Brazilian Mixmaster

Joaquim Tenreiro  1906 - 1992

The worlds of interiors and design are filled with a treasure trove

of talent and creativity.

Intimate and Fidel's latest discovery is designer Joaquim Tenreiro.

Born in Portugal, Tenreiro was a pioneer in mid-century design and

furniture making. His chairs, tables, loungers and bookcases are a

study in smooth, sculptural shapes and clean lines.

Tenreiro's creations are tinged with a quiet, modern take on 1960s

futurama, and his works highlight the fine woods his adopted country

of Brazil is famous for.

The overall effect is comfortable and elegantly casual. His designs

are executed in tones that range from earthy red to soft sand -

sometimes mixed together in a single piece.

Joaquim Tenreiro's latest collector show runs at the R Gallery in New York, from

November 12, 2013 - January 4, 2014.
http://www.r20thcentury.com/home.cfm

French Art Deco

A recent journey into French Art Deco pulled up these inspiration photos.  Whether you are a designer or a collector it is sure to inspire.

The Art of Personal

That time of year is approaching once again, as many will descend upon South Beach, Miami  December 4 to 8th for the annual Art Basel.  Art gluttony as I call it.  But really this is a great forum for young, up and coming artists as well as the masters.  Art is subjective, but this is the place where there is something for everyone.

 I want to highlight my friend Dena Lyons who will be exhibiting her works at one of the pavillions
http://denalyons.com/paintings/
What I like about her work, is the masterful use of colors.  From a Decorator perspective, I think it suits the modern West Coast home.  Her depictions of trees fit in nicely with those coastal homes sitting amongst the old growth trees.  Her colors add the perfect touch of brightness to a neutral palette home.  Many of her works are large canvasses that deserve to be the center piece of a room.  I am sure she will sell big this season, so visit her site for details of her upcoming exhibition.

Frank Home

My current inspirations have brought me to the study of French Art Deco.  I am specifically obsessed with the aesthetic of the works of Jean-Michel Frank.  The clean lines of this chair paired with the honesty of the material create a timeless modern look you could place in any up to date home of today.  More of his works are available to collectors at http://galerie-devos.com/.  Subtle luxury at it's best.

Home Sense

Iwan Baan: Ingenious homes in unexpected places

This is an interesting study into the makeshift homes of some of the poorest populations in the World.  The common theme being that even with very little, we still strive to bring character to our homes.

Masculine Space

Interior design doesn't always appear man friendly.  Often it is the woman of the household who is directing the style of the home and this can lead to male alienation. But there are ways to be luxurious without comprising the male identity.  There are a few simple rules I follow in defining a masculine space.  Strong lines, solid natural materials,and bold textures.  Here I have put together a soft palette that includes natural leather, heavy wood, eco cotton, and wools in both the soft headboard and accessories.  This is luxury meant to be gender neutral.

New Af-Fair

www.bddw.com

A great way to get design ideas for your home and to see new product, is to visit a Design Show.  Coming October 3, 2013, is a new show called the West Edge Design Fair in Santa Monica, CA. If you subscribe to the Westcoast aesthetic, this may be a great place to see what's new and happening in Modern design.  There will be 150 exhibitors all taking place at the Barker Hanger.  Most importantly, I think being a smaller show, there is an opportunity to make new discoveries of smaller manufacturing companies offering a unique selection for your home. .Visit for list of exhibitors at:
 http://westedgedesignfair.com/index.php/information/exhibitorlist

Ikat My Heart

A popular pattern in fabric came back this past spring.  Little do you know how labor intensive a real Ikat fabric can be.  I am sharing this piece I put together for a presentation which includes a timelapse on the making of an Ikat Woven Rug.  It gives you a window into how valuable good fabric based on time and construction alone.  Enjoy!

Something By The Sea...

Discovered a little gem of a store in Steveston this holiday weekend - The Fab Pad.  - the owner specializes in Mid-Century Modern.  What I like about it, is that she is very careful to showcase a few select pieces.  This really allows for someone to come in a realize how the vintage pieces can fit in to a modern home.  Her prices are fantastic too!  Please view her site for more information about the store - http://thefabpad.com/

New Frontiers

I discovered this new company that may have found a solution for small businesses fighting against rising real estate costs:  http://www.muvbox.ca/en/

Shipping containers have recently been observed has a solution for sustainable and small living units and now through Muvbox, also as an option for a movable restaurant  Why not take it one step further and consider it even for retail concept stores?  This could be a brilliant idea for those looking to do business in expensive urban cities.  For more information, visit their website.

5 Senses

Wanted to share this video as it covers the principles of design that I find important for a successful design and contributes to creating an atmosphere.  Scent and sound are equally important in what we experience visually. Enjoy!

Food Huggers

I am sharing this just out of personal habits, but how brilliant is this design?  No more plastic wrap required.  And especially for the single person who clearly never uses the entire product in one sitting, now you can pop this neat piece of silicon over your leftover produce prolonging its freshness.
If you want to see this product on the market, they are currently raising funds on kickstarter in order to launch.  Send your donation today:  http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1055691335/food-huggers

Paris Evolved

I returned from Paris not to long ago and was reminded of the awe that is IM Pei, Master Architect of the Louvre Pyramid.  He has a great history and I have compiled this video of his heritage influences, his mentor inspirations, and his works.  Enjoy!

Mind Mapping

A little inspiration on the evolution of Home....

Patio Dreams

Summer is here and we are all anticipating our dreamy sun filled evenings toasting cocktails on the perfect patio. Ever since my visit to the St. James Hotel in Miami Beach, I haven't forgotten this solid sleek design by Henry Hall - There are many outdoor furniture craftsmen out there, but if you are seeking built to last quality with unique design, look no further - visit http://www.henryhalldesigns.com/collections.html for all their available collections.

Light And Air

Inspiration for my latest design. A secluded forest getaway.

Color Therapy

Everyone needs a little color in their life. Grey cities like Vancouver could consider the points made in this TED talk.

Fusion Lounger

What do we get when we cross the comfort and ease of a hammock within the structure of a sofa? Answer: Of course the latest design from Cate and Nelson for Offecct. http://www.catenelson.com/design-process/ Offecct, a manufacturer out of Sweden, specializes in sustainable design. This particular sofa is said to be made with minimal materials and simplicity in order to create less waste. Paired with comfort and slick scandanavian inspiration, this piece is a great addition to the modern design home interested in a sustainable future.

Modern Master

Often home design trends mirror what is happening in fashion. Who better to be inspired by, then Jean Paul Gauthier. He is Parisian, he is innovative, and I am a long time fan. You can expect his Fall 2013 collection to mix the hard and the soft, and even the street wear with the tailored. I can see how this wonderful mix of texture could translate well into modern home furnishings. See more of his looks at http://www.fabsugar.com/Jean-Paul-Gaultier-Runway-Fashion-Week-Fall-2013-Photos-28303931

Ted Talks To Me...

A little inspirational video to celebrate the recent announcement of Ted.com coming to Vancouver. Enjoy the performance by Visual Artist Miwa Matreyek!

Screening Room

A common issue in small condo living is lack of storage and lack of space. So what options are there for a young family limited on time, but still wanting to be stylish? A good option is a well placed, decorative screen. The versatility of a screen can hide a children's play area or a busy desk.

There are many styles to choose from - art deco, comtemporary, or french country..

Be prepared to invest in a sturdy screen, remembering that they are built to mimic a wall, so the weight is important so that they don't easily topple. In the end you will find it can act as functioning art in your room.

Blanket Bingo

Blankets and throws are a home accessory I can not live without. They can add color or texture to a room, and of course keep you warm on those chilly nights curled up on a couch. A good blanket can be hard to come by though and costly at that. But recently I came upon House of Vintage on Robson St. where I discovered these beautiful vintage blankets at a fraction of the price. Throw in a couple of contrasting pillows and add this blanket layer to a white bedroom for dramatic effect. Just a simple addition and small purchase can change your room for the season.