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Tags: interior designer, interview, Lou Lou Magazine, meliss davis, profile, YDF, Your Designer Friend
Because I’m Curious….
Filed under: Interior design | 1 Comment
Tags: colour, living space, paint, white
Moroccan Design Hotels
I’m doing a bit of holiday prowling today on one of my favorite sites. Where do designers go to find the best Design Hotels to visit? designhotels.com, of course! Both of these hotels are in Marrakech, Morroco.
Anayela
Housed in a 300-year-old palace, the hotel is named for a former occupant, a girl named Yela who left behind an intimate journal in one of its secret rooms.
The building itself is an homage to Moroccan history – in particular, local architecture and design. Its restoration was conducted using only traditional Moroccan craftsmanship, with over 100 artisans performing the work completely by hand, without the help of a single electric tool. Similarly, each piece of furniture and ornamentation was personally designed by owner Bernd Kolb and designer Yannick Hervy and then hand-crafted by a team of Moroccan artisans. >more info
Murano Resort
Designed by Christine Derory and Raymond Morel the designer duo behind the Murano Paris. Combining European design sensibilities with traditional Moroccan aesthetics, Derory and Morel created modern interiors with a North African flair contained within a palatial Moorish exterior. Facades feature typical red-pisé walls and arched oval windows, while suites boast white stucco walls, billowing white curtains and burgundy accents.
Nowhere is this palette more stunningly expressed than in the resort foreground: set amidst leafy green trees, the red-tiled back-lit pool enhances the brilliant whites and reds of the pool-bar furniture, made exclusively for Murano by French design agency La COX. >more info
source:[http://www.designhotels.com]
Filed under: Hotels, Interior design | 1 Comment
Tags: Anayela, design hotels, Holiday, Marrakech, morocco, Murano resort, YDF
K-Swiss Opens New Shop in London
K-Swiss opened an innovative new shop in London. This design by London-based 6a Architects allows the retail space to be converted to an event / gallery space in just a few minutes. They used library archive systems made of perforated polished stainless steel cladding for the display/storage shelving. Products can be displayed or hidden by sliding the varying units along the fixed tracks.
I can think of dozens of applications for this idea. I’ve used these high-density storage systems in large offices before, and most recently on of Goldman Sloan Nash and Haber LLP’s two-floor re-design and renovation here in Toronto.
I can see this working residentially for walk in closets or in an open loft concept a galley kitchen can be completely closed and hidden. These units standardly can come clad in wood, or metal in any colour imaginable. Anyone out there need more storage? I’m itching to do this now.
source:[http://www.daytonic.com] photos:[David Grandorge]
Filed under: Interior design | 1 Comment
Tags: 6A architects, event space, high density storage, innovative design, K-Swiss, perforated metal, retail, YDF
An exciting new residential development is underway in Toronto. This city is growing, and the condo towers will continue to spike the downtown landscape. Property values on homes have come around quickly following the economic fall. The reality is the houses that are here, represent all that will exist. There will never be more free land downtown for single family dwellings.
There has been a bit of a sad disconnect happening the past 10 years. There are two main dwelling styles, condo or house. a scattering of town houses and for the lucky, a converfted loft. But for the masses, there are two. If you want simple living, low maintenance and are willing to sacrifice on the outdoor space and character, you choose a condo. If you need outdoor space, interest beyond four white walls and the token sliding door, than you choose a house.
A few years back I found a property with two tiny houses on it, one behind the other on a pre-severed lot. It was downtown in a cool area and it got me excited! For designers and architects these odd ball properties represent incredible potential. I wanted to build two new large properties with a shared courtyard. Multiple terraces and clean contemporary design. This represented the building style european cities have been doing for years.
Toronto’s Cecconi Simone has been creating award wining modern residential designs for more than 20 years. They’re known for their work with developers, designing sales centers and model suites that sell condos. The business savvy pair of Anna Simone and Elaine Cecconi have decided to take matters into their own hands. They partnered with Netkin Architects, pulled together additional financing from silent investors and established Blurredge Group, a development company.
Their first project is underway and has been received with the expected acclaimed reviews. It is precisely what the city lacks.
Located at 56 Lippincott Street at the meeting point between three vibrant and diverse Toronto neighbourhoods, Lippincott Living is a new eight-townhome in-fill development designed for young and young-at-heart urban dwellers. Distinguished by a sharp modern look, sensible open-concept interiors and design elements that are soft on the environment, these unique, limited-edition residences reflect the wants, needs and concerns of contemporary urban residents.
Each 2,000-sq.-ft. Lippincott Living unit is built using an advanced structural system that employs prefabricated components—wood frames and precast concrete—which speed up construction times, reduce waste and provide greater quality control. Each home is a high-performance building designed to withstand the elements and maximize local climate conditions—retaining warmth in winter and cool air in summer—to reduce energy consumption.
The design incorporates “living roofs” that help insulate, heat and cool the home, dampen street noise, and filter air and rainwater. The group is know for their tireless attention to detail and as is their calling card, all furnishings, lighting, even accessories shown in the model suite can be purchased. If one prefers, they can simply buy the lifestyle and bring their toothbrush. Pricing begins at $869,000.00
View Floorplans : http://www.lippincottliving.com/features/
Read what others are saying: http://www.lippincottliving.com/news/
To arrange a personal consultation with a Lippincott Living representative call 416 850 8112 or email at info@lippincottliving.com.Filed under: Architecture, Back to YDF Home, Interior design, Toronto | Leave a Comment
Tags: blurredge group, cecconi simone, lippincott living, Living Roof, modern design, Netkin Architects, prefab construction, residential development, Toronto
Slow glow lamp by Droog
Not for everyone, but I have to admit it’s quite a nice warm glow!
Droog’s Slow glow lamp was designed by NEXT architects & Aura Luz Melis. The light source is immersed in fat. As the heat from the light source slowly melts the substance, an itriguing procss gradually unravels before your eyes. The light glows brighter and brighter and the lamp becomes warmer and warmer in a comforting way.
Fear not animal lovers, the fat is 100% vegetable.
Three stages in the warming process.
Source [www.droog.com]
Filed under: Product Design | Leave a Comment
Tags: droog, fat lamp, lighting, Melissa Davis, modern, slow glow lamp, warming, YDF
A new restaurant opened in the hood, and that means Timmy and I have completely valid excuses for eating out! Joining the famed Addis Ababa, just two doors down on West Queen West now lives Nunu. The owner, and not coincidentally sister of Aster from Addis Ababa, is an absolute delightful. This the strips second Ethiopian restaurant offers a contemporary space, and clean presentation of traditionally prepared dishes.
The design is slick, but warm. A chat with Nunu, tells us she is behind the design. She cooks, has a nack for design and was so incredibly gracious, you feel like family. She’s making the rest of us look bad!
The bright white space, has souring ceilings and a long chocolate brown bench running the length. An oversized window behind the bar offers a view of the pristine kitchen with Nunu and co. at work. The entire front facade folds open in nice weather. Floor to ceiling glazing offers amazing people watching all year round. Nunu made the namesake signage herself.
I ordered the Vegetarian Misto plate and ate till my belly hurt. Timmy had my counter part the Meat Misto. Both offer a mixed platter style of nearly all the dishes. Nunu makes a desert not Ethiopian, but damn tasty. A puree of mixed berries topped with a dollop of fresh whipped cream. It’s incredibly yummy. Every dish was delicious and we’ve added it to our list of regular joints.
Nunu brought us homemade tea on the house both visits. A bend of ginger, mint and a few other fresh ingredients. With a strong use of lentils and legumes, I’m incredibly satisfied by what I think is a pretty healthy meal.
Nunu 1178 Queen Street WestImage source [compendiumdaily]
Filed under: Restaurants, Toronto | Leave a Comment
Tags: ethiopian, Melissa Davis, modern design, nunu, queen west, restaurant, Timmy Stafford, Toronto, YDF
Best of IIDEX 09, if you ask me!
I popped into IIDEX/NeoCon this afternoon. I ate the caesar salad, I wore heels when I know better, and I was impressed by one product.
There is always a fantastic cross section of the big furniture and flooring players, mixed with some up-and-comers, and sprinkled with student works, and green products to keep us up to date on who and what represents our design future.
I’ve been going to the show for 12 or 13 years now, and as could be expected, it all starts to look the same. Each year however, there are a few products or concepts that peak my interest and keep me coming back for more.
Christiaan + Planck, is a Calgary Alberta based design group. The production manager Tyler, was on hand and his enthusiastic introduction of the group and its launch design was refreshing. They chose IIDEX to introduce their company and The Sentry Pendant System their inaugural design.
I was drawn into the booth initially, because the lighting reminded me of Tom Dixon’s work. I’m a huge fan of Toms. His collections focus on simplicity in design. Few materials, simple forms and quality work.
The concept behind C+P is that local, Canadian design can and does rank with the international big guns. By utilizing Canadian designers, materials and industry and adhering to strict international environmental guidelines they produce a formidable product. Watch your back Tom!
They have not made this process easy on themselves. Their products conform to stringent environmental standards including reduction and elimination of hazardous substances, use of recycled and recyclable materials, low VOC coatings and a return program at the end of the product’s life cycle…to name a few.
The Sentry Pendant System gives opportunity for fully customizable suspension lighting. The top and bottom shades are each specified from nine available options. Made of spun aluminum and offered in powder coated gloss or matte exteriors with brushed interior.
I’m typically drawn to products that can be used as easily in a home as they could in a commercial or hospitality space. I’m plotting when and where these handsome chaps will show themselves next.
Sales: sales@christiaanandplanck.com
General Inquireis: info@christiaanandplanck.com
Filed under: Green, Product Design | Leave a Comment
Tags: calgary, canadian, christiaan + planck, design, environmental protection, lighting, Melissa Davis, sentry pendant system, spun aluminum, tom dixon, YDF, Your Designer Friend
I’m your former, and Jessica Edwards is my latter. Point is Your Designer Friend and all that it has come to be and will grow to become is made so by the diverse and talented team I’ve brought together.
I’m Your Designer Friend. I know design, I love it, I wake up at night thinking about it and putting this site and company together has been almost effortless at times. I’m simply creating the platform for all of my sources and peers to display their goods.
Pretty early on I realized that no matter how fantastic this site will be, it’s useless if people don’t know it exists. I can blog till the cows come home, but I want designer friend to be a household name. None of the tools I use will bring it to that level. The entire concept is based on the idea that design can and should be accessible to the masses. So, I did what I’ve been doing throughout this process, I thought about who in my circle of coworkers, acquaintances or in this case very dearest friends possess the skills and resources that I lack.
Who loves to talk? but more importantly, people actually like to listen to - almost all the time. Who has media connections and sources to give designer friend that initial protein shake to get it moving? Who is savvy, chic, multi-talented, entrepreneurial, dynamic, social, wrote and directed her own short film and sings part time in a Jazz Band? That last point was negotiable but all the rest were deal breakers. I’d like to introduce the only woman that could possibly be all this and ride her vespa in heels, Jessica Edwards.
So who is this dynamo I speak of? Well let me Bio JE for you..
A driving force behind launch of MTV in Canada, she is currently the Senior Manager, Brand Partnerships, MTV, Much Music and MuchMoreMusic (CTV inc.)
Jessica has lead her team at MTV at being the first Media company that conceptualized, sold and executed client programs with a multi-platform approach. Jessica is an expert in bringing brands together in a non-intrusive way.
Her drive to work in media started 11 years ago at McLaren McCann advertising but she quickly knew that her calling was to conceptualize on behalf of the broadcasters. She then had a 5 year stint at Chum as Promotion/Event supervisor, Chum Specialty. From Chum she landed at Alliance Atlantis as an account executive for Synergy production team then picked up to launch MTV.
Phew…….that was a mouth full. But I wanted you to know the punch that YDF is packing and and to whom the pretty fist is attached. She will be fielding media requests, advertising opportunities, overseeing marketing and PR as well as conceptualizing the aesthetic, function and content that makes up YDF alongside me. You’ll see her working the room at design and press events. I will be the one quietly pondering the venues choice in carpet and thanking the heavens that she’s her so I don’t need to be…..
Media and Advertising inquiries should be directed to Jessica at jessica@designerfriend.ca
More team introductions to come!
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The Bloor/Dufferin branch of the Toronto Public Library reopened its doors this July after a 3 year, 9,000 sq ft renovation and addition. The existing structure was built in 1913 and carries all of its original classic charm indicative of the time. The Architects, architects rounthwaite, dick and hadley, in association with Shoalts and Zaback and ERA beautifully married the history and detailing of the old, with their contemporary glass box addition.
The new glass addition mimics the height and depth of the existing classic structure. Inside, by removing key existing partitions a flood of light is free to wash throughout the space. Existing elements such as two original fireplaces were exposed and refurbished along with endless classic moulding and details. A palette of white walls, clear glazing and punches of vibrant colour on the furnishings create a beautifully simplistic space as warm and inviting as it is contemporary.
The new space boasts a partial green roof, expanded landscaping and an outdoor reading garden. These details speak to the TPL’s commitment to the community and their record of excellence. The TPL is currently ranked as the second-most-used library system on the planet, after Hong Kong’s. In a continued effort to evolve with the changing demands of its visitors, the formality of the past although shyly present still, has made way for a friendlier homier tone. Their mandate was to create a space for everyone: the space is filled with small nooks and spaces allowing everyone to find their own. Free wifi is available throughout the space and food and drinks are now welcome. There are areas for students to focus in silence and open space for casual visitors to sip their latte and scan the shelves as they wood at a favourite book store.
sources[ joeclark , rdharch, nowtoronto.com]
Filed under: Architecture, Toronto | 1 Comment
Tags: 1913, arcitecture, bloor, design, dick, differin, ERA, hadley, library, moden, moooi random light, public libray, renovation, rounthwaite, shoalts, Toronto, TPL, YDF, zaback
