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. 

  

TOP TOPS!

Giovanni La Fauci and his crew at Stone Age Marble are as impressive as ever with their beautiful slabs of granite, marble, limestone, onyx and extensive collection of engineered stone.  The moment you walk in to their show room on John Street you are greeted with smiles and Italian charm.  Not only is the customer service impeccable, but the knowledge of all staff is second to none.  You can be assured honest, quality service regardless if you are a designer, contractor, or weekend warrior.

A JENNY MARTIN CUSTOM DESIGN USING ELEGANT, ENGINEERED STONE
(PHOTO COURTESY OF STONGE AGE MARBLE & GRANITE)

BIANCO ANTICO ISLAND WITH QUARTZ REFLECTIONS PERIMETER COUNTER TOPS
(CREATIVE SPACIZ KITCHEN DESIGN; PHOTO COURTESY OF STONE AGE MARBLE & GRANITE)

CONTEMPORARY BATHROOM WITH FOSSIL LIMESTONE
(PHOTO COURTESY OF STONE AGE MARBLE AND GRANITE)

Stone Age Marble is armed with an array of edge profiles, hundreds of slabs on site, and gaurantees on material and workmanship. There is something for everyone ranging in traditional stone with ornate edging to chic square profiles on subtle patterned quartz.  This gem of a shop should definitely be on the top of your list when hunting for that perfect stone.

Stone Age Marble is located at 345 John Street, Victoria, BC.  Be sure to follow the link below!

 

http://www.stoneagemarble.com/

GLAMOUR FOR EVERY ROOM

Illuminations Lighting Solutions is stepping it up with these stunning Schonbek Geometrix chandeliers.  At our first visit, we all stared at the collection with dilated pupils, mouths agape, and our postures tall and alean toward the fixture of our choice as if to say "take me, I'm yours!"  

SWAROVSKI CRYSTALS ARE
METICULOUSLY PLACED TO FORM A
BEAUTIFUL FABRIC OF SPARKLE

THE EVER GLORIOUS DA VINCI PENDANT IS AVAILABLE IN VARIED SIZES;

 I'M SURE WE COULD FIT THIS INTO ANY ROOM!

THIS GORGEOUS CASSINI RING PENDANT WAS A CROWD PLEASER AT THIS
YEARS' CHBA HOMESHOW IN VICTORIA, BC

THE HELIX FIXTURE IS STUNNING IN COMPOSITION

AND WOULD MAKE A GREAT ADDITION TO ANY ENTRANCE

Be sure to view the websites below for more treasures, or visit the fantastic staff at Illuminations Lighting Solutions at 2885 Quesnel Street, Victoria, BC.

http://www.illuminationsbc.com/

http://www.schonbek.com/

Not your Grandmother's wallpaper...

Wallpapers have come a long way in design, environmental impact, and functionality.  Fortunately for us we get to see first hand all of the new and innovative products available. This is a perfect platform for us to share with you the amazing developments in the wall covering world. 

From large scale patterns to intriguing colour combinations, wall paper can truly be the inspiration and starting point to any well designed space. Not only are they a brilliant way to express your personal style, but they are highly versatile in the role they play.  

Perhaps your choice is obviously bold and the center of attention, or it could be the subtle texture or print that gives your room a composed and comfortable atmosphere. 

Instead of feeling nauseas the next time someone mentions “wallpaper”, think twice before tossing the idea out with last nights leftovers.  With a little direction, you just might find the perfect paper treatment to completely transform the drab, forgotten room in your home.  

Move over paint; wallpaper is back!

Pictured top to bottom:

Arte - Antelope Series

Joanne Fabrics - Euphoria

Sandpiper Studios - Villa D'Este

Carl Robinson - Addington Cork

Arte - Saga II

The Great Hardwood Debate

This is our first entry in a long time; so where does one begin in this rapidly progressing world of design? Perhaps a good start is at the foundation of any well composed room…the floor.

There are many applications of flooring and we’ve come along way from the dirt and dung surfaces of early homes. Some of us have even moved passed the Middle Ages and no longer throw household waste on the floor to be trampled down. Luckily our world has evolved and the options for flooring are plentiful. Products like stone and porcelain tile, concrete, wood, cork, laminate, vinyl, and carpet are the key players today. Of course we’ll keep you updated with new products as the industry is ever changing, but for now let’s keep it simple and start with the ever looming question...

To hardwood or not to hardwood?

Pros
Hardwood flooring will stand the test of time. It is durable and with proper care and maintenance, vacuum and polish, this floor will serve you well. If you are ready for a décor change, it can be sanded and re-stained. Since hardwood is solid wood, it can be sanded without the worry of a thin veneer like engineered hardwood. Hardwood can be initially a cheaper product, with the exception of exotic woods, than its engineered counterparts. If you want to boost the appeal of your home for re-sale, hardwood can elevate the value and be a great selling feature.


Cons
The installation of hardwood can cost more than the engineered wood. It requires glue and nail-down application and is not available in the click & lock installation method. So, labour often becomes more expensive or equal to engineered flooring in the end. Also, most condos do not allow hardwood in the strata complex. It can be noisy for downstairs neighbours as it is applied directly to sub floor without a noise muffling under pad. Another issue is the island climate. Moisture and humidity doesn’t always play nice with hardwood. It has a tendency to flex and bow as we go through the seasons. Also, some species of hardwood can be quite soft. There are many species available, but the softer woods will show scratches and scuffs from pets, children, and everyday use. It can also fade and stain easier than other flooring types, so maintenance is certainly required to keep it looking beautiful.

Choosing the right flooring for your room is crucial and plays a major role in the overall look and feel of the space. It is an important surface in any area as it will ground the room and act as a base canvas for the rest of the materials to come. Like any product there are pros and cons. I do not want to convince you either way, but merely give you the facts and guide you to a final decision depending on your individual project.

(Picture shown above is a recent JMD completed project and is nominated for a 2010 CHBA Care Award)