idea of the styles/ colors/ objects you like [and dislike]. Start a file and have it on hand as a communication tool with your designer. Buy some magazines, scour the internet and save images that appeal to you. Don't think about it too much - this should be a "gut reaction" exercise without too much analysis at first.
3] Take lots of notes including brand and company name information your designer may give you. This information is very valuable as it probably took them many hours or even years [saving you many hours !] to find these brands/ suppliers/ contractors etc. and to research their competency/ reliability/ quality/ etc.
4] Determine some sort of budget for what you are trying to achieve. This will help the designer narrow down the choices for you, and propose things that are suitable.
5] Know your schedule and share this with the designer. Are you the type of person who wants to start a project quickly and get it done asap? Or do you prefer to take your time and think about all the options, sometimes spending 6 months to work on an overall design plan? Let your designer know your expected timeline, so they can advise you accordingly.
Ciao!
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Brown : A Love - Hate Relationship
Yes we know - designers are known for their black clothing and for their love of all things white....and we see sooooooo much brown in Ottawa, we are constantly saying "Too Much Brown". Really, does this city have color-phobia? Is it our pioneer roots? Our love of the outdoors? The color of our pets?
Actually, we do love brown and all it's shades and tints ... in moderation of course!!
One of our favorite paint colors is C2 Barnacle. Here we painted a custom-designed floating vanity with this lovely soft brown color :
Another favorite paint color is Sherwin Williams Urbane Bronze - another brown! Here we used it for the Exposure Gallery ceiling :
And of course, there are the natural brown tones inherent in wood and porcelain tile in this Glebe foyer we designed :
But how much is too much? Well, of course this is subjective, but we believe no more than roughly 50% of visible surfaces should be brown. We also recommend using contrasting browns & materials - in other words, if the floors are going to be brown wood, then the walls, doors and cabinets should NOT be wood, unless the wood tones are contrasting such as bleached oak with dark stained walnut.
Some examples of TOO MUCH BROWN / WOOD :
Thankfully, there is an area rug and large sectional to cover up the hardwood floor...otherwise this would have looked like a wood insane asylum. CKY IDEA : lighten things up by painting directly over the wood paneled walls with a light to medium tone to match the sofa undertones. The walls will still have the wood texture but not compete with the floor and everything else in the room. And lower those framed prints down to eye level.
Wow, a lot of money was spent on cabinets for this kitchen. Notice how the undertone of the cabinets sides is yellow-orange and the undertone of the flooring is pinkish. Yikes ! CKY IDEA : instead of wood flooring we would have suggested a porcelain tile. As a retrofit idea, we suggest to paint out the upper cabinet sides something light neutral with the same undertone as the floor such as Pratt & Lambert China White and paint the lowers the same color as the drawer fronts.
Elegantly appointed with good proportions and scale. But please, this room is screaming out for some color!! CKY IDEA : upholster the chairs in a lovely light aqua linen blend, and change the draperies with a similar aqua, brown or cream pattern to tie everything together, such as this one: Villa Vizcaya
Last, paint out all the trims and brown wall to a lighter neutral color, in order to create more spaciousness.
It's so dark and gloomy even with a large window! CKY IDEA : place a large modern area rug with a black or plum pattern on a cream background.
Final notes : We are not being snobs ! There is a human perceptual phenomenon known as the Ganzfeld effect. The effect is described as "the loss of vision as the brain cuts off the unchanging signal from the eyes. The result is "seeing black"- apparent blindness" [Wikipedia]. Basically, your vision tires from lack of contrast and thus your brain's neural noise amplifies as it seeks out missing visual signals or differentiations. All this brown may cause a kind of blindness and hallucinations ! Yikes.
Blogatchalater.
Actually, we do love brown and all it's shades and tints ... in moderation of course!!
One of our favorite paint colors is C2 Barnacle. Here we painted a custom-designed floating vanity with this lovely soft brown color :
Another favorite paint color is Sherwin Williams Urbane Bronze - another brown! Here we used it for the Exposure Gallery ceiling :
But how much is too much? Well, of course this is subjective, but we believe no more than roughly 50% of visible surfaces should be brown. We also recommend using contrasting browns & materials - in other words, if the floors are going to be brown wood, then the walls, doors and cabinets should NOT be wood, unless the wood tones are contrasting such as bleached oak with dark stained walnut.
Some examples of TOO MUCH BROWN / WOOD :
Last, paint out all the trims and brown wall to a lighter neutral color, in order to create more spaciousness.
It's so dark and gloomy even with a large window! CKY IDEA : place a large modern area rug with a black or plum pattern on a cream background.
Final notes : We are not being snobs ! There is a human perceptual phenomenon known as the Ganzfeld effect. The effect is described as "the loss of vision as the brain cuts off the unchanging signal from the eyes. The result is "seeing black"- apparent blindness" [Wikipedia]. Basically, your vision tires from lack of contrast and thus your brain's neural noise amplifies as it seeks out missing visual signals or differentiations. All this brown may cause a kind of blindness and hallucinations ! Yikes.
Blogatchalater.
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