NAMI INTERIORS

DESIGN NEWS: The Height of Regal

2011-11-10T03:06:00.006-05:00

Didier Faustino, is both an artist and architect mainly known for his avant-garde style and fascination with space. Faustino's exhibit The Best of All Worlds is being held in Paris, France until December 4th which consists of Regal chairs designed at various heights! He is also the co-founder of Bureau des Mesarchitecture architect firm and will be speaking at UofT and OCAD universities November 22nd and 23rd.

I absolutely love this! The different heights and consistency of shape and colour works well with the space creating a collage of work. The elongated legs and the placement of the chairs give the impression of a continuous growth into space. Just fabulous!

And the gallery...

NAMI.... Inspiration. Imagination. Innovation

PORTFOLIO: Staging Work

2011-10-11T21:05:00.006-04:00

I have been able to work on a few staging jobs in my time and they are quite fun! With staging there is usually a streamlined contemporary look with a "magazine finish" that real estate agents like to go for, this helps the masses viewing for a current look within design; nothing to fancy or over the top. Homeowners on the other hand usually like to make it more personal because of their existing furniture and decor items that have meaning or some type of memoir. This is where a stager/ designer needs to balance the two.

Please view the below techniques:

Traditional: Keeping in touch with the exterior architecture of the house, the client's sofas mixed with modern accent pieces compliment each other.

Contemporary: Always works and can never go wrong! Most people like this because model homes usually look like this.

Modern: This style usually depends on the architecture of the home, but clean lines and white tones are usually involved to make the space look bigger for a great selling point.

NAMI INTERIORS..... Inspiration. Imagination. Innovation

DESIGN NEWS: New Flooring Products

2011-08-19T12:07:00.010-04:00

New Shaw Contract Collection - On the Edge

Abstact Edge

Square commercial carpet tiles are old news! Edge features new 18-inch by 36-inch patterned, rectangular tiles in three patterns and vibrant, modern colors that can be combined for a graphic-design inspired or traditional look.

Best of NeoCon Gold this year at Chicago's IIDEX. Shaw Contract gives a bold layered looks which can spice up the old boring office!

Horizontal Edge

NOTE: Because the tiles can be mixed within the different patterns, Horizontal, Vertical and Abstract, installation methods are endless.

SPEC's: Tiles are backed by EcoWorx, which contains 40 percent pre-consumer recycled content, is recyclable and backed for performance. The tiles help earn LEED and Innovation in Design credits.

Onto Other News for This Summer's Forcast:

Flaster Concrete Wall & Floor Tiles

Designed by Andras Rudolf
Manufactured by Ivanka

The Budapest based company has a philosophy that focuses on the relationship between the materials used within architecture + design and their influence on each other. Ivanka products range from interiors to fashion, outdoor sculptures and now floor/ wall tiles.

Material: made of a high density fiber reinforced concrete, these medallions are reminiscent of traditional tiles from Morocco. Now as a modern product, these tiles create a high fashion, cozy feel for interiors and exteriors.

This just reminds me of a Luis Vuitton print for an A + D campaign ad. Fashion and interiors go hand in hand!

Available Sizes: 11.5" x 11.5" and 8.5 x 8.5". Install on an angle or across linear with spacers between each tile .

To check out the collection and specs click here

NAMI.... Inspitation. Imagination, Innovation

Artistic Expression: Gauguin

2011-08-19T10:44:00.001-04:00

Leading French Post - Impressionist artist from France with a vast amount of knowledge and experience that later produced into art through different mediums such as: painting, sculpting, print- making, pottery, and writing.

He was one of the first mainstream artist to capture people of a different colour and lifestyle for Europe and the Western world.

Please just take this in:

Paul Gauguin, Te aa no areois (The Seed of the Areoi), 1892, The Museum of Modern Art

The Yellow Christ (Le Christ jaune), 1889, Albright-Knox Art Gallery, Buffalo, NY

The Midday Nap, (1894)

And one of his most famous pieces:

Spirit of the Dead Watching 1892, Albright-Knox Art Gallery, Buffalo, NY

His work will make someone question how history was written.

NAMI... Inspiration. Imagination. Innovation

Colourful Side Chairs

2011-08-18T23:15:00.005-04:00

As summer comes to an end I just can't help but post these BEAUT's. Colourful and great for a happy mood or mood that needs some cheering up!

Davis

Stimex

These are all available through Henderson Resource Group, proud sponser's of this years IIDEX NEO CON: September 22 - 24th.

NAMI... Inspiration. Imagination. Innovation

DESIGN NEWS: Sayl by Herman Miller

2011-05-19T20:03:00.008-04:00

My pleasure to bring these to the blog!!!

Presenting: Sayl by Herman Miller (manufacturer) & Yves Béhar (designer)
Design Feature: suspension bridge - frame less back, which encourages full range of movement
Inspiration: San Francisco's Golden Bridge (city where the designer is from)

Side Profile

Upholstered Back

Guest Chair

SAYL has 93% recyclable & eco-dematerialized which means they reduced the amount of material needed.

= less cost and smaller carbon footprint

The material is "stretched from the Y-Tower at the back of the chair just as cables are stretched from the towers of a suspension bridge.” Tension is greater wherever bodies need more support: these areas of SAYL are known as “hinge points.”

Love it! New technology for the furniture design world. What will be next!?

NAMI... Inspiration. Imagination. Innovation.

Global Showroom

2011-05-09T19:02:00.018-04:00

Last week I was able to visit the Global Showroom in north Toronto. Global has many companies under their umbrella including: Global Contract, Descor, Offices to Go, GlobalCare, Global Salon, and Teknion! Global's genre of design is for commercial applications from office systems to seating. Please see the below of the tour:

Global's Wind Series..

Descor - Solid wood collection. I think the crendenza is a little to high for the desk, but I love the edging of the desk.

Global Contract- Evolve systems

Great for open office space for small meeting area with storage on left side..

Global Contracts Evolve- pivoting L-shape table also for short meetings.

Global Contract- Bridges benching systems

Love this wall!

Some African figurines decor for the desk

*** New style for the office of having floating desks that overlap the casegoods. Other brands that do this is Inscape with Planna and Watson with the Miro/ Zo combination.

Duet Series- many colours!

Global - Kate chair

This would be great for a small home office!

To see more of their vast Products visit: http://www.globaltotaloffice.com/ and you can connect to all their other companies.

NAMI....Inspiration. Imagination. Innovation

New Versions of The Egg Chair

2011-03-27T10:15:00.005-04:00

PAST - The first Egg Chair by Arne Jacobsen in 1958. This was contributed to the rise of modern design. The original colour was green, but now available in many different patterns & textures.

10 year's later.....
Henrik Thor-Larsen's Ovalia Egg Chair was exhibited at Scandinavian furniture fair and contributed to retro design.

PRESENT - Now designers are taking a whole new approach with the same ideology for inspiration.

Emma Selzer has designed a wooded laminate workstation in the form of an egg. This pod like structure can be suspended and also swivel in a 360.

Philippe Starck has designed the "Play Collection" for Dedon, who are known for their outdoor furniture especially
in regards to their woven polypropylene.

Many styles of hanging lounger, floor lounger, and assembled on the platform where one could rest their drink beside them ;) I believe it's inspiration was a half pitted papaya.

NAMI.... Inspiration. Imagination. Innovation

Portfolio: Downtown Office Space

2011-01-02T16:32:00.015-05:00

This project I took on the responsibility of a new office rejuvenation. I was able to provide my services of space planning, finish & furniture selection, project management, and organization. We were able to finish the project in 3 days!

The Process:

A) Initial Meeting & Assessment
B) Proposal and Budget Planning
C) Furniture Research
D) Project Management
E) Moving, Donation & Shopping
F) Furniture Arrangement, Handy Work and Organization

The previous furniture was too heavy leaving the flow of traffic interrupted and not maximizing the space. Here are before & after pictures:

After:

For this project we kept it simple with Ikea furniture because in the assessment meeting the time span they are planning to stay is 3 more years. Therefore, we specified furniture pertaining to that time frame and great for budget until new ventures!

NAMI....Inspiration. Imagination. Innovation.

Contemporary Furniture Rentals

2010-12-01T17:10:00.009-05:00

CFR Rentals is a furniture rental company in Toronto geared towards events also designers and home stagers could benefit. They have the largest selection of colours, finishes, and sizes.

I just had to post some images from their website that I really like! Enjoy :)

Love this style-Modern Antiques! Great tones and they go great with the foliage.

Love the pink carpet and semi-circular sofa

Great way to stage an outdoor venue!

I really like the carpet colour, matching pillows and side tables; they are mirrored

I had to post this one because of the dance floor I like how they incorporated in into the space.

Lastly, The flowers in contrast with the rustic side tables I am loving it! The soft green sofas go great with it all!

NAMI.... Inspiration. Imagination. Innovation.

Portfolio: College Apartment

2010-11-23T21:00:00.009-05:00

This is my apartment from my last year of College in London. Almost all of the furnishings were made by Ms. NAMI herself. I also did the art work. Enjoy!

Entrance with foam core collage in the back

Living Room with broken glass art on the left. Wall Tattoo Stickers far back, and China Town room divider. Don't forget the BRUTEAL!

Dining Room with Bar Table and Stools I upholstered. Fabric from Designer Fabrics on Queen West, Toronto.

Peek through of Kitchen; little decor items. My classmate would always laugh at my mirror!

Bathroom avec Marilyn

NAMI..... Inspiration. Imagination. Innovation

Different Roofs & Roof Systems:

2010-11-22T21:09:00.017-05:00

When I was in College for Interior Design we had a class called Architectural Elements that taught us the consturction of a building from the ground under to the ground up! A very important factor regarding this is knowing the different types of roofs when constructing a building.

I just wanted to display; so when you are on the raod driving or walking you can identify the various types:

Examples of Roofs:

Flat & Shed combined

Mansard

Grambrel

Gable

Gable with 2 Dormers in front

Butterfly

Boulevard Club in Toronto

...Looks like to me an interior view of a series of Double Inverted Trusses

Roof Plan of Hip Roof

Truss Chart:

NOTE: Truss is structure comprising one or more triangular units constructed with straight members whose ends are connected at joints. External forces and reactions to those forces which are either tensive or compressive.

Ceiling Styles in Common Roof Trusses :

In addition to the many roof options available there are also many different ceiling configurations

1. Cathedral ~ Scissor truss
2. Vaulted
3. Inverted
4. Tray or Coffer
5. Barrel Vaulted
6. Flat

NAMI..... Inspiration. Imagination. Innovation

Design News: Contempory Cocktail Tables

2010-11-22T16:01:00.012-05:00

More Design Trends from Designer's Walk! I wanted to post what is new in the Coffee Table world

Introducing: The Bullet

Alexandra Von Furstenberg 's Company, is new and up on the rise with her arcylic furniture collections. She is the step-daughter of Diane Von Frustenberg, fashion designer. I love this table because it really captures the essence of a diamond as a coffee table!

Designer: Alexandra Von Frustenberg
Design: Constructed of 18 clear acrylic panels joined at each of the 18 junctions- nine on top and nine below)

More Images below:

Tinted black..

And clear acrylic

Introducing: La Vetreria Cocktail Table

Designer: La Vetreria, Italy
Additional Info: Available in different heights and colours. There asn't any more info on where to buy and construction, but at least it is good for inspiration!

NAMI..... Inspiration. Imagination. Innovation.

Floor Plans: Architectural Digest

2010-11-22T15:58:00.012-05:00

Architectural Digest has a variety of Floor Plans available under the "Designers & Architects" section. A way way to gain inspiration!

A very modern design that appears like 2 floor plans have merged together to create this abstract space. I like! What I have pasted below is from the website regarding the info on the plan:

"Architect Dean Nota gave an austere stucco façade to the Venice, California, livework space he built for Architectural Digest contributing photographer Erhard Pfeiffer, disguising the warmth of the airy, loft-style interior and protecting it from the noise of a high-traffic intersection. Above: He removed an old garage to maximize use of the irregular site, shown in the plan. (October 2008)"

I like the design of this space because the architects thought about designing from the inside out! I really appreciate the large dining room with 2 tables, great for entertaining and dinner parties. From A&D:

"A New York couple hired Shelton, Mindel & Associates to renovate their Central Park West apartment. As they did throughout the 8,500-square-foot residence, the architects opened up the living room to more light and better views. The floor plan, includes the architects’ furniture placements. The 100-foot-long window wall is at the top of the drawing. (April 2008)"

My favourite part about this plan is the site plan and landscaping. I love all the foliage and greenery and am always a fan of stucco! My only thing is the plan is quite small only accommodating 2 bedrooms :s. From A&D:

"Scott Allen, of Olson Sundberg Kundig Allen, took a residence in Port Ludlow, Washington, down to its studs and reimagined it. Of the now double-height entrance, Allen says, “The point of the aperture is to feel as little interruption as possible going from outdoors to indoors,” an idea found throughout the house. Above: The first-floor plan. “Most of our energy was spent reconfiguring the spaces that would become the entrance and the great room,” says the architect. (October 2008)"

Portfolio: Doo Or Dye Studio

2010-11-22T15:57:00.014-05:00

I had the privilege of helping owner Tina Alleyne of Doo or Dye Studio Inc. with the Interior Finishes for her Salon. Catering to Hair, Nails, and the Man's Barber- Doo or Dye has it all for the everyday working professional! Please view the below what Doo Or Dye has to offer you!

Doo Or Dye Studio Inc.
833 King St. West Suite 106 (King & Niagara-west of Bathurst)
Toronto, ON M5V 1V6
P 416 603 1366
E mydooordye@gmail.com

Front Facade
Tina, the Hair Artisan herself

Drying Station- A way to conserve space by cantilevering to the wall. Art Directors chairs to give height and purpose.

Styling Station- Modern styling chair with mirror just propped up to wall. FYI: There is also a Barber's Station behind the Nail Station for the Gentlemen!

Washing Station- Sink attached to chair that reclines, all in one! Stainless steel finishes.

Nail Station- For both natural and gel nails with mainly OPI colours.

Waiting Area- To display Tina's work: she does ink and pen drawings; originals and prints for sale!!!

~From the Photo Shoot~ I helped style the models as well! Please check out her Facebook for more images! Doo or Dye Studio Inc.

Overall Theme: Clean, modern, simple, open concept space. We used white to maximize- its roughly around 750 sq ft.

Design News: Modern Modular Seating

2010-11-12T20:46:00.031-05:00

When I first started with my interest in the design world I was able to secure a co-op internship with TV Ontario, there I was introduced to Commercial Interior Design. I had the opportunity to work with Quadrangle Architects and Teknion Furniture Systems job shadowing the 2nd floor renovations. With that said, modular seating was of great interest to me because of the hided compartments, casters, and arrangements- to name a few.

Presenting: FreeFlow

Designer: Gordon Guillaumier for Moroso
Construction: Hardwood frame with polyester fiberfill covering. Base- varnished black or white steel. Feet- chrome glossy white or black varnished aluminum.
Upholstery: Kvadrant wool that is flame retardant polyurethane foam with 2 strips- 1 for the backrest and the other for the seat.
Additional Info: 8 piece sofa, front and back bend and flip to preference. Modular seating so one can position the height desired by the glides that are located on the top of the feet.

More Pic's of Different Configurations:

Presenting: DNA

Manufacturer: Teknion
Purpose: Interchangeable square seating units, movable backs, and portable laptop tables for commercial spaces to maximize work productivity.
Finishes: Upholstery- wool or leather in orange, khaki, or charcoal. Tabletops- natural veneer, walnut, and cherry. Bases- polished aluminum or painted.
Additional Info: Greenguard certification for indoor air quality and also available customized sustainable upholstery options.

More Pics:

Presenting: Grato

Designer: Brunner from Germany.
Applications: For conference rooms, airports, in the office/ reception, or a theatre.
Purpose: Series of modular waiting furniture programmed for maximum maneuverability.
Additonal Info: Various forms of stools, benches, easy chairs, and two- or three-seaters available in this style.

TENTH ENTRY: Spain, Hispano-Moorish

2010-11-12T20:45:00.065-05:00

NOTE: Around 700 CE - 1800 CE

Above Great Mosque of Cordoba, the dome in front of the mihrab.

*SYNOPSIS OF HISTORY: The Moors were Islamic people from North Africa (now today Morocco and surrounding area) who captured the Christian sates of Iberia in 711 AD, where they maintained control until 1492. In 1085 King Alfonso of Aragon and Navarre captured the city of Toledo from the Moors and began a long struggle to push them out of Spain. In 1492 the kingdom of Granada (the last one) of the Moors fell to the Christians, where foreign influence came from 2 Royal Families: the Hapsburgs from Austria who ruled from 1516-1700 and Bourbons from France who ruled from 1700-20th century.

*GEOGRAPHY & INFLUENCE: Spain and Portugal both culturally influenced this period. Portugal freed herself from the Moorish control in 1140, 3 1/2 centuries before Spain. Portugal's contacts abroad included India and China, whereas Spain's were largely in the Netherlands and America. The Moorish influence is thus less strong in Portugal than in Spain, while the Eastern influence is far stronger in Portugal. Officially Spain was unified for centuries under a single king's rule, but politically it long remained a collection of small states within the winkles of its topography.

Map of Moorish period, North ^

*RELIGION: The 2 main religions were Islam and Christianity who experienced violent struggles between each other. Spanish design combines both influences, but Spain was dominated by the Roman Catholics who displayed this in the architecture of their churches along with interiors and decoration. A main example of this would be the medieval church of Santiago da Compostela.

Above ^ Santiago de Compostela Church

*The Islamic faith encouraged rich design in other ways with (at times) forbidding the use of the human figure and other natural forms in decoration; this encouraged intricate geometry and multiplicity of small motifs in flat patterns. The greatest of Spanish mosques is the one at Cordoba, it is larger than any Christian church built.

ARCHITECTURE AND INTERIORS:

Roughly followed the same progression styles of Italy with more complexities at times moving back and forth between very ornate and very plain styles. There were many different styles during this period, I will touch on all 6.

1. Hispano-Moorish Style (700-1400)

Main developments in design:

* horse shoe arch, pointed arch
* high ceilings, busy patterns and colourful
* walls: ornamentation detailed and bumpy, wainscoting
* scalloped arch: broken outline with half moon design

Exterior bird's eye view of Cordoba, one can see the arches*

*See the ornamental detailing on the facade of the building, exhibiting Moorish design and style.

*Horse shoe arch

Interior:
Interior of the 2 -tired arches of the Great Mosque, Cordoba.

*Scalloped arches

The two-tired arches

In the Great Mosque of Cordoba, the dome in front of the mihrab

2. Mudejar & Christian Gothic (1250-1500)

The Moors we no longer the powerful rulers at this time resulting in eastern and western styles combined. The 2 groups were now the Mudejars (Moors who converted to Christianity) and the Mozarabs (Arab rule) who both shared characteristics of Islamic and Christianity cultures. First started with Romanesque styles then later on Gothic*

Aerial view, La Mota Castle, Medina del Compo, 15th century.

* Romanesque influence from Christian believers
* Round turrets, inner rectangular towers
* Interior Courtyard 3 floors high

The Court of the Lions in the Alhambra, Granada

* Gothic influence & style
* Moorish decorative materials and patterns
* Fused styles of Islamic & Gothic

Baths in Gerona, built in 1194 and restored a century later

* Communal baths for religious complexes; ritual ablutions and cleanliness
* Also referred to as hammam meaning hot steam bath that were modeled after the Romans
* Elements included an entrance hall, domed roof (with small glazed windows), and a hot room with a pool

Gothic Vaulting in the cathedral of Seville, almost 100 ft. above finished floor

History:
* Built on the site of a grand Almohad Mosque
* The original Tower, the Giralda still occupies the site standing at 197 feet height built in the 12 century as the mosque's minaret
* Took more than a century to build
* Third largest cathedral in the world (St. Peter's on Rome being the largest)
* Holds the tomb of Christopher Columbus

Design Traits:
* Divided into a nave with double aisles
* 32 large clustered piers
* Stained glass windows with bright bold colours
* Between ribs on the ceiling are fields of textured projected bosses or pendant ornaments (typically used at the intersections of the ribs)
* The rejas or iron grills are highly decorated
* The retablos (alter screens) are great examples of medieval woodwork

Exterior view of Seville Cathedral

3. Renaissance Style: Platerseco (1500-1556)

Spain and Portugal were powerful influences on design and with Queen Isabella I ruling, she was an inspiration for a certain decor style. The development of covering wide surfaces with rich, small scale ornamentation was in demand. This taste came from 2 origins: the myriad details of Moorish decor and the wealth of exotic goods (Isabella funded) from foreign countries like America that Columbus sought out. We will see an influence of Gothic arches, architectural features from Arabia and India, and marine ornaments from Portugal's seafaring destiny.

Sacristy doors and adjacent pilasters in an anteroom of the chapter house of the Cathedral of Toledo. This displays the Plateresco style, carved by Gregorio Pardo in 1549.

Design Traits:
* Decorative precious metals designed in a style called platero
* Ornaments include: heraldic shields, portrait medallions
* Italian motifs: rinceau, acanthus leaf, and anthemion

The Plateresco Style was primarily used for exterior architectural treatments like: patios, formal rooms in churches and public buildings, and for furniture and accessory design.

*Famous Architect of this time- Sebastiano Serlio

4. Renaissance Style: Desornamentado

The meaning of this style "ornamented" unlike Plateresco that was over the top. Desornamentado was a powerful style that was characterized by austerity. The style was limited to court, ecclesiastical (churches, etc.), and public buildings. It was never considered fully suitable for domestic use. Plain surfaces appeared with refined proportions. *NOTE: There are not too many examples of this design that is opposite of its preceding, Plateresco.

* A monument of this era is the El Escorial, built by Hapsburg ruler Philip II. The Hapsburg were the ruling house of Austria, who had gained control of the Spanish throne.

Bird's eye view of El Escorial, near Madrid

Design Details:
* Hardly matched for its plainness and simplicity because of new rulers
* Built of solid gray granite
* Measurements of building are 570 ft x 740 ft
* Architect: Juan Bautista de Toledo but was completed by his assistant Juan de Herrera in 1584

Floor plan of El Escorial

Interior of Nave

The famous library inside

Design Traits of Desornamentado:
NOTE: These traits are found in the private apartments of Phillip II
* Door & window frames in a pale gray marble
* Floors are clay tile
* Walls are whitewashed
* Wainscoting of glazed Talavera tile

^Above is the only example I could find of the Desornamentado Style. This is one of Phillp II's room.

5. Baroque Style: Churrigueresco

This is style expresses the Spanish character at its most passionate because of its riotous enrichment. Influenced by France and England with the extravagant Baroque and Rococo Styles; the name Churrigueresco came from a family of sculptors, wood carvers, and architects named Churriguera. This style was known for its surface decoration rather than structural changes. Main features were applied to exterior doorways and church retables ( decorative screens or panels behind alters). It reached some houses where it was more seen in the furniture and accessories.

The Transparente retable of the Cathedral of Toledo, designed by Narciso Tomé added to the cathedral in 1721-32.

Design Traits:
NOTE: Baroque known to be more of a "heavy" design style
* Nude figures (made from plaster) appeared under heavy clouds called Cherubim & Seraphim
* Silver Tortoise shells and ivory inlays for wall decor.
* Doric capitals now sprouted Corinthian acantus leaves
* Columns with angel heads along the shafts and capitals
* Bronze sunbeams & marble figures sweeping upwards near a large window in the cathedrals vault
* Fresco work as well
* Theme- DRAMA and HIGH ENERGY

6. Rococo & Neoclassical Styles:

Known as more light (in weight and colour) and feminine but still highly decorated as the Baroque Churrigeuresco style. Influenced by France with "C" shaped & "S" shaped curves.* Architect of style: Juan de Villaneuva

Porcelain Room in Madrid's Palacio Real, surfaced with Rococo porcelain plaques. Interior Designers: Filippo Juvarra & Giovanni Battista Sacchetti. Architect: Francesco Sabbatini.

The Gasparini Room in the Palacio Real, designed by Matteo Gasparini

MOORISH FURNITURE:

Frailero:
* Used frequently in monasteries aka the Monk's Chair & "modern" Dante chair from Italy
* Wooden frame of square rectangular members, sometimes with turnings
* Back separate from seat and commonly upholstred in leather with embroidery with tack heads

Spainish Bed:
* Both made with and without corner posts
* Fabric valences: silk damask with fringes and tassels
* Headboards sometimes elaboratly painted
* Carved with a pattern of intricate scrolls

Vargueno:
* Storage chest (for papers, valuables) with hinged lid to fold down into a desk
* Wood trestle base, turned legs with wrought-iron fiadores
* Inlayed patterns made of ivory, mother of pearl, and wood

MOORISH DECORATION:

Yeseria: Stuccowork around and within arches. Above ^ at the Alcarzar Palace, Seville

Artesonado: woodwork on the ceilings of the family dining room of Seville's Alcazar Palace

Carpet with arabesque design.

***Next History Period Style: France -Renaissance to Neoclassical

Design News:Lighting Trends

2010-11-11T12:36:00.015-05:00

Lighting is always one of the most important aspect of design! It helps set the mood, understand colour, and illuminates important pieces. I have received some newsletters from Designers Walk that I wanted to share.

Introducing the Niagara Chandelier:

Designed by: Lladro
Size: 112 ¼” x 78¾”
Diametre: 2 metres
Additional Info: Contains 300 wings of porcelain sculptures with the latest in fiber optics

Hope Chandelier:

Designed by: Luceplan USA
Inspiration: A diamond with over 400 karats
Additional Info:A series of thin, flat plastic Fresnel lenses

Iris Pendant Lamp:

Designed by: Alex MacMaster
Material: wood bent into various forms
Additional Info: Also available in a floor lamp, colours: purple, blue yellow and white

Lola Lamp:

The design/ style is too industrial for me but some people can really pull this off.

Designer: London based company Hulgar
Recognized as: Shaped tubes into a sculpture of light rather than basic bulb formats
Specifications: Uses 80% less electricity than incandescent bulbs, and last 8 times longer.
Additional Info:Low-energy light bulbs contain small traces of mercury, which is not dangerous in the dose 1 bulb can provide.

More pics:
Industrial with the brick and architectural elements.
For general residential applications!

Portfolio: My Boudoir

2010-11-11T12:35:00.001-05:00

Concept: to create a modern French Renaissance mood for my room

* The silk drapes I sowed myself with the help of my lovely mother! That is where I get the "creative/ do-it-yourself" skills from :) Merci Ma Mere

DETAILS

Paint is from Benjamin Moore.
Chair- Bruteal designed by NAMI INTERIORS
Material for Drapes- Designer Fabric Depot located on Queen St East

Image of both Bruteal & Elizabeth designed by NAMI INTERIORS

Portfolio: Neoset & Profile Construction

2010-11-11T12:20:00.002-05:00

Below is some of my work from my co-op term I did 2 summer's ago. Neoset is a company from Greece that involved modular furniture components. Meaning- they had a series of standard panels and as the designer/ sales consultant you would make them fit into the clients space, based on their measurements.

TV Unit

Residential Office Space

PROFILE CONSTRUCTION

Profile works out of their showroom on Steeles by Jane that containes: tiles, bathroom fixtures, and lighting to name a few. They would mainly design for Kitchen and Bath design when I was there. I had the opportunity of doing Project Managing and Interior Design for the Lily Residence, Toronto East General Hospital on Coxwell, and an Accounting firm in Brampton for Office Design.

Lily Residence Floor Plan- to provide design elements and exceptional traffic flow for kitchen design.

Elevations

Toronto East General- This project was to provide correct fire wall rating following building code requirements to pass for permits.

Residential Interior Design: Craftsman House Plans

2010-11-11T10:49:00.007-05:00

I found this company on Monster House Plans website , it contains various designs to inspire clients for their dream home. The Craftsman style orginatied from the Arts and Crafts movement (we will see later on in The History Period Styles) that came after Victorian Era. I have enclosed images of their website and the specifications that come along with the designs:

Not my style but great design regarding floor plan for interior concepts. NOTE: as an interior designer you design from the inside out-functionality, client needs, and building code requirements! ;)

DETAILS for Plan38-253:

*Bedrooms: 5
*Full Baths: 3
*Half Baths: 1
*Levels/Stories: 2
*Garage Stalls: 3
*Total Sq. Ft.: 4171, Main floor: 1701, Upper floor: 2470, Lower Floor: 1701, Garage: 1180, Porches: 192
*Measurements- Width: 99' 0", Depth: 64' 0", Height: 32' 0", Roof Pitch (primary): 8:12, Roof Pitch (secondary): 10:12, Walls: 2"x6", Ceiling Height (Main): 9', Ceiling Height(Upper): 8'

Available Foundations
Walk-out basement Standard With Plan
If your foundation preference is not available,

I have attached this image in particular to show Basement Walk Outs!!

College Portfolio: Renderings, Models & CAD

2010-11-08T21:30:00.010-05:00

Greetings to All!

I have attached some images of my work from college. These include Renderings of perspective drawings, models designed and produced out of foam core, and Auto CAD drawings in a marketing package form. Please view below:

1.TRIBAL TOWERS- Marketing/ Interior Design Package

->Concept: A pre-war building that has been transformed into condominiums. Not your average developments because they are equipped with built in furniture for proper use of space, ergonomics, and sustainability. The reason behind this is for clients to move in right away, stress-free. Amenities include Sony Flat screen TV's, soft furnishings and decor, tennis courts, in and outdoor pools, washing machines in every suite, and a down town location off the Gardiner.

Tribal Towers Motto: Urban, Class, Culture, and Lifestyle for a new up and coming generation!

->Suite Design: The concept is of different African Tribes to draw inspiration from just starting with paintings and sculptures. Then the process develops with colours and finishes still keeping a modern/ contemporary theme.

Floor Plan of every suite layout for all floors: hallway access, stair cases and emergency exits.

Vili Suites are Barrier Free pertaining to wheel chair accessibility. Every floor has 1 suite with the Building Code requirements to obtain universal design for the Ontario standards.

RENDERINGS

This was a restaurant design that was done with Prisma Colour Markers. This builds the clients understanding of depth, shadowing/ highlights, and space. All designs are all abiding to the Ontario Building Code requirements.

This rendering was for a retail design project with the knowledge of the Ontario Building Code.

MODELS:

The concept behind this project was to understand the Site Plan to determine the back walk out pertaining to the different ground levels. This model started out with manual construction drawings rather than Auto CAD.

Design News: Bold Coloured Side Chairs

2010-11-08T20:08:00.007-05:00

Achilles Collection designed by Jean Marie Massaud for MDF Italia. These chairs are very hot and new in the design market these days! Just like Fashion (in the summer) every one was wearing bright bold solid nail colurs and now a season later the design world has followed! I just love the connection :)

Gat Chair designed by SerraydelaRocha. Another bright bold design for for interior furnishings.

Portfolio: Interior Design Show 2010

2010-11-08T20:00:00.002-05:00

This is the Glam Cave! When I was working at Roomy Interiors Joanna (the owner) entered us into the Interior Design Show to display what one can do in a small shed space! This was a great way for us to show our skills!

I hepled with the designing of the desk and sourcing the decor pieces. It was a lot of fun when we exhibited it!

The wall panelling is of two different fabrics showing a contrast of textures.

Portfolio: Roomy Spring/ Summer Showroom

2010-11-08T19:17:00.005-05:00

At Roomy Interiors we would change the showroom twice a year according to the season's. Above is a picture of a bird my boss, Joanna was inspired by on her trip to Miami. This evolved into our Spring/ Summer line: Miami Magic! Please view below:

The Nicole Bed: Custom designed with 2 deep drawers on each side for storage

Finish: High Gloss White Lacquer

Construction: Maple Veneer

Key Design Element: Angled corners to prevent scrapping when passing by in a small space

Headboard: Available in 3 different materials- recycled leather, textured poodle fabric, and a shiny polyester.

The Nicole in the open drawer position.

The Pica coffee table/ seating is from the Oly Studio Collection made out of an acrylic resin. Very popular piece in the showroom!

The Jackson Buffet, another Oly Studio piece we had shipped to us from the US to complete our showroom.

The lighting above is from Lazy Susan another US manufacturer that we carried. Perfect for hallways, dining rooms, and entrances.

This is a wall unit with a built in desk and murphy bed or like we would say now-a-days: wall bed. This came in a variety of coloured veneer finishes with different modules for drawers, shelving, and storage. Whatever the client needed I would design.

Another Custom piece for the showroom was the Peace Daybed Joanna named after one of our clients. This daybed is shown in a natural maple finish that could have drawers added below for storage.

Cultural Expressions Art Gallery

2010-09-13T12:40:00.016-04:00

Cultural Expressions is located in the heart of Ajax/Pickering Village. Offering the best in paintings, sculptures, jewellery, and photography across Canada, from Aboriginal paintings to African sculptures Cultural expressions has it all!

*EVENT CALENDAR:

What- Private showing of international renowned sculptor from Zimbabwe, Passmore Mashaya, alongside Canadian artist George P. Forgie, known for his collectible works!

Where- Laurence Wilson, at 4685 Westney Road, Claremont, Ontario.

When- Saturday, September 25th, 2010- Sunday, September 26, 2010. 1-4 pm both days!

*RSVP by September 17th

CULTURAL EXPRESSIONS GALLERY:

AMAZING in real life!!! Great piece when you enter the Gallery!

A Flipipino artist

Sculptures!

Prints 1 for 24 and 2 for 50

Cultural vases

Jewellery

Made from cow bones just another way to create jewellery as art!

My Favourite Painting!!!!!!

African drums

Carved out of stone

Glazed top coat for sheen and protection, adds a genre of style!

*Please check out Cultural Expressions for events and art! From paintings, jewellery, prints and figurines. Just ask for Esther!!!

DESIGN NEWS: Jaime Hayon's Bardot Collection

2010-08-23T21:27:00.006-04:00

The Spainish designer was inspired by Brigitte Bardot lips to create this Contemporistic design. His collection comes in various colours from white to blue, as well as different sizes for sofa's 87" and love seating 72". Known for its gracious silhoulette this collection is available as a COM (Customer's Own Material), commercial grade knits and existing Bernhardt textiles. *The construction: spring support, high density foam, and fiber fill.

Jaime Hayon's Resume:

Born in madrid, spain in 1974
Trained as an industrial designer in madrid and paris
Worked for fabrica, benetton group's communication research centre in treviso, italy
Designed toys, tableware, furniture, ceramics and mosaics, interior and fashion design
Since 2006, he has been the art director of the spanish porcelain manufacturing company
Hayon's client list includes: adidas, artquitect edition, BD barcelona, benetton, bisazza, camper, coca-cola, danone group, metalarte, palluco, piper heidsieck and swarovski.

Roomy Design Centre

2010-08-16T11:22:00.008-04:00

Hey Hey All:

I am still in the midst of portfolio preparation for France!!! I wanted to post a Design Centre I did for Roomy this year! Roomy Interiors in under going a lot of changes from the company concept, marketing, to new business opportunities. I was in charge to create a design centre for our clients and walk in potentials for the showroom. The main purpose of this centre is to display our portfolio work, concepts, and design trends.

Roomy Custom Sofa Design

2010-08-02T14:40:00.013-04:00

Working at Roomy Interiors was a great experience, especially with assisting the Principal Designer and Owner, Joanna with her work plus my own clients! Now that I am getting ready for France and all the European design I will soak up there, I thought I would share a custom piece I did for Roomy.

*This was Joanna's Client Sini:

The Watford sofa is produced by a Canadian manufacturer called Van Gogh Design's. With many of these manufactureres you are able to adjust measurments or add new design elements to help make a piece personal and custom for the clients needs and style. Above is the standard Watford Sofa without the:

Metal T legs
Bench seating
Bolsters
Scale/ sizing
Feather filled back cushions

Stay Tuned more to come...

Roomy Client Condo Package:

2010-06-18T10:27:00.014-04:00

I just closed one of my fav client packages! Ann a young successful accountant; she was such a delight!

Process:

*Initial meeting- client needs, style, personality and budget

*Design work- concepts and sourcing of furnishings

*Implementing- Auto CAD, image boards

*Final meeting- going over proposed designs and closing.

Floor Plan- furnishings and space planning:

Image Board:

And this all takes time!!!!!

NAMI..... Is excited for the future and more clients :)

Home Show 2010

2010-06-10T09:48:00.033-04:00

Hello All:

Sorry it has been a while my computer crashed :( All good though we are back up and running!

This Year's 2010 Home Show was a success! The company I work for Roomy Interiors had a booth/ shed called the Glam Cave that we debuted at the Interior Design Show (IDS). I was lucky enough to man it for a few days. My experiences and moments are captured below, courtesy of my Bestie Jahmilla of Plush Paparazzi.

Me, The Miss NAMI herself! All love, heart, and passion!

The Bestie! More love, heart, and passion!

Roomy Interiors! Congrats Joanna, 7 years of business!

Interior of Glam Cave.

Custom Designed Jewelery Desk!

Blown glass crystals

Rain Chandelier.

Inspirational Flowers and Vase from our 2009 Fall Collection.

Illusion Tables in frosted and black.

Custom Designed closet to match jewelery desk.

Diva day bed: Marque fabric, folding pull out double bed, and proudly Canadian. The wall panels in the back are Joanne Gem Fabric with blown glass textured wallpaper by Woeller Group.

Panels

Limestone options! Loves it

The Fifth Wall rugs had some interesting prints and textures...

Loving the shags lately!

Ty Pennington from Extreme Makeover was at the Home Show. He had a booth area displaying the same furniture with 3 different looks. He did this by using decor accent items like wallpaper, throws, rugs, and mirrors.

Nice!

Zen Vibe: rocks, lighting, and they are only missing some bambooo!

I love table settings!

I really like this fabric, it works well with the black frame and throw!

Bestie taking some time out to sip on a tini....

I see all!

NAMI..... Is glad to be back!

ELTE'S SHOWROOM

2010-03-11T07:08:00.007-05:00

The other day I went to visit my friend Paula at A Special Place. She told me to pop into ELTE to look at their showroom space and floor models. I came across some unique pieces.

ELTE is located in the Castlefield design area in the west end. I highly recommend people to check out this place. They even carry some costume jewellery!

Love this king size bed with the wings on the side. The upholstery job and fabric is fabulous!

King size measurements: 78" W x 80" L

The colour on the walls really caught my attention for this setting. If you look in the mirror you can see me taking the picture.

I believe this is a Calvin Klein chair. You can always tell by their "boxy" / modern designs.

Love the form and colours of this chair. Reminds me of the Barbara Barry collection......

This was spotted in their sale section. I absolutely adore this piece! The form is reminiscent of Gaudi's chair!

Great settee, very Roman Empire/ Egyptian. I would put this in a hallway!

How could one not love the colour and design of this piece? I am a fan of the tack heads along the edges.

Now this is just plush! My fav colour with gold trimmings. Great for my boudoir!

Gotta love the marble tops!

Mirrored tables, sideboards, and cabinets are very "in" right now. We have a few at the showroom. Check out http://www.roomyinteriors.com/ to see where I work and what I do!

I don't know if you can tell by this picture but this chair is very light in weight with an Art Nouveau feel. Just a classic!

I really like this bed. The material is very durable, sleek, and easy to clean!

The design and hardware on the piece is just breathe taking! The detail looks like an inlay from past designs. Great for an adults room or a chic little girls room.

See you soon for Spain and the Moores era!

Christopher Guy: Settee's & Chaise Loungers

2010-02-11T06:35:00.035-05:00

Christopher Guy is a not just any furniture designer he is a man with a vision that is clearly expressed in each piece. I was on his website and his quotes are timeless, they relate to the whole idea of me having this blog; pertaining to the History Period Styles i.e. Art History at its finest!

"In every culture, decorative heirlooms define a nation in much the same way as its music, poets and writers do...or at least did"

"Furnishings were the last in line of cultural elements from architecture to gain an international identity. Elegance, sophistication and grace have always transcended cultural boundaries; the objective has been to transfer this into distinct decorative furnishings" , Christopher Guy

LOVE IT!

Take a look at his Settee's and Chaises for I found them quite appealing and very French!!!

I feel this was inspired by a shell of some sort. The contrast and symmetry are simply breath taking.

I find the 2 back feet are very interesting with the x-shape, which we have seen throughout art history in different furniture forms.

This is based on a French design "tete a tete" (meaning head-to-head) which we will touch on later in the History Period Style entries. I love the top rail, it was hand carved with perfection!

A delightful S-shape tete a tete design as well. This piece was hand carved in mahogany with rattan details. X -shape legs.

Described as a "high back shelter design" on his website. Again made out of mahogany with a purple velvet fabric.

I love this piece because of the tight scroll arms; they are reminiscent of my chair the BRUTEAL!

The details on this are very elegant in my opinion especially with the leaf detail at the top which is very French influenced. High back with a deep seat to accommodate the down-filled cushions.

Lower back with same design as above. I am quite fond of it in this colour combo!

Empire style providing seating for 4. The finish is called Black Poly with Renaissance Gold. A lovely piece I might add!

A rival of classic style that is very unique without compromising comfort and detail!

Rattan back detail with Baroque type legs (very heavy and grounded). Hand carved with the renaissance gold finish.

Reminds me of an Art Novueau piece which I absolutely adore! It is free flowing with elegance and femininity. the corner leg is the x-shape for support. My fav piece!

Twin octagonal back rests that also come as a trio. This design is Art Deco inspired and that sets a contemporary mood.

Made of an Italian rattan back, this settee is sheer elegance, one of the best words to describe Christopher Guy's pieces!

Thanks!

Coming up: History Period Styles Spain- Moores

New Piece: The Elizabeth

2010-01-07T07:40:00.008-05:00

Introducing The Elizabeth! My new piece which I absolutely adore so I decided to keep it!

For any inquiries please email me at namiinteriors@gmail.com

Coming up: Italian Renaissance

NINETH ENTRY: Italian Renaissance

2009-12-07T19:52:00.072-05:00

NOTE: 15th to 18th Centuries

Above Michelangelo's Laurentian Library in Florence, 1519.

The word renaissance means "rebirth". It identifies the renewed appreciation of the achievements of ancient Greece and Rome. This all begun in Florence during the 14th century and eventually spread throughout Europe.

Italian Renaissance was a revolutionary and not an evolutionary development in the history of design. It seems as it creativity was due to the profound change in human nature.

*GEOGRAPHY: Italian renaissance was mainly found in Florence, Rome and Venice for this is where all the painters, designers and architects thrived. Economic and political influences were found in Genoa, Milan, and Pisa because marble quarries were in the nearby mountains to help supply marble for flooring and intarsia, which is explained below in Renaissance Decoration.

*RELIGION: The Catholic church, with its headquarters in Rome had become very powerful in Italy. But with great power had come the corruption and misconduct of church authorities. This was due to the taxation system of church goers which eroded the faith in the church.

Some important religious leaders: Dominican Monk Savonarola, and German priest Martin Luther.They both lead activities of Reformation.

*BOURGEOISIE: The Medici family rose from obscurity to wealth through their work as merchants and bankers. They commissioned lots of the artists work of their time.

RENAISSANCE ARCHITECTURE & INTERIORS

Palazzo Davanzati, Florence: The facade of the late 14th century, the exterior has 3 wide-arched openings on the ground floor. The interior combines old and new elements with the painted wood ceiling beams that could be mistaken for medieval designs. as well as the hooded fire place is also a relic of older times. The walls have been divided into geometric bands, and the band nearest to the ceiling has been frescoed with a pleasant arcade of vaults on pairs of Corinthian columns.

Florentine Arches: Round arches that are met in the middle with Corinthian columns paying homage to ancient Greek and Roman architecture. This is the rebirth. This is The Renaissance.

**The image above is of the courtyard at Palazzo Medici-Riccardi

The Villla Capra: Also know as "The Rotonda" near Vicenza and was designed by Andrea Palladio in 1557-1583. Its four identical porticoes that outlooks the countryside. This was created for a priest, Paolo Almerico, on his retirement from the Vatican. His house was inspired by the Pantheon in Rome.
**Blow is the Floor Plan and Section:

The Basilica of St. Peter's: It has been called the pinnacle architecture achievement for the Renaissance. It Occupies the same site as the Old St. Peter's which was the most important of Early Christian structures. It covers 227, 000 sq. ft. and is roofed by barrel vault's that support Corinthian pilasters.

Buildings on the right are parts of Vatican City.and at the centre of the piazza is an obelisk from Egypt.

RENAISSANCE ARTISTS AND ARCHITECTS

Michelangelo: Painter, sculptor, architect and engineer he was considered a renaissance man for the many traits he possessed; being able to be multi-talented. Known for his fresco's like the Sistine Chapel, Laurentein Library, St. Peter's Basilica, to name a few...

Statue of David: One of the great works by Michelangelo in 1504, Florence. Made out of marble and stands 17ft tall, David was the young boy who slayed Goliath in the biblical times. This statue captures David prior to the battle, unlike many other depictions which show David after the fact.

The statue came to symbolize the defense of civil liberties embodied in the Florentine Republic, an independent city state threatened by more powerful rival states and by the hegemony of the The Medici Family themselves.

Leonard Da Vinci: Considered to be Michelangelo's rivial he was a painter, sculptor, architect, musician, scientist, mathematician, engineer, inventor, anatomist, geologist, botanist and writer. This again is what iluustrates a Renissance man! Leonardo's great works include: The Last Supper, The Virtruvian Man theory, and Virgin of the Rocks.

Mona Lisa: Is considered the most famous and iconic paintings of the world. This piece was done by Leonardo Di Vinci in the 16th century with the medium being oil. The lady's name is Lisa Gherardini and was nobody of fame but a wife of a wealthy man.

Here is a video on The Mona Lisa:

RENAISSANCE FURNITURE

Sgabello: used for dining and as general seating. It has a hexagonal seat with a solid back that is carved of wood. The leg support design is a tressel base.

Savonarola: Named after the monk, it has interlacing curved slats with a carved wooden back and arms. It has 2 different forms fixed or folding. The main reason of design was to be portable.

Dante: X design and folding like the Savonarola chair. This piece usually has leather seats and the main construction is wood. Heavily carved arms and legs.

Cassone: was a chest or a box of any kind, from small jewel casket to the enormous and immovable wedding/ dowry chest that was the most important piece of furniture in the Italian room.

-Hinged lid

-Used as a seat or table

-Highly decorated (carved or painted)

Cassapanca: large cassone with a back and arms added to form a settee or sofa with storage below. Very popular in Florence; loose cushions used for comfort.

RENAISSANCE DECORATION

Intarsia: It derives from the Latin word 'interserere' which means "to insert". It was originally developed in Siena, Italy during the 13th century by crafters using inlays of ivory inserted into wood and also into wall murals, table tops and other furniture.

**Seen above in the cassone and cassapanca funiture pieces.

Fresco: is the art of painting hand ground natural earth pigments on a damp lime plaster wall. As the painted plaster wall dries it absorbs into the wall instead of sitting on top of the surface. It then becomes part of the structure of the wall.

The image above is Annibale Carracci's ceiling in Palazzo Farnese, Rome

Donna Karen's Escape in Turks and Caicos

2009-11-12T14:18:00.009-05:00

Fellow Libra Donna Karen is a New York based fashion designer, who used to work for Anne Klein before she launched her own line. She is featured in the latest issue of Architectural Digest with her family to reveal her estate in Parrot Cay, Turks and Caicos.

Here she is with her daughter Gabrielle (from her first marriage), in the Main House and Pavilion.

Here is a site plan of the property, displaying all the houses she owns within her estate. Must be nice! One day...

This is the infinity pool, still located in the main house. It is inspired by Bali, one of her favourite places in the world. Love the canopy bed!

This is the living room section (in the Pavilion) with glazed walls and sliding doors. On the deck there is a suspended sofa from the ceiling which allows her to be a "guest of nature"; viewing the sea and have close access to the infinity pool.

This is the living room in one of her guest houses that she has decorated with African art from her travels. I love all the wood with the white accents, Gives a clean minimalist feeling with nature.

This is the master bedroom of the spa villa with dark-stained cedar walls and rattan ceilings. Nice warm colours and different textures.

Love this sofa! It looks so comfy and relaxing! And lets not get started on the scenery!

Signing off... N/\MI 4 Life!

New and Up Coming Attractions: TORONTO

2009-11-10T10:13:00.004-05:00

Exhibits are in our town and I'm excited! See what appeals to your self

1. Gord Peteran: Furniture Meets Its Maker

September 8 to December 4

After a successful run at New York’s Museum of Arts and Design, Toronto artist Peteran brings his solo show home. He uses thread, gears and other found materials for his one-off creations, which blur the line between sculpture and furniture.

University of Toronto Art Centre
15 King’s College Circ.
(416) 978-1838

http://www.utac.utoronto.ca/

2. In High Fashion: The Condé Nast Years, 1923–1937

September 26 to January 3, 2010

Over 200 portraits of celebrities, political figures and designer fashions by former Vanity Fair and Vogue chief photographer Edward Steichen will be on display.

Art Gallery of Ontario
317 Dundas St. W.
(416) 979-6648

http://www.ago.net/

3. A Question of Place

To January 3, 2010

Three Canadian firms create installations that define the architectural typology of their cities.

Architecture Space, Harbourfront Centre
235 Queens Quay W.
(416) 973-4221

http://www.harbourfrontcentre.com/

4. Parallel Nippon: Contemporary Japanese Architecture 1996-2006

November 10 to January 11

110 architectural models of buildings constructed primarily in Japan from 1996 to 2006, are presented against the backdrop of Japan’s socio-cultural and economic environment.

Design Exchange
234 Bay St.
(416) 361-6121

http://www.dx.org/ *In relation to my last entry on Japan!

5. Fashion Forward

October 24 to January 24

Designers, curators and historians present haute couture as a force for change.

Ontario College of Art & Design
100 McCaul St
(416) 977-6000

http://www.ocad.ca/

Funky Wall Rugs

2009-11-10T10:12:00.007-05:00

I found these on Azure's website and I think these rugs are so beautiful. I would use them as wall rugs like Pursian rugs. It was never my style but now-a-days there are so many prints and styles, Why not use them as art pieces.

The middle one is my fav!
*Above left: Forest Floor by Angela Adams
The 3-D topography of Forest Floor’s earthy design features moss, rocks, star-shaped plants and soil. Part of the Birds and the Bees line, which Adams describes as “a tribute to Mother Nature,” the rug is complemented by colourful tables and chairs and a wall tapestry. http://www.angelaadams.com/

*Middle: Prayer by Amy Helfand
Brooklyn artist Helfand found the inspiration for her Devotion series in Nepal while overseeing the production of her rugs. After visiting numerous shrines and temples and coming across Tibetan prayer flags, she set to work translating these visuals into a collection. Prayer’s abstract pattern is available in a standard size of 2.4 by three metres as well as custom dimensions. http://www.amyhelfand.com/

*Right: Fire Island by Emma Gardner
Gardner’s inspiration for this rug came after finding a seashell on the beach. Hand knotted in shimmery Chinese silk and Tibetan wool, the rug comes in three sizes in a pale shell or blue-green palette, as well as custom colours and sizes. All of Gardner’s designs are guaranteed for life. http://www.emmagardnerdesign.com/

***For more info or another rug maker please check http://www.juditgueth.com/ we carry her line at my workplace (Roomy Home Interiors), she also designs wall paper. Here are one of my fav's by Judit

Inside Neverland

2009-11-10T09:59:00.012-05:00

Made in 1982 by real estate developer William Bone who fully furnished the home and sold it to Mr. Jackson in 1988. Tucked away in California’s Santa Ynez Valley this estate carries a Traditional style with lots of wood, exposed beams, and interesting pieces.

The King of Pop and his Maison:

Exposed beams made of oak, marble fireplace, and a library wall which featured a hidden movie screen that lowered from the ceiling.

Very old American style with the Windsor chairs, which we will touch on later on through the History Period Styles.

17th century monastery mirrors embroidered frames hung above a wood sculpture that were once a collection in the Louvre. An antique French work table with a Chinese porcelain tobacco jar in front.

Kitchen with Portuguese tile, 2 walk in pantry's and a skylight with leaded-glass.

Bathroom with a marble counter top, camel-hair Heriz rug, and a mid-19th-century linen press and an antique stool. Very interesting.

One of my fav concepts for your backyard! Bouquet Canyon stone and Douglas fir (wood) for the barbecue area, which had a gas grill, a dishwasher, an ice maker, a trash compactor and two cook tops.

Signing off for the King of Pop.

R.I.P. Michael

EIGHTH ENTRY: Japan

2009-11-01T18:11:00.019-05:00

China profoundly influenced Japanese design, along with Korea, Europe, and Polynesia. With that said Japan imbued the foreign styles and forms with their own character. In Japanese design one will find that they liked things impromptu and off centre; in contrast with China's axiality (everything placed around the perimetre of the room) and formality.

**NOTE: A.D. 593 - 1867. Design determinants: distinctive character of plainness, attention to minute detail, and the signature material is wood and bamboo because of their plentiful forests. Wooden structures are safer than heavy masonry ones, however granites and volcanic rocks are often used for foundations.

***Geography- Japan is made up of 4,000 small islands with volcanoes that crowd the main islands, which are intensively cultivated and densly populated.

***Religion- Shinto meaning "the way of those above". They were not worshipped with icons or images. You will see the structures of the temples below. Another; Zen Buddhism which fostered its own style of worship and of art. These religions have definitely affected Japanese design.

Now onto some images of their work:

Folding Screen: just like China but with their own flare. 1821 Sakai Hoitsu. Ink, gold and silver on paper. 6 ft.

*Japanese Architecture and Interiors:

Contains rows of columns infilled with thin rice paper movable panels, mainly because there are no hallways. Framing is orthogonal (vertical and horizontal) or known as post and lintel like Greek and Chinese architecture. Graceful curves are introduced in column outlines, rafters, roof brackets, and great overhanging roofs.

The wood construction is incapable of long spans, meaning the buildings include repetitions of bays that are in odd numbers like 3, 5 and 7.

The chief element of the exterior wall is called the shoji, a sliding panel made of light wood lattice with panels of translucent paper, functioning either as a door or window. This was often covered a sturdier sliding wood shutter called a amado.

Katsura Imperial Palace: is made up of 3 main buildings: Old Shoin (below), Middle Shoin and New Shoin, located in Kyoto, Japan around 1615 AD. Known for their gardens and teahouses. Katsura was once owned by the princes of the Edo period (Hachijo-no-miya family).

Katsura's Old Shoin

Interior of Old Shoin: reception room with fusuma (movable screens) above them are panels of open wood lattice. The slightly raised niche is called a tokonoma for flower arrangements, scrolls, or other works of art.

Tatami Mats: placed over (the floor) wooden planks and made from rice straw (modern times is now reproduced in vinyl), its edges bound with black tape. 2 inches thick and slightly larger than 3 by 6 feet.

*Japanese Ornamentation: Just like Chinese design with ornamental metal fittings including: locks, latches, escutcheons around keyholes, pulls, hinges, and handles. They were made of brass, iron, copper, and silver. The motifs are designed by the influence of nature.

Different ornamentation's for the nail heads to add ornamentation and flare.

*Furniture: In Japanese Interiors the centre of gravity is low and the focus is on the floor. The furniture is minimal and flexible to move around so spaces can be transformed.

Footed Tray Table: Lacquered and 8 inches high with a top of 12 inches square.

Pedestal Tray Table: Lacquered and made in the 16th century which is 7 inches high.

Reading Desk: lacquered desk for religious purposes. 17th century 8 inches high.

Merchant's Chest: used for storage and made of zelkova wood that has been polished with rice bran to accentuate its grain. The 19th century,piece is 34 inches high and regularly called tansu.

IIDEX 2009

2009-10-09T19:29:00.018-04:00

This year's IIDEX didn't have as much traffic as the past few years. I did enjoy a glass of champagne and a cheese platter, along with the spirit of design.

Here are my pic's of interesting retailers and neat exhibits:

Global Lighting one of the biggest manufactures in he lighting trade. They make: wall sconces, hanging pendants, ceiling mounted, floor lamps, and desks lights.

Teknion! How could you go to IIDEX and not see them! Lol one of the biggest in office furniture systems; like desks, panels, seating. You name it!
Here is inside their display. Very clean; forest feeling and not cluttered with minimal seating. Two years ago they launched the marketplace line.

Design Green Toronto was displaying the works of green designers around the city like Evan Bare of 608 Design.

Cubert Chair also available in green. This chair has storage compartments for your blankets and controllers under the seat or in the arms. Check out 608 Design

Another interesting piece at the Design Green Toronto display.

Interesting glass wall motifs...

Boss Design is a UK seating manufacturer for commercial projects.

Very beautiful display! One of my fav's

Up close
Another one of my fav's

Interface flooring very popular and known for their carpet tiles.

Weaves Art was there and they always have interesting area rugs. They also throw contest every year for students in the A+D industry to design the graphics for 1 rug.

Cape! How could we forget my friends! They recently bought TUFF-EDGE inc (a table manufacturing company). Doing big things over there!

I stumbled upon a Light Art Installation and took a pic of the process.

Milliken another carpet company. This year they were featuring their new line designed by graphic designer, Todd van der Kurik.

And finally Azure for your latest trends in the design world.

Signing off

NAMI

Portfolio: College Gala Display

2009-09-22T16:22:00.008-04:00

Sorry all! I have been away on a little vacay and enjoying the fruits of my labours; GRADUATION! I have attached some pictures from my year end Gala at Fanshawe College of the Interior Design program.

This is the back of my Gala Display. I wanted to go with a brocade fabric that I tuffted with cotton padding in individual squares of 9 x 12". I left the middle section open for my poster.

My mom is standing there in the back! Gotta love her.

This is my caption at the bottom of my poster for ma familia! "Thanks Mom, Dad, and Missa, I will make you proud."

The front of my display: cantilever shelves, LCD puck lights, zen rocks at the bottom with plexi-glass covering, and home decor to make it welcoming!

And the whole point of this display to exhibit my portfolio!!! Last page with my renderings!!

**In Design News!!!! As we know IIDEX is already here, and I will be attending the Networking Brunch for the A + D industry.

Where: ARIDO booth IIDEX Neo/Con Canada Show Aisle 1200

When: Friday, September 25, 2009 at 9 AM

Thanks all!

I will be off to Jamaica for my birthday (Sept. 26th) to get my thoughts in check!! Be back Oct. 3rd

Ciao

Design News: Tulip Parasol Umbrellas

2009-08-07T08:15:00.006-04:00

So look what I found new in the design world! Parasol Umbrellas, they are just inverted. MDT- tex is the manufacturer and they specialize in membranes and structures.

I can really appreciate the lights!!

How it looks in a residential setting.

NAMI is on that landscaping roof top garden vibe!

Modern Home Living

2009-07-28T02:35:00.007-04:00

Modern Home Living is a Magazine that features celeb's and their PHAT cribs! On a recent issue, fellow Libra Christina Millian and the only celeb that I know who shares my bday (Sept. 26th) is working it out with her PHAT crib. Check it out:

Mexican style home with terra-cotta roof tiles. beautiful landscaping; very important.

Dining Room. Very nice. Love the stone feature wall, curved arch ways and the lighting. Art always a must!!!!!! Especially Cubism!!! Comfortable dining chairs for long stays.

And also featured is magician and illusionist Criss Angel:

Kitchen. Fabulous, I love the chairs, the back splash and the cabinetry. All in the life as a designer!

Birds eye view of his living room. Amazing furniture. I love the black and white contrast and the balcony design for the upper levels.

Celeb's that Live it up!

NAMI- i'm trying to make that mill for one of them cribs!!!!!!

SEVENTH ENTRY: China

2009-07-28T01:59:00.031-04:00

China has such a powerful tradition that varies in age, size, and influence especially with their religions. The two main religions are Confucianism (based on ethical teachings of Confucius 551-479 B.C.) and Buddhism (introduced from India c. A.D. 90). 3 Confucian fundamentals of Chinese morality: reverence, responsibility and humanity. The Chinese cosmological principle of the yin and yang which symbolizes all things opposing, is related to feng shui meaning "wind and water", although it has been called ''the art of placement". It's application can affect the orientations of buildings, building elements, and furniture.

**NOTE: 4000 B.C. - A.D. 1912. "The reality of the building consisted not in the four walls and the roof, but in the space within" Lao-tzu, born c. 600 B.C., the founder of Chinese Taoism, another Chinese religion.

**Around the time the Great Pyramids were being built in Egypt, China was already using the potter's wheel making bronzelike alloys of copper and lead, and building large meeting houses of timber with thatched roofs.

**Chinese design known for putting furniture around the perimeter of room, as well as modular buildings. Did not use glue only mortise and tenon joinery.

***NOTE: China known for porcelain, earthenware, stoneware, grey terra-cotta, metal work, textiles, and hanging silk rugs.

Ming dynasty: Chinese history, like Egyptian had rulers and one of them was Hsia, many of the art was produced around this era of the Ming dynasty (1368-1644). This is a porcelain flask with blue underglaze decoration, c. 1430.

Temples and Pagodas: Two distinctive types of Chinese religious buildings only available in the East.
Temple: one example of modular, axial assemblage of bays into a skeleton form of construction, with regular spaced columns providing support for the roof. Roofs often faced with glazed tile, sometimes in bright colours. * Often seen as a complex with a gate for privacy, a forecourt, and a passage to the axial gate.

Pagodas: it is possible that the chattra-topped stupa of India may have led to the Pagoda of China. The pagoda can also be seen with a combination of watch towers of the Han dynasty. Pagodas were built out of wood, stone, or brick with the roof elements faced with tile.

The Forbidden City:

Greatest Chinese temple complex, under the reign of Ming emperor Ch'eng Tsu (1403-25), located in Beijing. Called the Forbidden City for it was forbidden to all but members of the imperial household and their servants and guests.

The Hall of Supreme Harmony: the main hall in the Forbidden City c. 1406. The stairs lead to the ceremonial throne.

Furniture:

Rosewood chair: includes a slat (horizontal member across the top of its back) and a splat (central or vertical member at the back). These chairs were originally intended for emperors or high officials with gold or brass projections decorated with dragon's heads. 16- 17 th century Ming Dynasty
Just beautifully curved with a slightly projecting crest rail/ slat.

Rosewood Chair: horseshoe (back) shape continuing down to form an arm and continuing even further to become the front leg with an apron just under the seat. Ming dynasty 17 th century.

K'ang bed frame: 6 vertical posts supporting a tester. Built of wood with a "low to the ground" design.

K'ang table: eventually the K'ang platform (canopy) evolved into a table. Main characteristic detail is the leg that curves gracefully inward to form a "horse's hoof".

Chinese Screens:

Ornate with flowers and swirls.

Flowers with picturesque setting with Geisha girl.

Lattice work with each panel.

With trees and birds, this screen looks like a silk screen print.

NAMI is on that Confucius tip!!!!

Barbara Berry

2009-07-27T10:25:00.019-04:00

Known for her elegant interiors and unadorned furniture, Barbara Berry's approach to design is practical, comfortable and timeless. Her recent work with Henredon is a library of products encompassing furniture, fabric, lighting, rugs, and accessories.

Barbara made it big with residential work and was followed with commercial projects like 6th floor of the Brooks Brothers' Manhattan flagship store, Gordon Ramsey's Boxwood Cafe in London's Berkeley Hotel, and Michael Mina restaurant in St. Francis Hotel, San Francisco; to name a few.

I would like to refer to her as a "jack of all trades" and a "superwoman" because of other projects she has done: product design, a bath line called "Barbara Berry Dream", and designed furniture for Mc Guire and Wedgewood.

Her work has been recognized and awarded by "Giants Design", "Designer of the Year", "AD 100", and "Star Design".

Here is her work: Barbara Berry Realized by Henredon (To clear up! She has Barbara Barry Company for interiors and Barbara Berry Realized by Henredon for furniture).

Magazine ad in most design mags

Room Setting

Tub Chair

Love the fine intricate emblem on the back.

Simply Elegant. The back resemble Neoclassical (Louis XVI) chairs with different crests.

Beautiful ice blue colour and shape. So pure.

Great crafsmanship with the skirt and pleats!

Another round back chair.

Danity, femine curved legs, with a masculine top slate shape. Love the opening.

Simply devine! PLush Embassy approves! Dining and sitting room material

One of the most elegant desks I have seen in a while; not my style but I can appreciate it!

NAMI is feeling inspired!

Design News: Fashion and Interiors!

2009-07-23T09:11:00.010-04:00

In the August edition of House and Home they have a very interesting comparison with fashion and interiors. I did a post a little while back questioning fashion designers that cross over to interiors. Well it is quite apparent that the 2 industries go hand-in-hand.

Here are some scanned images from the magainze. I absolutly adore this edition! Please purchase a copy and check out http://www.houseandhome.com/ !

Jennifer Ferreira, in the fashion industry (worked with Tom Ford at Gucci) and now an interior decorator. She has also worked with Martha Stewart for the Weddings magazine as a stylist and set designer. She now resides in Toronto.

On to Fashion and Interiors! Haute Romantic.

The fabric for the canopy flows the same way as the dress. The hues are all in the same range (monochromatic). The feel of the interior matches the same that is brought out in the dress. A fine comparison.

Modern Edge comparison. Sleek, clean, black and white. Refined, dignified and true to Modern styles.

Tough Luxe.

Uptown Elegance.

A capitvating abstact painting by Canadian painter Pierre Gendron it goes well with the pumpkin chair.

Design News: W South Beach Hotel

2009-07-20T16:10:00.015-04:00

The W South Beach Hotel is located in Miami and has been design by Yabu Pushelberg. The Hotel includes: a spa, six bars, 312 rooms, and the infamous Mr. Chow Resturant inside. Not quite completed but amazing. All of these images have been done in REVIT.

Flyin' High!

Night Exterior View

Floor plan of a Suite (ocean view)!

Hotel Lobby

Hotel Ballroom

Inside Mr. Chow Resturant

Exterior view of Mr. Chow's

Nightclub "The Wall"

Resident Bedroom

Residence Bathroom

The Grove Night

The Grove Day

Pool Side

Design News: Ball Nogues

2009-07-20T15:15:00.015-04:00

L.A. based architectural firm Ball Nogues has insane designs! From desks to installations Benjamin Ball and Gaston Nogues are very innovative and inspiring! The design below is a curvacious desk that is rendered in laser-cut cardboard and plywood. Yes my friends this is a cardboard desk!

Maximilian’s Schell temporary outdoor installation for the Los Angeles exhibition space of Materials & Applications. This is a rendition of a black hole:

For more about Ball Nogues project click the link: http://www.ball-nogues.com/

SIXTH ENTRY: India

2009-07-13T13:58:00.051-04:00

India, along with most Eastern cultures, was considered remote and mysterious by most Westerns. Until the development of the Silk Road in the second century B.C. This was the network of roads traveled by traders between China and Eastern Europe; the wonders of the East were unknown in Europe! Not until Marco Polo (1254-1324) explored these wonders they became popularly known. Since then, Eastern and Western cultures have demonstrated a deep curiosity for one another.

**NOTE: 2500 B.C. to the 19th Century. Available timber is teak as well as ebony, bamboo, and palm. Religions are: Hindu, Islam, Jainism, Buddhism, and Sikhism. Very organized in design patterns. Many different periods in Indian history and architecture!

The Stupa: Adopted by both Jain and Buddhist religions, the stupa was a hemispherical mound, containing religious relics. The mound was often topped with a multitiered ornamental umbrella called a chattra, and often surrounded with a path, a circular railing, or a fence with gates at the four points of the compass. The chatter-topped stupa is likely the predecessor of the pagoda in China.

**This Stupa is located at Sanchi in central India, 1st century A.D. It is of brickwork, 106 ft in diametre. Also houses the Cave Temple, The Northern Temple, and Southern Temple.

Temples at Khajuraho: dating back from the ninth to the twelfth century, only 25 now remain from 85. Many of the stone carvings are of erotic nature.

Kesava Temple: located in Somnathpur, Mysore, India, 13 century. It is a southern Hindu temple complex. Once again with stone and elaborate carvings.

Stone ceiling carving in Khajuraho.

Taj Mahal: meaning "Crown of the Palace" was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for his wife, Mumtaz Mahal ("Exalted One of the Palace"), who died giving childbirth in 1631. The building was complete by 1648 with spacious gardens, walkways, fountains and marble paths!

**Lots of decorative deatil with white marble stones in patterns of floral sprays, arabesques, and Islamic calligraphy.
**Close around the corners of the main structure are the four chattri. At each corner of the building's marble platform stands a 133 foot minaret, a slender tower usually associated with a mosque.
***Horseshoe arch from Islamic architecture!!!!! Last Entry!!!!!

Pietra Dura: Italian term for "hard stone" . The term is applied to decorative use of hard gemstones, usually richly coloured ones like malachite (bright green), jasper (dark green), carnelian (red), lapis lazuli (azure blue), or bloodstone (green with red flecks). More specifically, the term refers to a type of inlay in which coloured stones are set into recesses chiseled into the surface of a plainer stone. In India, they were set into white marble. Just like below:

Paisley: by far the most famous design motif in Indian Textiles. It is now immensely popular and was introduced less than 300 years ago. It's origins are most likely Persian.

For current Indian decor and furniture check out: http://www.ranghomedecor.com/ located in "Little India" on Gerrard Street East, Toronto.

Outie****

Client Katie!

2009-07-12T18:21:00.007-04:00

I had the pleasure meeting with a lady named Katie at the 2008 Home Show (I was volunteering). I gave her my card and the rest is history! Here are the photos from the colour consultation and staging I did for her last year:

**Entrance: Front doors in Benjamin Moore Bittersweet Chocolate (2114-10)

**Dining Room: The beige is a Benjamin Moore colour called Barely Beige (CC-140). Product code is 565 - 1B, stands for Eggshell finish 1 base. NOTE: Natural lighting in this picture.

**Living Room: opposite side of room. I love that mirror!

**Dining Room: Once again a Benjamin Moore colour called Sun Dried Tomato (CC-62). Eggshell finish meaning no shine/ gloss.

Showing transition between living room and dining.

My picture was taken for the (2008 Home Show) Reno and Decor Magazine that year! Click the link and view their new cover this month!

****For additional info on Homes Publishing please visit them at: http://www.homespublishinggroup.com/

Gardening The Gardiner?

2009-07-08T13:42:00.006-04:00

So with the new buzz of Roof Gardens, Quadrangle Architects (whom I have job shadowed with) has proposed a new look for the Gardiner. Check it out below:

Entrance for Gardiner

Walkway

Underneath Gardiner

Walkway with wind turbines. Green Living***

I'm wondering what everyone thinks about this? I personally think It is a great idea not only for aesthetics but Eco-friendly. NAMI APPROVES!

For additional information check out http://www.azuremagazine.com/ and view their blog.

A Special Place!

2009-07-06T17:41:00.019-04:00

A Special Place has been supplying beautiful interiors for over 30 years. Great with home decor and decoration services; Paula has made me proud just by knowing her! I recently visited her store in the Castlefeild Design district. Please view these beautiful display layouts and chairs.

First layout you see when entering

Audrey Hepburn accent retro chair

Marilyn Monroe accent retro chair

Display layout of living room setting. I love the coffee table it has the tree rings; if you look closely.

Tack detailing for the back

Front view

One the most masculine chairs in the showroom. Wicker panels on the side that are united by a mere juxtaposition with the leather. Absolutely love it!

Best version of a settee I have seen in a while... So elegant!

Living room setting. Love the drapes!

Love these accent chairs!

Check out that screen in the back and the fabric on this sofa!

Favourite dining room layout in the showroom

Close up

Turquoise distressed dresser. Captures true beauty of design and decor!

Console table with a beautiful wall tattoo behind. Wall paper also available at A Special Place

Barcelona chair. Orginator: famous Bauhaus architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and architect/ designer Lilly Reich. 1929 entry for the Ibero-American Exposition.

Display wall

Stainless steel coffee table. Minimalistic fab!

This chair reminds me of a ram or ox with the design of the top slate.

***For additional information check out: http://www.aspecialplace.ca/

Signing off: NAMI tha WAY

Designer Homes

2009-07-06T13:58:00.023-04:00

A lot of people have been questioning the capabilities of fashion designers and their recent cross over to interiors. Can they do it on their own? What are their influences? And why is this brought to the forefront? Designers such as Armani, Fendi and Ralph Lauren are just some of the few. Other celebs are Lenny Kravitz and Nicky Hilton. Here is some info on the designers:

**Armani Casa provides Interior design services not only for your house but also your yacht! They have everything for design from lighting to end tables. Their services include:

- CONSULTANT SERVICE
- PRELIMINARY TO FINAL
- INSTALLATION
- CONTRACTORS
- INTERIOR PLANNING
- FURNISHING
- INTERIOR DECORATING
- PROJECT MANAGEMENT

Here are some pics below:

Coastin'
Breakie
Sun Room
Rompin' Shop...lol
Chillin'
Interior shots of Armani Casa:

**Ralph Lauren Home developed in 2005 the "Home Section" has done well. There are over 15 locations in the States with more planned. Ralph Lauren is one of the designers that has his own paint. They offer:

• FURNITURE
• FABRIC
• PAINT
• KITCHEN WARE
• ACCESSORIES

AD 15,000 dollar dining chair!
Gallery photos

Loving the bamboo feel! Everyone needs a canopy bed!

**Fendi Casa providing fabulous interiors and with big projects like the NXT condo's on Windermere in Toronto. This project is in collaboration with Cresford Developers, they started in 2007 and will be completed in 2010. Fendi does it all in style with sofa's, side tables, bed linens and crystal lamps for this project!

Images of NXT condo's:

Fendi Casa Pic's:

Exquisite details

Just Simply Beautiful!

SO with all of that said... I would like to say the fashion designers cross the border because they can, they have access to so many entities. They cannot do it on their own because they have to hire designers for proper ergonomics and anthropometrics. I think the industry is their influence they have advisers and inspiration all around!

NAMI Approved!

FIFTH ENTRY: Islamic World

2009-06-28T23:03:00.028-04:00

Islamic design does not designate a specific period of time. It has existed since the seventh century when the religion of Islam was formed. Islamic design covers all aspects of life, including buildings, interiors, and decorative elements for secular use. Some of the characteristics are generally geometric but sometimes ornamental. Influences such as Byzantine, Greece, Rome, and the Persian Empire.

**NOTE: A.D. 622 to the Present. Known for detailed arches and spectacular rugs, Islamic culture spread far beyond Istanbul taking root in the Middle East, North Africa, Europe, and Asia. This will be mentioned later on with India and Spain.

Prayer Rug: Transylvanian Prayer Rug from Ushak, Turkey, and now lies in The Museum of Applied Arts, Budapest.

Madrasa: facade detail in Bukhara, Uzbekistan. Each arched bay houses a student's dormitory. Madrasa is a religious building such as a mosque, shrine, convent, or mausoleum.

Arches: these are the 3 different types of arches. The first one is horseshoe arch and a main characteristic of Islamic architecture.

Mihrab: from the Madrasa of Mimami, Isfahan, Iraq circa 1354, faced with a mosaic of glazed tiles 11ft. Mihrab is a prayer niche served to indicate the direction of Mecca.

Sinan's Dome: located in Henri Sterlin, Geneva. This picture is the dome and 2 adjacent half domes from the ceiling of the Sulimaniye Mosque. Although the colour doesn't serve justice, the middle dome has a rich ochre colour and helps highlight the intricate detailing. The architect was Sinan.

Arabesque decoration: This tile matches a border frieze adorning the portal of the tomb of Sultan Mehmed I in Bursa. It has a deeply carved pattern of lattices formed by pairs of undulating vine scrolls. The arabesque lattices is complex, but clarity is achieved through the use of different colored glazes.

Stucco panel: from Samarra with ornate decoration.

More decorative details:

Wooden frieze: Egypt

Window-grill: from the Umayyad Mosque

Stucco decoration: Ibn Tulun Mosque ; Egypt.

Decorative brick: Mausoleum of the Samanids.

Ardabil Carpet: most famous of all Persian carpets. Was signed by Maqsud Kashani and completeled in 1530 in Iraq. Silk and wool, 36ft long.

Trendy Mosaics

2009-06-28T22:00:00.008-04:00

Known for their high end market by exuding Italian culture and style, Bisazza is world renowned and PLuSH. They have many designers on staff to create these beautiful mosaics. I think their adds are magnifico!

I would have loved to be on set.....

The design is "chain-linked" and the hues of gold and blue give off a royal Mediterranean feel and that blue dress just tops it off*

The metallic mosaics are just illuminating and how can we forget the Egg chair! Circa 1958 Arne Jacobsen and Fritz Hansen, We will see this chair later on with others in Future Archive Entries....

Bisazza also offers a "personal elegance code for modern interiors". They provide chairs, mirrors, lamps, concoles, tables and folding screens.
Images below:

For more please check out their website: http://www.bisazza.com/

Neoporte Doors

2009-06-28T20:02:00.013-04:00

Neoporte is a company that manufactures stainless steel doors out of California. The have very interesting styles and attributes for design and construction. Below are some of the adds they have:

In the Dune.

Forest Life. Green.

In the Tide. Love it!

So with Neoporte as the client you have 3 different options for the glass panels.
Water effect, organic, and textured. The textured one comes in different colours.

More images below of their work:

Gated door....

This door goes great with modern architecture especially with natural elements like the wood.

The tropical trees, stone, white stucco, glass, and the stainless steel doors are the epitome of architecture!

First of all I love the landscaping! This door is very streamline and looks great with the architecture.

The small square windows are repeated in the architecture above. The style has a modern Mexican style.

Courtyard style love it! Similar to the floor plans from the Greek town of Olynthus. Floor plan below:

The Central area {shaped like a box} is the courtyard. The squares on both sides of that are the columns {and in that time} they would most likely been Doric style.

Favourite Design Mags

2009-06-27T08:34:00.006-04:00

Inside Out: Favourite because it featured my favourite designer form Boca Raton, Alexandra Karram. It has Luxury designs from the Florida area.

Azure: Canadian Magazine and has a partner mag called Design Lines that gives you Toronto's design directory and locations.

Dwell: always up to the times with new designers and inovative thoughts. A great one to have on hand!

House and Home: What would we do without Lynda Reeves? LOL She has great design tips on before and after with a write up and floor plans!

Veranda: Also current and in style. Veranda offers the latest and trendy designs. I got a hold of a copy when I found out about CK Home. Very posh.

Skateboard Eco-Friendly Chair

2009-06-26T12:51:00.008-04:00

Skateboard Chair: made of 8 recycled skateboards, they are screwed into the metal frame then neoprene is sprayed on top of the skateboards to give it a softer, almost leathery feel! Great for a modern space and the environment!

**check out: http://www.furniturehomedesign.com/

Portfolio: Youth Opportunities

2009-06-25T22:00:00.020-04:00

So my final year of post-secondary is coming to an end. To finish up this term I had the pleasure, with my group, of presenting a project to Youth Opportunities Limited in London, Ontario.

Project Requirments-To renovate their existing building they wanted:

Cafe
Kitchen
Recreational room
Medical offices
Reception
Meeting Room
Second floor rediential apartments
Roof Garden
Ontario Building Code
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)

First Floor Plan: rendered in prisma markers and pencil crayons.

**Note: all done in REVIT

Cafe: Bar seating in the back

Cafe Area: First floor rendering showing seating and transaction top.

Recreational Room

Reception Area: with wrap around desk and meeting room located behind. The decorative wall behind adds an architectural element.

Rooftop Garden Seating Area

Lounge Area

REVIT: opposite view of Lounge Area

Formal Dining Area

Garden Dining Area: with planters and a cage design around for vines. Verical Garden Wall in the back.

FOURTH ENTRY: Byzantine, Romanesque, and Gothic Period

2009-06-25T10:02:00.039-04:00

These period styles mainly concern art and architecture that is dedicated to the church. The Christian Churches around these times would commission local artists to create mosaics, architecture, stained glass, and furniture to name a few.

**Byzantine: timeline A.D. 1-800 and 330-1453. "Roman statecraft, Greek culture, and Christian belief are the three wellheads of Byzantine development. If any of these three had been missing, Byzantium as we know it could not have existed." -George Ostrogorsky (1902-76), art historian

Empress Theodora most influential and powerful woman in the Byzantine Empire and was married to Emperor Justinian. This is one great example of the mosaic used in the architecture at the time. I think these mosaics helped influence different embellishments for future design in furniture patterns and even wallpaper.

Ivory Throne: made around the sixth-century, this throne was for the archbishop of Revenna, Maximian. It was made from elephants tusks imported from Africa or India. This displays the technique of relief carvings with ivory inlays. The carvings are of religious symbols and saints which were often gilded and painted.

Sta. Costanza: built in 350 as a mausoleum for Constantine's daughter. It features a domed central cylinder lightened by clerestory windows with an arcade of 12 Composite columns.

Dome Supports:

Squinches: diagonal members supported on the arches. More of a square-like construction.
Pendentives: Concave triangular surfaces, they start at a point on the comer of a pier, rise, and spread out to the two upper points of the triangle. This creates a fan-like shape until they approach the horizontals and meet the circle at the lowest part of the dome.

Impost Capital: meaning a member (such as a bracket projecting from a wall) on which an arch rests. This consists of stone carvings that are in the form of truncated upside down pyramid; flaring outward as they rise. Between the impost capital and the arch above is an additional block called a dosseret that is frequently used in Byzantine architecture.

**Romanesque: timeline c. 800-c. 1200. The term means "in the manner of the Romans." Romanesque era has many round-headed arches and vaults similar to Rome.

Reliquary Statue: of Saint Foy from the Abbey Church of Conques, France, late ninth century, silver gilt with gemstones, 33 inches high.

Durham Cathedral: England 10-93-1130. This is a picture of the Nave facing east. Perfect example of ribbed vaulting. Gothic influence due to the later additions.

Floor Plan: general plan of Romanesque architecture. The Apse is the front of the church also known as the alter area. This shape is a representation of the Cross; the transept (horizontal member) portraying the arms.

Ste. -Madeleine Vezelay: located in France this church is tucked away in the Burgundy region. Vezelay was dedicated to Mary Magdalen.

Tympanum: a semicircular panel above a portal. This one is carved stone and displays many figures as would a typical tympanum in the Romanesque era. This is in also in Vezelay.

Note: no specific chair was constructed in this time.

**Gothic: timeline 1132-c. 1500. This period has a series of architectural inventions like the pointed arch, ribbed vaults and the flying buttress. Gothic design also highlights the gargoyle. Gothic churches:

St. Denis
Notre Dame, Paris
Chartres
Rheims
Amiens
Beauvais (has the hightes nave)

Chartres Cathedral: located in France typical Gothic church with a Rose window (stained glass). The Nave height is 120 ft.

Amiens: church floor plan similar to the Romanesque but more advanced.

This drawing explains the breakdown of a buttress, flying buttress, nave, clerestory, and ribbed vaulting.

Wells Cathedral: located in England this exhibits the ribs springing from the central column. Beautiful piece of architecture.

Strainer Arches: located at the crossing of the nave and the transept. Also in Wells Cathedral.

The little examle of Gothic furniture:

Chair showing linenfold (on the side panel), tracery (the horizontal carving located at the top), and buttresses on the back. The chairs in this time were a reflection of their architecture. very heavy and made of wood.

An example of a modern one.

*****Coming up The Islamic World*******

Signing off

Cape Furniture

2009-06-24T19:05:00.023-04:00

Cape Contract Furniture, a furniture company that has been around since 1998. These 2 brothers Micheal and Mark Alexander have been manufacturing and designing quality chairs. These are some of them available from my friends over at Cape: Emeril: Constructed with plywood that contains a cushioned seat for comfort. Recommended for waiting areas or other hospitality settings.

Stella: "Simple yet elegant". This chair is a modern settee [we will see this design later on in French interiors]. The Stella would be a great fit for residential and upscale commercial settings.

Tanya: Made out of plywood with an ambiguous shape. This chair is similar to the Cherner chair Circa 1958.

Moca: Constructed with multi wood laminate consisting of indigenous renewable hardwoods with a clear lacquer finish. Solid wood construction. The Moca adds variety in a modern form. The colours are warm and calm with an Autumn feel. Recommended for restaurants and Hotels.

Ma.mi: Designed with tapered metal, the Ma.ma is sleek and comes in different heights such as counter, and bar. The arms are detached, I find that innovative. It also gives an illusion of being levitated. The seat material is a suede and has a great colour for the merging of the metal.

EZ: Made of polypropylene and reminiscent of the Panton chair by Verner Panton. I love how they changed the idea by adding 2 back legs.

***For more information on these lovely chairs check out: Cape Contract Furniture

THIRD ENTRY: Rome

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Roman's had many inventions that were used within design and architecture: plaster, reinforced concrete, stucco, terra-cotta, grout, masonry, and terrazzo to name a few. These materials aided some one the most important creations; even to this day....

*NOTE: Roman Time Line-753 B.C.-550. Their empire reached the edges of Africa, Britain, and Syria.

Etruscan Throne: made of bronze with relief carvings. The base is cylinder like with a backrest for support. Some studded hardware around the top for construction. Decorative accents of relief all around.

Barrel Vault: Another invention of the Roman's was constructed with concrete. This evolved from the arch (single) for doorways, windows, and niches. Then it was implemented for larger areas.

**A lot of Rome's furniture was lost in the fire of Pompeii, circa 70 A.D. This occured from the eruption of Mount Vesuvius volcano, spanning two days.

Lectus: The Roman couch was a high valued piece of Roman furniture. It was single, double and even triple in width and was used for sleeping or dining. Very similar and influenced by the Kline from Greece.

*Differences: the height this is lower than the Kline, and has a headboard and foot rest (both elaborately shaped and carved); not showed in image above.

Some had a back to resemble modern day sofa
Ropes or metal strips to support a straw or wool mattress
Silk cushions or costly textiles from the East was chosen for bedding

Sella: folding stool it was made of wood, bronze, or iron. It's crossed legs were sometimes straight (like above) , curved, plain, or imitating animal feet. Very similar to the Greek diphros.

*Lastly: The Pantheon one of Rome's Wonders! It has a classical pedimented portico in the front (triangular shape), Corinthian columns, a rotunda (round/ cylindrical in shape) at the back with an oculus in the centre. Oculus is a circular opening that was used to tell time.

Inside view of the Oculus:

CK Home

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A modern day Kline from the Grecian times. The cushioning brings more comfort and an easy way to invite different hues. I don't think anyone would use it as the Kline's purpose though; might get messy.

The Bed I Want

This is another piece from the cK home. Came out in the begining of the year and was featured in Veranda Magazine. I love MODERN! Sleigh bed style with a leather headboard and footrest. Nice!! Very Classy!

A Modern Flare!

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Just a few images I found on Google:

Has a futuristic vibe loving the masculine feel of the colours.
Plywood at it's best! The form is current and I love that the back leg bends inward.
This is an ultra sleek bed to match the chair above. Very clean lines and low to the ground. Great representation for the genre. Very minimalistic!

SECOND ENTRY: Greece

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Greece is a place with many wonders and the most famous one would have to be the Parthenon.

*NOTE: Grecian Time Line- 2000-30 B.C. Refered to as "The Great Decorators" for their use of ornamental detail.

Also refered to as the acropolis meaning "high point of a city". This area was solely devoted to religious purposes.

The Parthenon has Doric style columns all around the perimeter of it; the architects were Ictinus and Callicrates.

This is a comparison of the colomns that you will find in Greek architecture:

The first one is Doric which is simple and has a rectangular top. The second one is Ionic and that one is an interpretation of a rams horns. The third one is Corinthian which is an intrepretation of bundled flowers.

Finally a Ladies Chair:

This chair is called the Klismos designed specifically for women to sit on. The chair is made of wood and called one of the most graceful chairs. This is purely a Greek invention with no influence of Egypt. The most interesting part of the chair are the splayed legs. This will be repeated later on in the: Directoire, Empire, and Regency peroids.

Something with a Modern Touch....

This is a reconstructed version of the Kline it was a bed but also functioned like a modern day sofa; they even used it for dining. It's very similar to a chaise lounge ("long chair") for: sleeping, eating, drinking, lounging, and conversing.

Another image of the "classic" Kline.

This is called the Diphros it was a stool without arms or back. There were two types, one with fixed legs and the other with folding. Similar to the Egyptian stool.

This stool has legs imitating an animal which is very common for furniture in those times.

Another image of the Diphros.

Cardboard Chair

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This is my chardbord chair and it can hold up to 300 lbs. Very strong and I love it!

Some Of My Work....

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This is a chair that I rendered in my second year of college. I used prisma markers, pencil crayons, and pastels.

Another rendering done in the same medium.

This is an African mask I did out of clay in high school.

A quick rendering of a kitchen; here I am trying to develop my style.

Egyptian Furniture Pt. 2

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This is Queen Hetepheres chair; built of wood and encased in gold. Was discovered in 1925 by a photographer. Queen Hetepheres title was "Mother of the King of Upper and Lower Egypt", her son was Pharaoh Khufu.

The legs once again are reminiscent of a feline on all 4`s. The arms are high and have a design of flowers/ papyrus bundled.

Another furniture found in her pyramid was a bed. This is encased in gold just like the chair. The board at the bottom is the foot rest and the pillow is at the top which is elevated quite high!