JMD Loves... Zoe Pawlak, Artist Extraordinaire!

Our good friends over at Angela Robinson Interior Design have been gushing to us about Zoe Pawlak for a while now. They commissioned her to create this gorgeous custom piece of art for a residence in the Kitsilano neighbourhood of Vancouver, BC. We love how this piece provides the space with all the colour it needs! The scale of it is fantastic too; it would have been easy to request a piece that was smaller that fit right above the headboard. That's why we love Angela's work - unexpected, original and perfectly executed!

Photo courtesy of Angela Robinson Interior Design

Zoe Pawlak does not stop at being simply a much sought-after artist. She is also a curator, speaker, and consultant. Her work has begun to make appearances in The Cross - which is one of our favourite stores to visit while in Vancouver.

There's lots to love about Zoe's work. We were first drawn in by her expressive use of colour! Her paintings have a certain softness to them, but can also have strong blues, fuchsias, and yellows.

Heaven Hold On II
Oil on Panel
28 x 84

There is a range in style to her work, too; landscapes, abstracts, figuratives, and florals. She is an artist with great range. She does many commissions, so anything is possible, really.

You Were Always There
Oil on Canvas
48 x 48

Rest Upon These Bones
17" x 24"
Mixed media on mylar

Beyond the art and million other things that Zoe does with her time (sleep? probably not), she is the co-owner of Loaded Bow, which is a networking group for female entrepreneurs from any industry. They host private events and gatherings, and help to grow and support women in business, which is invaluable. If we lived in Vancouver, we'd be at every event.

Pursuit of You
Oil on Canvas
16 x 20

A Field of This
Oil on Canvas
36 x 48

In summary, Zoe is our new art obsession! We were lucky enough to meet her in Vancouver a couple of weekends ago, and she is as warm and inviting as her work! If you are looking for that perfect piece of art to finish off your space, we found your artist! Go find her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to get a glimpse into pieces she is currently working on.

Last, but certainly not least, our favourite Zoe Pawlak piece.... 

Show Me with Your Eyes
Oil on Canvas
36 x 48

Sneak Peak From Our Office

It isn't often that we have the opportunity to design a space using punches of bright colours that are funky and super chic!  We are excited to share with you one of our current projects: A car enthusiast's dream garage.  Injected with sleek finishes and flashy orange accents, a garage like this would make any neighbor jealous!

Here is a glimpse of our scheme...

1. Kohler Faucets "Refinia" in a polished chrome finish

2. Powell Street Pendant by 2Thousand Degrees

3. Concept image of Richelieu FormArt Panel RIC-30-UW

4. Solydz G-Roc countertop in 0040 Grey/Black

5. Richelieu FormArt Panel RIC-30-UW

6. Toto sink "Kiwami: Renesse"

7. Tierra Sol Tiles in Casalgrande Basaltina Series colour "Lipari"

8. Richelieu "Jazz" collection pulls

9. 2-tone Acrylic slab cabinet door by Northern Contours in white 

    with wired aluminum edging

10. Benjamin Moore Paint "Orange Juice"

Using an accent colour can be challenging, especially when you don't know how to apply it to a room.  As a rule of thumb, we recommend using punches of colour on items that can be easily replaced when the time comes for you to change the colour or neutralize the space.  Keep the flooring, cabinets, and large pieces of furniture as simple as possible.  Add your accent colour to selected walls with paint or wallpaper, funky hardware, lighting, artwork, books, and/or fabrics. 

  

Purple Is Making A Comeback

Purple has been slowly making its appearance again here and there in the Interior Design realm.  What better place to see what's new (including purple accents) than at Emporia Boutique here in Victoria.

EMPORIA BOUTIQUE

Emporia Boutique, at 1223 Government Street,  opened early this summer and we were excited about it even before its opening!  As the sister store of Violette Boutique, Emporia carries a wide range of tastefully selected products for the home.  Whether it be for yourself or as a gift, you can find accent decor, vases, books, cards, glassware, and many more delightful items for you and your home.

Here are some of our favorite items available now!

1. Simrin Table Linen - mix and match cotton and linen placemats and napkins $15 - $28  
2. Taschen's London: Hotels, Restaurants and Shops by Angelika Taschen - highlights the stylish must-see's for travellers $50 
3. Simrin Tray - pressed linen with botanical motif $88
4. Butter; London Lacquers - contains no formaldehyde, no toluene, no DBP $17
5. Wall Paper by Carl Robinson CB12209 - exclusively from Crown Wallcoverings (not available at Emporia Boutique)
6. Fabrics by Clarke & Clarke "Lindow" - suitable for curtains and upholstery (not available at Emporia Boutique)
7. Amethyst Vases by Roost $60 - $73 

According to the Colour Wheel Pro, the colour purple is commonly associated with royalty and wealth. Furthermore, it symbolizes power, nobility, dignity and ambition while also being associated with wisdom and independence.  Add purple to your interior, whether it be a few accents in the room, an entirely purple wall or a key furniture piece upholstered in your favorite purple fabric.

Visit: 

Emporia Boutique

"Provisions for Home and Living"

1223 Government Street, Victoria, BC

Mon - Fri 10:30am - 6:00pm

Sat 10:00am - 6:00pm

Sun 12:00pm - 5:00pm

250-590-4500

    Also available exclusively at Emporia Boutique 

MARTHA STURDY   

JENNY MARTIN INTERIOR DESIGN VICTORIA BC CANADA

“I’m dreaming of a white kitchen…”

SIMPLE YET STUNNING FINISHES MAKE A MARVEL OF THIS TRADITIONAL STYLE KITCHEN

Who can deny the beauty of a white cabinet landscape?  Not only is it a timeless look, it’s a perfect canvas to showcase your culinary art.  White kitchens are a classic, everlasting scheme that most anyone can appreciate.  They can exude luxury and elegance when using opulent finishes like marble, quartz, glass, and painted millwork. 

BEAUTIFUL, TRADITIONAL ELEMENTS AND ARCHITECTURE
MAKE THIS ONE OF JULIA'S FAVOURITES!

However, if you opt for a casual approach, you might choose the classic subway tile, laminate or wood countertops, and tile flooring.

THIS MODERN, COUNTRY-CASUAL DESIGN WOULD SUIT
ANY VANCOUVER ISLAND HOME

Because white is the ultimate diverse colour, you can enhance your cabinets with small details to create a traditional feel.  Elements such as corbels, glass mullions, and crown moulding are certainly a great place to start. 

 If it is a contemporary aesthetic you desire, choose a simple moulding without bevelled edges; perhaps a waterfall countertop edge is appropriate, and don’t forget to add a few high contrasting elements.

WEST COAST CASUAL MEETS CONTEMPORARY STYLE

No matter what your design concept or budget, a glamorous white kitchen is always on the menu!