White Texture

Contemporary decor asks for the minimal in color but maximum in texture and form. Above are some great examples of high texture in pure white. Play with your home palette by contrasting smooth and shiny with matte and textured objects. From the floor to the ceiling you should be exploring texture. Consider whitewashed barn wood floors and antique furniture with hits of new and contemporary plastic or ceramic pieces. Have some fun with it like the Her Chair from Fabio Novembre (1). Play with positive and negative space like the bowl from insideavenue.com (2).  My favorite way to add sparkle, texture and luxury all at once is to have a large Italian chandelier like this one from lamurrina.us (3). Vases and urns can decorate mantles, table tops and awkward corners. Play with heights, shapes and sizes to create a stunning array of form (4). Bring in flowers alive or contrived for a more natural palette little items like this decor piece from insideavenue.com can add a tonne of texture without needing to be watered (5).  Never cheap out on storage, a big white trunk at the foot of a bed or as a night stand or coffee table  can add interest, curiosity and most importantly hidden storage. Try one like this from insideavenue.com (6).  Be creative with your furniture, never take your furniture to seriously or stiff and try to vary seating types. For a lounging art piece try the truffle chair from porro.com (7).  The floor is one of the largest and greatest surfaces to explore texture, your bare feet will thank me. Consider something plush and carved like any rug from floortoheaven.com (8).

Nursery Furniture & Accessories

Every nursery should evoke a personality, a sense of calm and a lot of charm.  This stunning combination of baby furniture and accessories combine to make an enchanting and unisex nursery for any girl or boy. Powder blue is not just a color for boys as hits of floral, feminine details and satin bows can easily take a plane nursery from simple to elegant with both feminine and masculine undertones.

In the image:

1. Chandelier: baga.it- Art 1080 Century silver leaf and nickel frame with clear crystals and grey fabric lampshade. The best way to add detail to a child’s room without having to worry about breakage or other child harm is to choose an ornate chandelier that is out of reach but in full view. A chandelier like this is perfect for a small baby of any sex but ages very well with a little princess. This piece is also classy enough that you could move it into your living room or dining room in the future as your child ages. This is the ideal item to spend the extra money on as it can become an heirloom piece and is very versatile for rooms and styles.
2. Chest: interiorinternet.com- blue bell chest. A chest like this is easy to replicate for the DIY savvy. Find yourself an old chest on craigslist, kajiji or in a local flea market- strip and sand- refinish with a low VOC paint like Benjamin Moore’s Natura line in colors like high gloss decorators white (CC-20) or for a bit of color high gloss Blue Stream (CC-730). Then go online and find yourself a vinyl decal from a store like whatisblik.com where if you don’t find what you like  (try-rococo pop, ambition killed the cat, swan skins, anise or paisley) you can always submit a graphic or hand sketch to have customized just for you! Apply your applique and but out around the drawers and you are done!
3. Bassinet: poshtots.com- cherubini bassinet with linens $900.00. For a baby who truly deserves the best check out poshtots.com where you can add luxury and elegance to your newborns life with white wicker and ivory dupioni silk. Once your newborn outgrows their bassinet consider upgrading them to the Chelsea Sleigh crib in Antique silver finish for only $1,452.00
4. Table lamp: metalart.com- Josephine Queen table lamp. This sleek modern take on a classic piece adds a great sparkle to a child’s room with plenty of drama and a light glow. Consider finding a piece like this is a bold color like fuschia or lavender to add an extra bit of color to your nursery.
5. Blanket: poshtots.com- once again every nursery need s a hit of opulence and style. Throw in a decorative silk blanket or pillow to your nursing chair to make yourself feel like a queen.
6. Stool: insideavenue.com- next to your nursing chair consider a cut little side table/stool like this to sit your baby bottle, rattle or soother. Add some extra interest to your space with fun colored tables, ornate shapes or interesting textures. If you can find a table made of stiff foam to keep you little one extra safe that would be an even better bet!
7. Chair: interiorinternet.com- Babetta chair. Don’t let yourself go in a messy old chair for breastfeeding if you can find a gorgeous chair that hugs you back. If you want a more contemporary look try the Showtime chair by Jamie Haydon for Poltrona Frau from the outdoor collection that is extra durable for baby’s little messes.

Benoir Bloom Rug

Disco Gold Rug

Lovebird Rug

Thomas Obrien Batik Floral

Ming Chenille

Neiman Marcus has always been a favorite spot of mine for finding great area rugs with rich colors, unique patterns and great hand.

When deciding on what kind of area rug you are looking for consider the following questions:

Me and the "Whittle" Christmas Tree

Great team mates sharing in completing the wood sculpture

Every year the staff at Kasian do more than just decorate a Christmas tree for the Edmonton Festival of Trees fundraiser… they make it from scratch! This year as a team we outdid ourselves with endless hours of labor and planning to come up with an architectural and elegant addition to this years festivities. Our tree was made of walnut and wenge wood veneer wall covering graciously supplied by the great team at Metro Wallcoverings. The structure was made from plywood and Plexiglas. Each and every hand cut leaf was adorned with snowflake shaped hole punches and sparkles. The tree sold for above average and ended up being awarded Bronze.

The Hermes competition was aimed at graphic designers to create a new image for an Hermes Tie. With little direction as to where the company was heading Simon and I established a series of ties from the traditional to contemporary. Ties can be high end for black tie affairs or in the form of a bow tie, or they can be an every day colorful statement. Mens ties show both sophistication and personality and can be worn thick or thin silk, leather, satin or cotton. Tie patterns range from plain to extreme and can be as loud or soft as one wishes. The are one of the most common mens gifts and have as diverse a choice and price as any womens accessory.

With Interior Design background and a love for rich fabrics, vibrant colors and strong concept we came up with the following designs. We did not win the competition but we were able to learn how each other works and were able to bond much stronger as a design team. Their will be much more to be seen from the likes of both of us!

Please let us know what you think of our designs. We love feedback!

The Spirit of Paris

“The Spirit of Paris”
Concept: Hermes prides itself on it French Heritage and is a symbol of style known the world over. This garment takes inspiration from the design of another emblem of France, the Eiffel Tower. The pattern has been created to reflect the architecture of the tower forming an elegant and bold design. Hermes iconic ‘H’ repeats itself representing Parisian style while the dolphins represent the free-spirited nature of the city and its people. The structured geometry of the pattern is balanced by the dolphins and the Hermes ‘H’ to create something which is both chic and playful, allowing the tie to be both suitable for the office and for more informal encounters.

Icons of Paris

“Icons of Paris”

Concept: Two icons of Parisian style combine to form something that is truly Hermes. The subtle Art Noveau pattern of traditional Hermes ‘H’ forms an elegant background for the Eiffel Tower print. The print itself has been produced in a way that represents the soft pencil sketch of the traditional street artists of Paris who can still be found there today. The background allows the eye to travel along the whole length of the garment while the tower image creates the initial impact. Uniting nostalgic imagery with fashionable colours this tie represents the brand ideal of Hermes – luxury, tradition and style.

The Winners Trail

“The Winners Trail”

Concept: You don’t have to be born in the saddle to ride the wave of the winners trail… travel with Hermes.

A Color for Every Adventure

“A Color for Every Adventure”

Concept: Papa rode a pink horse around a lullaby. Papa rode a purple elephant into the desert sky. Papa swam with the yellow dolphins until the sea went dry. Every boy wants to be his papa and this tie is the reflection of my father’s image: Brave like a stallion Strong like an elephant and Wise like a dolphin.

The History of Hermes today

“The History of Hermes Today”

Concept: The history of Hermes today. Symmetrical and strong, historic but contemporary, bold and flawless… The horses represent your strength from past experiences and future dreams. The Golden H is your compass and the diamonds are your road.

Environmentally Conscious

I am proud to say that you are now reading the blog of a CaGBC LEED Accredited Professional. After tireless months of studying I was able to write and pass the exam. This accreditation gives me the knowledge I need to successfully work on and make well conceived decisions regarding any design project and most specifically any project that is aiming to attain LEED certification. I have now worked on 5 LEED buildings from LEED certified to LEED gold and am anxiously awaiting the opportunity to achieve LEED platinum. With a newer rating system and examination process LEED will be at a more advanced and challenging level for future LEED professionals.  More info on these changes can be found on the CaGBC website www.cagbc.org

A few helpful study tips for those rushing to complete the LEED AP Canada exam prior to Christmas:

The USGBC (United States Green Building Council) and CaGBC (Canadian Green Building Council) are leading the way in North America for changing the Architectural industry for the better.  Product manufacturers, engineers, urban planners and designers are all collaborating on pushing environmentally conscious decisions into new buildings, properties and renovations. This push is making sustainable design more available and more affordable.

New LEED AP path

I will be sure to present more sustainable design and product information in the coming future as part of my personal contribution to a greener future.

Below is a picture of the University of Calgary’s Child Development Centre recently completed by Kasian Architecture, Interior Design and Planning in Calgary. This building stands as Canada’s largest LEED Platinum building. All of the great design features can be viewed on the CaGBC or Kasian website.

Kasian LEED Platinum Building - UofC Child Development Centre

Holt Renfrew Calgary menswear department

The new Holt Renfrew flagship store opened its doors last month captivating the attention of the luxury brand crowd but also of the Interior Design and Architecture crowd. Designed by Janson Goldstein (www.jansongoldstein.com) out of New York who in 2007 unveiled the Vancouver Holt Renfrew department store. The 40 foot tall facade of glass, marble and steel is a captivating entry to the sleek white interior within. Already making headlines across the news world design magazines have also been capturing the fuss such as Design Quarterly magazine, an Alberta based publication dedicated to Architects and Designers in the province. At first I was disappointed that a Canadian firm was not chosen to carry the new design direction for the distinctly Canadian couture giant but with a firm like Janson Goldstein at the helm I knew only good things could come. I am glad that the design brings a distinctly New York touch with zebra wood, marble, white back painted glass and chrome. The great thing about hiring a designer from another country and culture is the ability to give a city a new outlook on the style and approach they could take. In a city like Calgary that is trying to push itself to a global scale it is time that they step away from the heavily warm tones, granite and slate to explore the potential of new materials, sleeker style and international flavor. At 151,000 square feet this 3 story shopping paradise will house brands like Gucci, Prada, Jil Sander, Fendi, Coach, Jimmy Choo, Giorgio Armani, Versace, Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Cavalli, Tiffany & Co. and Dolce & Gabbana, to name  a few.

Holt Renfrew Calgary Exterior Architecture and Entryway

“We are very proud to invite Calgarians into Holt Renfrew’s new store in this great city”, said Caryn Lerner, President and CEO of Holt Renfrew. “Our gorgeous new flagship has a rich selection of the world’s best fashions. We are excited to introduce over 60 new brands to the market.” This project will truly revitalize a raise the bar for downtown Calgary’s Core shopping center.

Holt Renfrew Calgary Louis Vuitton

Holt Renfrew Calgary Shoe Department

I had the priviledge at Andres Escobar and Associates to work on the interior design renovation of Saks 5th Avenue in New York which opened up my eyes to the world of department store design, politics and couture style. Both luxury goods giants are playing with the likes of other big boys like Neiman Marcus, Macy’s and Bloomingdales and finding that it takes big money, sharp design and a lot of bold move to pull off a stunning showpiece that provides the perfect museum quality backdrop for some of the worlds leaders in fashion.

I hope this massive new store sparks Edmonton’s Holt Renfrew to step up to the plate and update its sadly aged appearance and small scale. I would hope that it is on the top of Holt Renfrew Canada’s “To Do” list. Holts Montreal is aging but it at the very least has its size and location up to par. Holts Edmonton could do with a new facade, larger space and entirely new interior.

Holt Renfrew Edmonton - In need of some TLC

Another Canadian Luxury brand store the one and only Oglivys in Montreal is also in need of a well deserved facelift. Any Interior Designer would gasp with delight to have their hands in transforming that delight of a department store that dates back all the way to 1866 as a linen shop.

Have you been to the new Calgary Holt Renfrew yet? Tell me about your experience! How did the space make you feel? Do you think it has made a big impact on the downtown core? Do you think it will inspire a more International design flavor? Will New York ever be envious of Calgary?

Zebra Print Interior Design Products

Zebra can make for a bold and flavorful addition to spice up any room without adding any color.

The great products shown are:

1. www.zgallerie.com Zack accent chair approximately $750.00 I love this piece for how sharp, tailored and sophisticated it is. Add some red wall covering and a chandelier to have a romantic and invigorating bedroom retreat. OR you can even throw it in the living room with a plush sofa, glass and mirror for a dramatic statement with rich textures and visual stimulation.
2. www.venfield.com Zebra cubes with nickel nail head- These little stools show how sexy a little shape and some zebra print can make an accent piece of furniture.
3. www.nibarugs.com Zebra Area Rug – this piece is a super soft cut pile area rug that is perfect to sprawl out over and more cost effective than the real deal.
4. www.olystudio.com Sophie Chair – The best way to make a Renaissance old world charm room feel more contemporary, exotic and dramatic is to add Zebra Print to a classic piece. Oly Studio did it wonderfully with this Sophie chair. What other animal prints can we throw at this piece?
5. www.weaversart.com- luxury and texture collide when you make a hide area rug. For the more exotic animal aware maybe consider having www.kylebunting.com make you the same thing in cow hide.
6. www.olystudio.com Hadley bench- thin, crisp and sleek this piece is so feminine and eye catching. Consider having to of them at the foot of your bed- a his and hers to use only for putting on your fuzzy zebra print slippers!
7. www.vivariniglass.it Zebra collection- Vivarini has a beautiful glass collection with elegant forms, colors and textures.  A great way to add a hint of Zebra without the fur.
8. www.venfield.com Zebra chair- This is a very well tailored piece and a great example of a way to bring back grandpas old wingback chair. Sit two of these in an entryway or in front of your fireplace for a cozy and inviting conversation starter. What a great way to inspire reading in front of a fire!
9. www.carinilang.com Zebra Brown- Simple, feminine and subtle this piece is a more gentle approach to bringing animal print into a room. The color makes it quiet but not boring.  Great for a living room or bedroom and also appropriate as a wall hanging.

More Fun Zebra Products:

Aquamass Zebra Bathtub

The EXTREME Zebra chair

Horchow.com Zebra dish set

Neimanmarcus.com Sunflower Chair

And some great Interior Design with Zebra:

Zebra Bedroom

Charcoal Living room with Zebra Accent

Zebra Staircase Hollywood Style

Enjoy your black and white Zibra Chic additions!

Warm Interior Color Scheme

Read below to find out where I found all of my fall products and how I recommend you pick and use them.

All the great products:

1. www.halfpriceddrapes.com -Consider a tick velvety butternut colored drape with a large textured tassel to bring warmth and depth to your windows. Great for living rooms, dining rooms and bedrooms velvet can add an extra texture that is commonly missed in a formal room. Use a beautiful and raw wrought iron drapery rod to pull out the natural fall rustic charm
2. www.adrianahoyos.com -A great piece for fall is one that you feel could look just as charming and casual outdoors as indoors. wood slats and loose pillows keep this piece delightful and detailed without being fussy.
3. www.vgnewtrend.it -warm bright colors are always in season, but the right oranges and yellows contrasting the last of summers green can make any Thanksgiving table scape come to life. Without the addition of bright colors and pops of another season fall can look a little dead. Make sure to let green pop as an accent and dark brown or black ground the room with accents or even floor color.  The VG New Trend website has floral inspiration that can revamp your entire perspective on home decor and making your space feel more modern and upbeat. Say goodbye to the grocery store bouquet and spoil yourself a little with some foliage fashion!
4. www.insideavenue.com -Brighten up your Adriana Hoyos (#2) couch with some fun glittery pillows like this one from Inside Avenue. Pillows will change your furniture through the seasons and keep you from getting board of your spaces. Bring out color, pattern, texture and excitement with whichever pillow you choose and remember their is no such thing as too many pillows!
5. www.lorinmarsh.com -The Staccato Vase from Lorin Marsh is a treasured favorite of mine. The thick iridescent amber murano glass make the light color compete with the structures weight forming an elegant and heavy focal point to any fireplace mantle or tablescape.
6. www.kylebunting.com -A sure fire staple that can instantly bring texture and a conversation piece to any room is a Kyle Bunting area rug. Personally I would hate to put it in the floor and cover it up with furniture and feet,  so imagine it hung on a wall as the piece of art it is? You could get a great frame for one of these and it would do wonders acoustically and visually for a vaulted room with a large wall surface or in an entryway. I personally see these rugs as great investment pieces for a Hotel Lobby or a Commercial space.
7. www.chihuly.com -The God of glass always impresses me with the natural beauty of his creations. His collections are far more artistic and sculptural that functional but that is part of why they are so coveted. Make sure to put your Chihuly creation is an openly visible and childproof spot with great dramatic lighting. Consider having a wall niche or mantle with MR16 fixtures illuminating it from an angle. This will provide great drama and reflection. Having it located in a niche will provide a frame around the piece  to draw the viewers attention to the sculpture regardless of size.
8. www.crateandbarrel.com -Small little vases of all different shapes and sizes are a great thing to have stored in your cupboards. For each and ever holiday or special occasion you can mix and match them across your table or through your home filled with anything your heart and occasion concept desire. Flowers, candles, glass beads, sand, seashells, moss, twiggs etc. Have fun and get creative, this can be the least expensive way to add drama and color to a table.