MODERN ARCHITECTURE: JAPAN

Architecture by TEZUKA ARCHITECTS
Location: Japan
Specialty: Residential, Educational, Commercial
Project Highlights: Floating Roof House
Interior Photography: TEZUKA ARCHITECTS

To view more images of their work, see slideshow.

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.

Read More..

MODERN INTERIOR DESIGN - AVROKO

Finley Residence

Architecture & Interiors by: Avroko
Location: New York, USA
Specialty: Restaurants, Hotels, Residential, Convept Development, Furniture
Project Highlights: Sapa, Quality Meats, European Union, Park Avenue Summer
Interior Photography: Avroko

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.

Park Avenue Summer Read More..

MODERN HOMES - MAJORCA + SINGAPORE + LONDON

Images provided by SHOOTFACTORY
View the complete inspiration library of images as a 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.

MAJORCA - "Modern lifestyle studio in SE Mallorca (Majorca). Superb daylight. Open plan. Internal and external studio spaces. Props and lighting."

SINGAPORE - "Spread over 3600 sq ft, the indoors and outdoors merge seamlessly in this open plan apartment. Custom made furniture by the designer mingles with modern classics, industrial materials with soft textures."

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

Read More..

MODERN ARCHITECT - NIGEL PARISH

Architecture & Interiors by: SPLYCE
Location: Vancouver, Canada
Specialty: residential and commercial renovations to custom furniture and landscapes
Project Highlights: Renovations of West2nd and West 7th private residences
Interior Photography: Michael Boland Photography

The great thing about blogging is that I have gained such a great sense of community, meeting so many amazing talents from all corners of the world and also reconnecting with the local design scene. Earlier this year I was honoured to read a kind comment from one of Vancouver's most talented architects, Nigel Parish of SPLYCE. I came across his work last year while sourcing images for modern west coast architecture. Over the past months, I have been lucky enough to learn more about Nigel's work and approach to both architecture and interiors. You can see through his work the merging of the structure and interior volumes of space holds a strong relationship and is seamless. I admire his keen sense of attention to construction details in exploring natural materials in flush exterior cladding and the combining of economical yet quality materials.

Here is an example of his work shown in the West 2nd renovation project on a 1,200 sq.ft. 1950s apartment. Love the detailing of the hardware and open staircase using laminated glass treads. Another favorite of mine is the West 7th Penthouse renovation, where his attention to details is well executed through the design of a multi-functional built-in that cleverly includes a movable cantilevered worktop.



His bio reads "The fascination with craft and how things are made is reflected in all of Nigel's work by an acute attention to detail on every scale. From the broader conceptual organization of spaces to the finer detailing and selection of finishes, Nigel strives to apply meaning and purpose to all design elements. Design decisions based on the specific and unique parameters of each project, such as site conditions, budget constraints and client's wishes, always take precedent over style and popular trends. The results are objects and spaces infused with meaning and lasting beauty." - this is well represented in his work. Stay tuned for the soon to come feature magazine articles on his recently completed home renovations in West Vancouver. Excellent examples of icon additions to Vancouver's collection of modern westcoast homes.

To see more of Nigel's work, see slideshow Read More..

MODERN INTERIOR DESIGNER - PATRICIA GRAY

I am a longtime admirer of Vancouver-based interior designer, Patricia Gray. It has been inspiring to see her work transform over the years and see her approach to modern interiors be featured in well known magazine publications like Interior Design, Western Living, Architectural Digest and of course my favorite source of information, the blogging community. Through friends Kim and Jo from one of my favorite reads in the morning - desire to inspire ... I noticed a familiar name in the comments - what a pleasant surprise to see Patricia Gray join the blogging community of design lovers! An even more pleasant surprise was to see my blogs featured on her blog roll. I felt like a little kid at the magazine aisle excited to buy my favorite design magazine ... I just had to write to Patricia to thank her for visiting. Small world we live in as it turns out we have a few more connections in common.



In my recent efforts to get back to blogging, Patricia's personal blog (at the top of a growing list of favorite design blogs) has renewed by own personal blogging energy. Here I share with you my interview with Patricia on her design views.

Interior Designer: Patricia Gray
Company: Patricia Gray Inc
Specialty: Interior Design, Furniture & Product Design, Project Management
Started: 1982
Background: Kwantlen College / Parsons School of Design - Paris, France
Current Location: Vancouver BC

INTERVIEW
- Out of all the cities in the world, why do you choose to work in Vancouver?
I was raised in Vancouver. It is my home.

- With respect to your work, what is it that you feel makes you successful? unique?
I feel successful when my clients fall in love with their homes. Unique when I am using my own designs not someone else’s.

- How do you like to approach design?
I like to start on the interior architecture of the space. I make sure the envelope is right then add in the furnishings, artwork and accessories.

- What inspires you?
I am inspired by beauty in all forms.

- What inspires your work?
My work is inspired by clients who have faith in the creative process and want me to design something that is unique for them.

- Who inspires you?
I am inspired by Albert Hadley, Michal Taylor who have been my Mentors since Design School and who I consider to be great Interior Design Icons, and recently I am inspired by Michael S. Smith for his brillance in interpreting the past in fresh and modern ways.

- What do you dislike and wish you could change about design in Vancouver? pet peeve?
I think we live in one of the greatest cities in North America. We have a contemporary, cosmopolitan design genre here that is totally unique to us. The only thing that I long for is to have more design resources available here.

- If there was one thing about your industry that you do that you could change, what would it be? ex. an interior, building, a product, process
I would change the way that Interior Designers are perceived. In European countries they celebrate Interior Designers and Architects and honor them for the contributions they are making.

- What do you feel you are contributing to the industry that is innovative and progressive?
I try to create designs for clients that are not trendy or fleeting, but that are unique and specifaclly suited to the architecture and to their specific life style requirements. That takes a lot of faith on the part of the clients and a willingness to follow through on all the details. I am very dedicated to Smart Design, Eco, Green and & Envioronmentally Friendly practices.

- Describe what your desk looks like (cluttered, heaps of magazines, bottle of Tylenol, etc.)
All that is on my desk is my laptop and the files that I am working on that day, and always fresh flowers.

- What do you need from your work environment in order to be productive?
Beauty, inspiring music, and my bulletin board where I post all my inspirations.

- Do you have a pet, what kind?
I have a 4 ½ lb Yorkshire Terrier named Nicole. She comes to work with me everyday and has her own business card: VP of Security. She is best VP of Security we have ever had. She guards the front door ferociously against couriers.

Thank You Patricia for sharing a little more about you. It is such a privilege to have personal insight from the talent behind the amazing designs we admire. To read more about Patricia , here are links to more interviews by some of the blogs I admire: Frankie of life in a venti cup and Vanessa of Turquise LA for LAapartmenttherapy

Read More..

MODERN ARCHITECTURE + DESIGN - VANCOUVER

To view the complete inspiration images see slideshow

Architecture & Interiors by: Omar Arbell
Location: Vancouver, Canada
Specialty: residential and commercial renovations to custom furniture and landscapes
Project Highlights: Renovations of Penthouse Suite, Vancouver + Inform Interiors + Salt Tasting Bar
Interior Photography: Michael Boland Photography

(be sure to check out Micheal Boland's work, he has an amazing portfolio of capturing modern architecture and interiors)
Getting back to blogging, I look back at the past year and am proud of  Vancouver for the increase of modern design projects, it's a slow start but great to see that modern aesthetic is starting to be recognized more and more every day. An architect I have long admired is Omar Arbel. After seeing the transformation of a penthouse renovation, the opening of the cool Salt Tasting Bar, the renovation of the new Inform Interiors showroom - I'm speechless. It's inspiring to come across Omar's work being featured in more and more design articles to also experiencing installations of his designs like the Bocci Lights. A beautiful choice of light fixture hung throughout STK in the meatpacking district in New York.

To gain a "behind the scenes" insight into the building of a cool new interior in Vancouver, check out the blog story behind Salt where Sean shares the inspiration of combining the design talent of Omar Arbel with the details of local furniture designers like Brent Comber. Got to love learning more about the design & food lovers joining the blogging community.

Read More..

MODERN ARCHITECTURE - WINGARDH ARKITECKT

Architecture & Interiors by: WINGARDH ARKITECKT
Location: Goteborg, Sweden
Specialty: single-family & multi-family residential, public, corporate
Project Highlights: Villa Anne, Villa Nilsson

One of my favorite websites is sellModern which highlights modern residential properties on the market. I often refer to this website to review projects in development and learn about new feature architects. One of the feature architects whose work I have fallen in love with is that of Sweden based firm WINGARDH ARKITECKT. I am inspired by the firm's innovative concrete detailing and their ability to transform residential architecture into a seamless extension of the surrounding landscape. Villa Anne and Villa Nilsson are two perfect examples of the amazing impact that great architecture and interiors have when well designed.

Read More..

MODERN INTERIORS - GLENN CLARKE

Feature International Award Winning Designer:
Glenn Clarke of HKS
Lighting Designer: Pam Wilson
Photography by: Blake Marvin
Location: Dallas
Specialty: high-end residential
Project Highlights: Turtle Creek Condo as listed by David Griffin & Company Realtors

"CUTTING EDGE,MINIMALISTIC,HIGHLY DETAILED MODERN DESIGN W-WARM & WELCOMING PALETTE IN ONE OF THE MOST PRESTIGIOUS HIGH-RISES IN DALLAS. INTERIOR DESIGN,FINISH SELECTION BY INTERNATIONAL AWARD WINNING DESIGNER WITH HKS & LIGHTING DESIGN BY PAM WILSON. 2-2.5-2 HOME W-LIMESTONE FLOORING,DEEP RICH HARDWOOD FLOOR, LUTRON LIGHTING SYSTEM, SURROUND SOUND THROUGH-OUT. GOURMET KIT W-OPEN ACCESS TO LIV-DIN AREA W-TOP-OF-THE-LINE APPLIANCES INCLUDE GAGGENAU & SUB-ZERO"

I love the floating vanity, the flush detailing of the countertops and most of all the detail of the wall returns being offset from the vanity wall which gives an illusion of the space. And of course, I love that traditional baseboards, are replaced with a crisp reveal detail. Note that even the electrical outlets are to the side mounted horizontally. The attention to detail in this space is well executed. I only wish it wasn't such a struggle to have general trades always saying that these details are impossible ... so I archive these images for times when contractors tell me a detail is impossible or too difficult to execute, it is projects like like the work of MKD that proves otherwise "see it can be done ... they were able to accomplish this beautiful detail" ... great builder on this project!

Thank you Blake for the update on the details of this amazing project. Look forward to seeing more of these beautiful interiors. I'm delighted to see the attention to detail in both the interior architecture and photography.

Read More..

MODERN INTERIORS - DIEDIER GOMEZ

Feature Interior Design Firm: DIEDIER GOMEZ
Location: Paris, France
Specialty: high-end residential, retail, commercial, hospitality
Project Highlights: See my favorites on flickr image library

I love the use of combining oversized graphics with bold colour to create a dramatic interior concept. The work of Diedier Gomez is a perfect example of well executed concept interiors.

Read More..

MODERN RESIDENTIAL - LOS ANGELES

Architecture & Interior Design by:
LORCAN O'HERLIHY ARCHITECTS
Locations: Los Angeles, California
Specialty: high-end residential, mixed-use, institutional, commercial
Project Highlights: Jai House, Gardner 1050

I am inspired by LORCAN O'HERLIHY ARCHITECTS whose residential portfolio is a perfect example of using innovative space planning to create interior spaces that are seamless with the exterior. One of my favorite projects is the Jai House for it's beautifully executed details as seen in the cantilevered stair treads and floor to ceiling glazing. Features include an open roof top patio and a covered pool which extends outwards into the landscaping, eliminating the boundaries between interior and outdoor spaces. The architecture transforms outdoor areas into functional extensions of the interior living spaces. Instead of the traditional home full of rooms, the Jai house provides open space planning for more flexibility to entertain while also giving the illusion of more space. I love the idea of watching a movie beneath the stars while comfortably lounging on the rooftop garden.

Read More..

MODERN RESIDENTIAL - NEW YORK

Feature Architecture & Interior Design:
MESSANA O'RORKE ARCHITECTS
Location: New York, New York
Specialty: high-end residential, leasure, retail, commercial
Project Highlights: Storefront Loft, Ten Broeck Residence, 12th Street Residence, DKNY Geneva

New York based firm MESSANA O'RORKE ARCHITECTS represents a portfolio of residential interiors that have impeccable attention to minimalist detailing. Flush drywall and cabinetry detailing carefully executed in integration with existing structural elements such as exposed wood beams or brick walls. A seamless layering of the old with the new is beautifully shown in each of their interiors.

Read More..

MODERN HOMES IN VANCOUVER

Where does one go to discover MODERN residential architecture in VANCOUVER? I share with you a few of my favorite residential projects. The modern westcoast designs of such award winning architects like Arthur Erickson, Bing Thom, Brian Hemingway, Russell S. Hollingsworth have become timeless signature icons in British Columbia. More recent residential work of Battersby Howat, Patkau Architects, Christopher Bozyk Architects, James KM Cheng Architects Inc. - reflect the new means of construction methods and building products that have transformed our local design industry to creating even more innovative structures.

Read More..

MODERN ARCHITECTURE & INTERIORS - RICHARDSON SADEKI

Feature Interior Design Firm: RICHARDSON SADEKI
Location: New York, New York
Specialty: hospitality (spas), retail, commercial, corporate, retail, residential
Project Highlights: Bathhouse-Las Vegas, Skinklinic-New York, Boone Residence, Dumbo Residence

"Richardson Sadeki is a design company that provides architectural, graphic, packaging and web design for companies seeking integrated concept development and a unique end user experience." - company profile

In my travels to New York, I wanted to learn more about the local design industry and become more familiar with what I consider the best of modern architecture and interiors. I am inspired by the firm's precision of detailing and their sophisticated yet subtle integration of company branding as seen in the Bathhouse project in Las Vegas and the Skinkinic previously published in Interior Design Magazine. It's exciting to hear that the firm will working on the renovation of the Chelsea Hotel Bar.

Read More..

MODERN TRANSITIONAL - KELLY HOPPEN

Feature Interior Design Firm: KELLY HOPPEN
Location: London, Britain and Paris, France
Specialty: high-end residential, commissions including hotel, restaurant, office, aircraft
Project Highlights: Private Residences, British Airways, Royal Mougins Golf Club, Cartier
Photography by: Thomas Stewart, Vincent Knapp

I am inspired by world-renowned British designer KELLY HOPPEN, whose work over the years has motivated me to pursue my love of interior design as a profession. I admire Kelly as an excellent role model for her ability as a talented designer and creative stylist to turn her passion of design into a successful business. The Kelly Hoppen signature style has transformed the art of consulting into a brand of it's own. Recently, the firm has re-launched the KH website to feature the KELLY HOPPEN HOME line with BHS. Kelly now leads a team of 30 with offices based out of London and, more recently, Paris. I am excited to see her signature line of product accessible to a client market that has long admired her sophisticated sensibilities and approach to design. Kelly has been highly-influential in my career as a source of inspiration and as a professional leader.

Read More..

MODERN FURNITURE - SPAIN

"VICCARBE collection shows the value and references for a contemporary style with a wide range of products for comfortable living. It is distinguished by great simplicity, innovative elegance and global brand awareness ... This collection is ideal for people who live in the present and think of the future" - viccarbe.
Vancouver based furniture store SPENCER INTERIORS will be featuring a new line of furniture from VICCARBE. A great line of furniture for those of us who are modern minimalists. The simple clean lines and tailored detailing of each piece is a timeless addition to any room. What I love about European furniture is the accuracy and precision of proportions - combining extra deep seating with low wide arms makes for a perfect place to relax and lounge.

Read More..

MODERN ARCHITECTURE AUSTRALIA - MARCH CASHMAN KOOLLOOS

where does the old stop and the new begin?
MARCH CASHMAN KOOLLOOS ARCHITECTS projects are excellent examples of beautifully executed transitions between old and new architecture. Their seamless joining of the two creates unexpected & beautiful points of interest. Carefully placed new skylights flood the interior with natural light as they graze old brick walls. Vertical elements extending through to the exterior cleverly play with our perception of space while oversized frameless windows carved out of an old shingle roof play with our perception of where the indoor stops and the outdoor begins. Once again, thank you desire to inspire for sharing the work of this amazing architect.

Read More..

MODERN HOMES - AUSTRAILIA

I came across the work of MARCH CASHMAN KOOLLOOS ARCHITECTS through my friends at DESIRE TO INSPIRE. Midcentury Jo and Kim are 2 talented design enthusiasts who I've been lucky to meet through flickr and blogging. I love the work of MCK Architects for their modern-transitional design sense and their amazing ability of create seamless yet interesting home extensions as shown in many of their home renovations.

Read More..