Traditional Design or Modern Space Saving Solutions?

There is no question, my heart lives for innovative space saving designs, where function meets practicality for our downsizing lifestyle. Having said that design has been evolving rapidly lately and I am just curious what the general public's thoughts are on this new movement?

Does the movement of mini-suites = new technology to utilize space? Or are we going to stick to the ideology that larger is better and keep wasting our resources?

I have been designing custom kitchens for over six years now. I have designed homes that are modern, traditional, transitional, country and the list goes on. All designs have the conventional "kitchen" in place. Here are a few images for you to better visualize what I mean...







Or are we going to be seeing new hardware to allow for more people to be afford this type of smaller space luxury?

Here are a few images of some innovative kitchen designs; (designed by others)








Some food for thought :)

Designs to Benefit Children in Africa

A 400-square-foot condo in Victoria is getting a complete makeover this month, but its eventual occupant will not be the only one to benefit from the work. So, too, say those involved with the work, will children half a world away.

Taylor Conroy, a real estate agent with The Condo Group, says the renovation involving seven local businesses will be "unlike any other."


Read more: 


http://www.vancouversun.com/business/Condo+reno+aims+benefit+children+Africa/5555673/story.html#ixzz1c641capS

To space plan? or not space plan?

Space planning is an essential part of design. Whether you have a large, med or small space it does not matter!!! What matters are the choices of furniture and SPACE PLANNING!!!

Here are two examples of the same space. They are not small rooms but if you only have two bedrooms and your second bedroom needs to be multi-purpose that is where this concept comes in handy.

If your guest bedroom is designed so you have your traditional queen size bed two night stands, an ottoman and a tv stand it has really only one function, a bedroom. If you are only using this bedroom for once a week, month or year it is a HUGE waste of space/money for you!

Here is an example of a space planned room (same size.) It works as;
1. a bedroom
2. a guest bedroom
3. an office
4. a kids bedroom
5. a media room
6. a kids play room

and the list goes on...

Here are a few space saving items I have in my design...

Home Office:
http://www.resourcefurniture.com/space-savers/space-saving-essentials/home-office
Penelope Sofa:
http://www.resourcefurniture.com/space-savers/queen-space-saving-beds/penelope_sofa
Poppi Theatre:
http://www.resourcefurniture.com/space-savers/twin-space-saving-beds/poppi-theatre

Coffee Tables Meet Transformers

Check out these Resource Furniture Coffee Tables.... 

They will amaze you!! 

by Ozzio

Days of Fall in Vancouver...

Water and Wildlife

I find the best place to draw design inspirations from is nature.

 Colours, movement, textures and design direction are always fresh and interesting in nature.

Close your eyes and imagine sitting in your living room. How many different textures do you feel? 

Now imagine sitting on a beach with the rocks/sand in your toes...

Do you like a space with all the same texture? or a variety of textures?

Are you inspired by the combination of textures in your home?  

Just like a picture your design palette at home should tell a story. 

What is your design palette's story?

Sell, Sell, Sell.

How do I freshen up my house to sell? 

These are my top five answers to help you sell, sell, sell. 

1.    Remove all of your personal touches.

This goes for all personal collections (like bugs, strange art or toys.)  Remember it is your style not your future purchasers. 
This also goes for all family photographs. When people see your family in the house it is hard for them to pictures themselves living there.

2.    Lighten up! This goes for wall colours, window coverings, area rugs and lighting. Even if it isn’t your style, lighten up!

3.    De-clutter! We tend to keep things that mean lots to us but trust me, less is better. If you still need to hold on to these items, get a storage locker!

4.    Clean! Whatever you do clean, clean, clean. There is nothing better for a buyer to know that the house has been loved and looked after.

5.    Curb appeal? Here are a few easy things you can do to brighten up your curb appeal.

-          * Remove any foliage that could be blocking your home.

-          *Power Wash your Driveway

-          *Keep up with your lawn, don’t let it over grow.

-          *If you have the means, a fresh coat of paint on your house never hurts. 

Reindeer Wall Accents

What fun! Love these wall accents by nood

Check them out online!

http://www.nood.ca/clocks-accents-1

Problem Space & Solution

I had a couple walk in to my showroom the other day hoping I  would have a solution to a problem they had. They continued to tell me that they had just bought a condo that was only 300 square feet and they could not figure out how they would be able to sleep two in it. I did some research to see what I could find and nothing could come close to this innovate piece from Resource Furniture! It really is the perfect fit!

Believe it or not it is a dining table for five and when its time for bed it transforms into a beautiful queen size bed!

Here are a few pictures of the Ulisse Dining...  

Design Inspirations ... Vancouver - British Columbia

I love Gastown

Innovative Shelving by Resource Furniture Vancouver

To all of you design lovers out there,

Check out this innovative shelving unit system...soo James Bond!!

Thoughts?