https://www.instagram.com/workhorse_design_build/
Gang of Misfits
Everyday People
My imagination is always present in any project, but when designing for everyday people with real budgets you must look further and deeper to get the job done and look good. I always enjoy the challenge. I must say I love it when a room comes together that looks like I spent a lot of money but it didn't. It's knowing where to splurge and where to save. Being exposed to very high end furniture, accessories, fabrics, and art you learn what makes each piece four figures. You become familiar with the quality, details, colours, finishes, lines, and materials that are being used by the fine furniture designers and talented artists. You have an understanding and a respect to high style. Like looking at a flawless diamond. I can look at a well constructed chair the same way. As a designer we get used to these types of pieces and their price point. A $2,500 coffee table is like, yeah that's about right.I was telling a client the story of when I started working at my first design firm. Some of my responsibilities was to source furniture, fabrics and lighting for upscale private residences. |Years ago, working on one of the projects I was to look for bedside tables for a master bedroom, the tables I was sourcing were $1,500 each! a set would be $3,000! I thought silently "that's almost how much my car was worth". Having the opportunity to be in the opulent world of design with a trained eye you are able to pick thru a lot of undesirables and choose high end looking pieces that bring the same impact.I'll give you a recent example, I was at an art gallery sourcing posters to have framed for one of my projects. While walking thru the showroom there were beautiful marble sculptures here and there perched on pedestals on display. One that caught my eye was a sculpture of marble intertwined smooth and polished stone worth $2,100. Although they were stunning I couldn't consider bringing up to my clients the idea of spending all my accessory budget on one piece. Then the very next day while at Homesense I found the same sculpture, well the idea of it right there on the shelf in pristine condition in a carrot cake colour...different. Lifting it up to look at the price I braced myself for the heaviness of stone but it wasn't stone, it was a resin material that resembled a rare marble exactly. Turns out it was $49.99, I placed it gently in my buggy and my day was made.
Lux Powder Room Renovation
Restaurant Makover
A few years ago I was on Restaurant Makeover with designer Meredith and chef Brad. I gotta say it was an interesting experience. Having never been on TV before and now I was one of the stars made me nauseous, so I gathered up all the courage I had and pushed for more and smiled for the camera. Since then my then partner and I sold the restaurant. I learned alot of what to do, what not to do, and what I could handle. I think I did a pretty good job considering plus some good editing made for a good story. Actually it was a good story.
Inspirations And Outcomes
I recently read an article about where we get our inspiration from and
how certain experiences, events, and people in our life inspire us to do the things we do.
So I got to thinking how about my journey and the things that guided and led me to where I am now and what I am doing.
About 9 years ago an acquaintance at the time offered me an opportunity. Heather was a designer in Toronto who met me thru a mutual friend. She was looking for a part time assistant and decided to call me asking if I would be interested in helping her during the day. She must have seen something in me. I never studied interior design at that point (except working on my own places), in fact I was working at a restaurant at the time and a with enthusiasm I said sure!. I worked during the day went to my restaurant job in the evenings. I mostly worked on creative aspects like concept creation and sourcing as I didn't really have any technical skills to offer but I learned quickly. I also filled in the gaps where I could with admin work, correspondence with suppliers, vendors and contractors as well as running all kinds of errands. Working with her brought out a lot of things I never truly explored about design and style and it was her encouragement, and believing in me that gave me what I needed to pursue a career in interior design. Of course there were so many steps which played a part but together with the initial opportunity and A LOT of work and perseverance and knowledge gained I'm open for business!.
how certain experiences, events, and people in our life inspire us to do the things we do.
So I got to thinking how about my journey and the things that guided and led me to where I am now and what I am doing.
About 9 years ago an acquaintance at the time offered me an opportunity. Heather was a designer in Toronto who met me thru a mutual friend. She was looking for a part time assistant and decided to call me asking if I would be interested in helping her during the day. She must have seen something in me. I never studied interior design at that point (except working on my own places), in fact I was working at a restaurant at the time and a with enthusiasm I said sure!. I worked during the day went to my restaurant job in the evenings. I mostly worked on creative aspects like concept creation and sourcing as I didn't really have any technical skills to offer but I learned quickly. I also filled in the gaps where I could with admin work, correspondence with suppliers, vendors and contractors as well as running all kinds of errands. Working with her brought out a lot of things I never truly explored about design and style and it was her encouragement, and believing in me that gave me what I needed to pursue a career in interior design. Of course there were so many steps which played a part but together with the initial opportunity and A LOT of work and perseverance and knowledge gained I'm open for business!.
A Man's Space
The Nest
Architects and Engineeer's stealing ideas.
'bird's nest' Location:China
Geek is Chic
I took a trip to Hamilton's central public library this weekend which recently undergone a $16 million renovation.
There's a lot of natural light, and a lot of glass making the space feel airy and bright.
What a great addition to Hamilton, I know this type of renovation is inspiring to future projects to come in the city.
The local architects received an award winning design, and I must say it
makes a real statement at night with changing color LED tube lighting built
into the huge glass panels. This modern design really stands out in Hamilton. As I entered the library thru the glass sliding doors I noticed a living
wall, what a great feature to offset the hardness of the polished concrete. The
seating, tables and lighting were modular with industrial features with bold
colors thru out. The shelving which housed the books and service counters were
all white, lots of white.There's a lot of natural light, and a lot of glass making the space feel airy and bright.
What a great addition to Hamilton, I know this type of renovation is inspiring to future projects to come in the city.
A Week in Provence
Although I have never been to the South of France, I could imagine what it would be like, the feel, the views, the finishes to convert a master bedroom and ensuite. I compiled a few collages to give some idea's to bring that week in Provence back to your home in the city.
Taste Of Italy
Be inspired by everything!........
Create a color palette from food, nature, art, & fashion.
Industrial Concept
Concept
Hard & Soft Industrial
Create a lived in luxury space with flair. Blending both masculine & feminine sophistication.
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