2e Designs

8.12.10

History Humpday...

The Coconut Chair!

The coconut Chair was Designed by American Architect and Designer, George Nelson. It was put into production By Herman Miller in 1955. This is another Iconic Chair of the 20^th Century.

The shape represents a chunk of a broken coconut cut into 8 sections. The chair is designed with minimal materials. The entire upholstered section is constructed from one single piece of leather. The outer shell is made from fibreglass-reinforced plastic, and then mounted on thin chromed legs

George Nelson designed the chair to me sat in many different positions. You can comfortably sit upright or lounged back. The splayed design allows you to pull your legs up into the chair or slip your legs to one side. Function was a large driving force to the end result of the coconut chair design.

6.12.10

Office Space

If I’m going to spend a lot of time here I’d better make it pretty! Now the idea of working is to make money so I didn’t go out and blow a tone of cash on my office but a few little accents and a wash of paint can make a space inspiring, organized and a pleasure to spend long nights working in.

A nice place to sit down with clients

The future location of a soon to be refurbished side board.

How I got here...

IKEA is my friend when it comes to an organized office. The Expedit shelf is marvellous to organize design magazines, samples and resource books. I decided to go with the white finish. I used an IKEA Table top with feminine metal legs, between the bookshelf and the desk I suspended another table top. I now have room to work on my computer, space to lay out samples and even more room to do sketches and renderings. I used a $30 Rug from IKEA (amazing price) to keep the space feeling cozy.

Tons of storage and large work surfaces

A bright space for working

A place for all the magazines

Keeping supplies organized and on-hand

Personal touches of things that inspire me

Mix pretty with practical

Painting the walls a warm gold color (Benjamin Moore Stuart Gold HC-10) added warmth and a contrast with all of the existing black trim and floor. I pulled this color from two flower prints I already had. I used these two prints to ground a small meeting or reading area. The chairs here were found at a thrift shop and then reupholstered in dark grey wool. The existing light in this room are old recessed fluorescents. I opted to keep those lights off and instead use multiple lamps placed throughout the office where needed. Plants were the final touch here. I little bit of nature can go a long way!

Pulling the paint color from a piece of art will make it pop!

Shiny objects add a little glamour

Reef, the Office Dog, putting in some long hours

2.12.10

Reno Magnificent

I met up with a potential client yesterday and I can’t help but get ahead of myself! He bought a run-down post and beam house with the most spectacular view I have ever seen. It is situated on a steep and very private piece of property and the potential is huuuge. I have an image in my head of how spectacular this place will look when it is all done. I’m inspired by Dwell Magazine.... Masculine, modern, West Coast and a little bit quirky.

The existing posts limit what we can do to the exterior walls but allow endless configuration of walls within the house. I was thinking we could integrate an exterior glass wall to optimize the view by keeping the posts where they are and create a glass wall beyond the posts, much like a curtain wall construction! The entrance needs to be spectacular. I can see a large set of stairs cut right from center of the ground level opening up to the second level creating an open, lofted, integrated house. As you ascend the stairs your eye is drawn through to the back of the house where there is a garden with a pond beyond the glass doors. A sleek, modern kitchen at ground level allows you to cook as you watch the city lights. Entertain in the adjacent dining room complete with an intimate fireplace. Upstairs, the living and master suite capture equally impressive views; with large sliding walls these spaces visually flow with the rest of the house or can easily be closed off for privacy. A master suite that dreams are made of; full walls of glass, built-in millwork and an open flow to the master suite behind the partial wall/closet system.

Cool Railing Idea

Backyard Pond

Open Loft Feeling Stairwell

I am really loving Living Walls

The home will be flooded with light and outstanding views. Personal touches of the creative client will add the character required for this extravagant project.

Wish me luck!

-Photos from Dwell Magazine

1.12.10

Iconic Swan Chair

Here we go, first mini history lesson, hope you enjoy...

The Gorgeous Swan Chair...

An Iconic, ergonomic chair designed by Danish Architect and Designer, Arne Jacobsen in 1958. It was originally designed for the Raddisson SASA Royal Hotel in Copenhagen but is now regarded a classic, still in production today. The chair along with a sister sofa are still being made today by the original Republic of Fritz Hansen Manufacturers in Denmark.

Arne Jacobsen

Swan Sofa

The Swan Chair is one Jacobsen’s most well known pieces of furniture. Its organic shape features all curves and no straight lines mimicking the swan's graceful shape. This was a very cutting edge design for the time and required thoughtful production techniques.

The original designs from the 50’s could be found in black and white leather. Currently you can pick up one of these chairs in a vast variety of different fabrics and colors. I even came across one upholstered in shearling for the limited 50^th anniversary addition!

50th Anniversary Addition. Cozy!

History Humpday!

I was thinking that I would try something new out to see how you all like it! Every Wednesday I would like to introduce and give a little background on some design history. It is interesting to see how far we have come in design and be inspired by the past masters.

Let me know how you like it!

23.11.10

Cold Weather Survival Guide

We Vancouverites are not as savvy in the cold weather as our fellow Canadians to the East. If the Temperature gauge slips below zero it strikes panic in the hearts of the west coasters who are more accustomed to the uncomfortable feeling of wet ankles than of frost bitten noses.

So what can I say? Stay indoors; make your home into a cozy den with clever accessories to keep you warm. Or head out into the frigid outdoors. There is sun out there! It’s not every day we get to walk outside without an umbrella (just remember to bundle up, and look cute too!)

STAY INDOORS...

Make your home cozy with a few key elements.

Pottery Barn Chunky Ribbed Throw $59

Urban Barn Aspen Faux Cushion $39

Keep your tea and coffee toasty with one of these.

Etsy.com Tea Cozy $10

Urban Barn Mongolian Sheepskin $59

I love the color in this quilt, pull it over for some extra warmth at night.

Urban Outfitters Kaleidoscope Quilt $129

This shag rug will keep your tootsies warm

Urban Outfitters Thick Wool Shag $129

Pottery Barn Faux Fur Throw $119

... K I know it's a glorified "snuggie" but this is just too good to pass up... "no more fumbling for the remote!"

Urban Outfitters Booty Buddy $78

GO PLAY OUTSIDE...

Keep warm while you enjoy the weather with 'can't go without' pieces.

...Maybe Movember was less successful this year so keep your face warm with this wooley item.

Etsy.com Beardo Toque $39

Can’t Make if over to Cowichan this winter. Pick up some Canadian designed and made knits from Granted (http://www.grantedclothing.com/) find them at LYNNSteven Boutique in Vancouver’s Gastown (http://www.lynnsteven.com)!

Granted Deer Graphic Sweater $360

Granted Leg Warmers $92

Granted LumberJack Vest $242

These are an adorable essential, especially when the snow turns to slush (similar ones found at Aritzia, Vancouver)

Sorel Boots

...And if you can splurge this season why not do it up in pink!

Mark Jacobs Organza Twill Balmacaan Jacket

Cosy, organic shapes (found at the Obakki Store in Gastown)

Obakki Bolsa Sweater $1035

10.11.10

'Pouf!' There it is

Poufs and Stools!

These fun, non-committal pieces of furniture act as eye candy in a multitude of design applications. Poufs and stools serve as a place to put your feet up, extra seating for guests or a unique dining approach. They can be utilized as a table, a place to throw your coat or just as an opportunity to inject a little color, pattern, or personality into a room without blowing the budget!