Brilliant Friends

I know some of the most brilliant people!
The gentleman that made this chair- and yes he is a true gentleman as well- is a brilliant artist!
I am presently begging him to allow me to post some images of an incredible dining table he has made- but it is "just not finished yet". Artists!
For my little story on chic cheap offices, he had to show me his version of the old door turned into a desk. OMG- it is almost impossible to take an image of it because it has such a high gloss sheen to it! An old door, a very old door, the panes filled with resins, polished with little treats and surprises hidden within the various panes! I must get you an image!
Then, he is also working on a major art production that will bring a type of modern earth friendly, inter-active sculpture to the masses!
We must wait for that- trust me though I want to put my commission in already!
In the meantime- while I beg and cajole with him- the image above is a piece he made with layers of wood veneers, polish and an old metal chair!

Talk about re-purposing, re-using! This chair is so comfy, so very neat! In, addition, it was saved from a landfill! Now this is an artist that deserves some of that art grant money! His art, most of it, uses scraps of woods, vaneers, old wood furniture turned into art and saved from the land fills !

Cheap chic office

Painted old closet sliding doors resting on old file cabinet sprayed with hammerite paint. Paint on the desktop is from Benjamin Moores 'metals' collection....
Louis Vuttion is laying on cork tiled floor that has withstood 12 years of abuse with my rolling office chair and the cork still does not show any wear!

Dacapo

Interesting little spot. Thought I would drop in with a friend to check out the Gelato and try a few little appetizers.
Well, they really do not have nibbles, good wine-but pricey-- chairs are not there for a long sit-hard on the behind.
Cleary the intention here is to get in -eat and get out.
I had a pizza with a dribble of truffle oil, very thin slivers of artichokes and I think there was supposed to be some basil on it, I could not see any. Also the thin crust pizza could of used a tad more heat (as in I think it was too rare).
However- I was there for the gelato and that did not disappoint. Terrific... one of the best I must admit.
Service was okay- but I felt we were boring the staff by being there-- and also BRING CASH. Surprise, this must be the only restaurant in Edmonton (or the northern hempisphere) that does not take credit cards or debit. They do have a private cash machine on the premises if you like paying $10.00 per withdrawal.
Would I go again- yes to pick up the gelato and take it home.
The gelato was worth it!
109 Street and 85 Avenue- on the west side of the street just before you go down the hill- across from High Level Dinner (gosh have not been there in years! It used to be a great place for Sunday brunch- back before kids made Sunday brunches a thing of the past!)

Edmonton Fashion Week

Edmonton Fashion Week -- Calendar of events


By James Kershaw, FreelanceApril 1, 2009Be the first to post a comment
StoryPhotos ( 1 )

studio-e.ca / Kelsey wears a corseted gown by Fort Saskatchewan-based designer KELSEY McINTYRE (www.kelseymcintyre.com). Custom earrings by James Kershaw.Photograph by: Studio E Photography, FreelanceEdmonton Fashion Week's eighth season hits the runway at the Transalta Arts Barns Thursday.

Besides the usual collections by talented local and international designers, new this time around is a fantasy makeup competition; the event's first plus-size show, from LOULOU by Addition Elle; and the Old Strathcona Retail Showcase, with clothing from Whyte Avenue-area boutiques.

Last season's emerging designer winner, Shahidah Abdul-Raheem, will debut her first full collection, while the U of A's department of human ecology will unveil designs by students in the textiles and clothing program.

A few designers, including Vancouver's Jason Matlo (see story in Look Tuesday), will even offer a sneak peek at their fall/winter '09 collections.

Tickets to each night are $15 in advance at Tix on the Square (780-420-1757) or $20 at the door.

VIP every-night passes are $85.

Doors are at 7p.m., shows at 8p.m.

WHERE TO SEE AND BE SEEN

THURSDAY, APRIL 2

Old Strathcona retail showcase

DESIGNER COLLECTIONS BY:

- Mystery Girl by Amber Leask

- Cherie Cruz

- LOULOU Collection by Addition Elle

- Jason Matlo (Vancouver), showing bridal and fall/winter '09

FRIDAY, April 3

DESIGNER COLLECTIONS BY:

- Kathryn Neuman

- Nazila Couture

- Lani Van Rooyen

- Body Glove (Los Angeles)

- Stanley Carroll

SATURDAY, APRIL 4

DESIGNER COLLECTION BY: Henry, showing men's and women's apparel

Makeup artistry showcase

Fantasy makeup competition

SUNDAY, April 5

SALON SHOWCASE:

The Art of Coiffure

MONDAY, APRIL 6

DESIGNER COLLECTIONS BY:

- NV men's clubwear and swimwear

- Shahidah Abdul-Raheem, Emerging Designer winner 2008

- Gabrielle Rogers, Stylist winner 2008

Emerging Designer and Stylist competitions

Masquerade: Designs by students in the textiles and clothing program in the

U of A's department of human ecology

*Please donate art supplies or gently used clothing for iHuman Youth Society.

TUESDAY, APRIL 7

DESIGNER COLLECTIONS BY:

- Sweet Carousel by Elise Truong

- Kashvenoms

- Rebecka Pichoch

- Lisa-Marie Sciroli

- Cherie Howard, presenting fall/winter '09

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8

DESIGNER COLLECTIONS BY:

- Laura Dreger

- Andeo Hats by Michelle Leavitt Djonlic

- Sabrina Butterfly Designs

- Patricia Glanville (Calgary)

- Tressa Heckbert, presenting fall/winter '09

- Lara Presber (Calgary)

THURSDAY, APRIL 9

DESIGNER COLLECTIONS BY:

- 442 McAdam by Sarah Shell (Calgary)

- Jessica Halabi

- Serendipity by Kelsey McIntyre

- Nokomis

- Joeffer Caoc (Toronto), presented by My Filosophy

APRIL 11 & 12

Designer sample sale, noon to 6 p.m. at Planet Ze Design Centre, 10055 80th Ave.

Perfection

Perfect- the definition of perfection: ‘the highest degree of something,” states Funk and Wagnall’s dictionary. To find perfection is of itself an art, balance, symmetry, where all elements blend harmoniously with each other with not one element standing out.

This is the condo created by Coco Cran of Calgary and her Edmonton based clients. Utilizing glamorous elements stolen from her namesake, Coco Chanel and Elsie DeWolfe- the famous decorator for New York socialites and the Duke and Duchess of Windsor. Borrowing a few of the luxurious elements such as the generous use of mirrors, and re-inventing Else De Wolfe’s signature beige into a refined coppery tone this Edmonton condo is the reflection of modern chic and sophistication.

The clients, a doctor transferred from Vancouver to the University of Alberta Hospital and his wife wanted to recreate some of the lifestyle they had enjoyed living in downtown Vancouver.

“We were used to walking just about everywhere, and we wanted to have that option here, so we choose a small condo complex close to the University but in an out of the way quieter neighbourhood,” Sitting upon the lovely satin re-upholstered sofa in the three story Belgravia condo the quiet spoken fashionable young wife explains to me. “ For a variety of reasons we wanted something close to the hospital, we only have one car and we wanted to reduce our carbon footprint in a number of ways. We like to walk for health reasons, environmental and we even like to walk in the winters”

Choosing the condo lifestyle was a natural of this Vancouver born couple, they like the energy of smaller neighbourhoods away from imposing strip malls, no maintenance from landscaping and the feeling of safety and security from living in a condo complex allow them the serenity to travel freely without the worry of their property. In addition both work long hours, the husband as a specialist at the hospital and the wife as a registered nurse working on special contracts and also as a jewellery designer.

Optimizing the wife’s creative eye would be the artistic skill that pressed this couple, working with the designer that had just completed a colleague’s home in Calgary, to create this elegant luxurious jewel box of a home. Like a jewel box holding all the precious glittery items and lined in dark velvet to showcase the jems within, the floors of this home are all black. From the black tiles accentuated with small squares of gold in the entryway, to the expanses of black carpet the eye is constantly drawn upward to the collection of custom furniture, simple yet elegant drapery and the colourful art collection. Inspiration for the colour scheme came from an existing piece of artwork, emerald greens, golds and sapphire blues all glitter like gems floating above the dark backdrop.

“When the carpet layers came, they told me in 20 years they had never installed a black carpet.” It was that bold move that sets the stage for this fantastic space. Many people are not so brave and also do not understand the power of black, it actually has a ‘drop away’ quality- that is that what you place on black actually is highlighted and the backdrop (black) recedes. This space shows off that quality to perfection.

“It was the drapery that I fell in love with and why I decided to choose Coco. I did not want over complicated drapery.” The condo’s huge expanse of windows stretches across the living room and adjoined dining area. The view onto the large balcony is stunning and peaceful in the early evening light but once the drapery are drawn the room transforms into an awe inspired retreat that transports us to a New York stylized penthouse.



Lighting is one of the most important elements in design, and this home utilizes lighting to the best advantage. Working with electricians to engineer the elaborate sound and lighting systems, the clients have numerous pot lights highlighting the art collection, fireplace and grazing the wall of mirrors on the passageway.

Careful use of the existing space allowed for a custom made ‘gentleman’s closet’ hidden behind mirrored doors in the office area. Utilizing wireless computer equipment allowed the fax and printer to be hidden underneath the custom millwork in the TV room leaving only a simple uncluttered gentile feel to this very busy and active home. Figurehead Maple veneered panels replace closet doors in the foyer creating the atmosphere of an elegant New York apartment.

Unlike many homeowners here in Edmonton who want to bring more and more light into their spaces this couple wanted a relaxing and cozy space for the long dark winter months and designed the north east facing space to reflect that. “I find it hard to understand why some people want to force a space to be something it is not. Why try to make a dark space light? It seems to me like you are going against the personality of the space.” This couple entertain at night and wanted their space to be a reflection of their lifestyle.

“A successful home should be a haven that allows you relax and enhance your lifestyle.” Fabulous reflection from a lady that designs jewellery and created a home that reflects the inside of a jewellery box!


Eberhard’s Manufacturing Inc—veneered panels
Myron Malone - Cabinets Millwork & Cabinetry 944-9355.
Gentleman’s’ closet, office bookshelves, custom entertainment centre and television room banquette and lighting.

Edmonton's Top Ten Interior Design Trends- 2009

Edmonton’s Top ten interior design trends for condos 2009
Following the long history of shabby chic then the blank canvas of the minimalist movement- there is finally a backlash against living in austere environments.

1) Glamour--The basic trend which is the backdrop for all the others is ‘glamour. Refined old Hollywood glamour reminiscent of the 1920’s with a lovely nod to the New York influenced 50’s. Shine, shimmer, gently sweeping yet strong lines, finishes with polish complete the look. This basic influence inspires all the rest that create our new polished, sophisticated and grown-up living spaces.

2) High-end Finishes- First time buyers and those ‘downsizing’ are not willing to compromise style in their small spaces. The choices are hardwood over laminates, solid surface counter surfaces, upgraded bathroom faucets and shower accessories. Heated floors made from natural and man made tiles in the bathrooms coupled with wall mounted towel heaters are some of the many upgrades condo owners are installing in their private spaces.

3) White – All shades and tones of white are the new neutrals. Combinations of whites form the new backdrop for interiors- white marbles, leathers, high gloss finishes. Layer your whites, keeping them all either warm or cool toned in your surfaces, drapery, upholstery, lamps, wallpaper, even high gloss elaborate picture frames and mirrors will incorporate the white trend into your interiors.

4) Colour-Clear crisp hues from cotton candy inspired shades to vibrant blends of Asian influenced reds with touches of golds will infuse our homes. Look towards robins’ egg blues blended with dark chocolate, warm based lavenders balanced with shades of yellow or a bright blast of tangerine. Bold, exciting and not boring are the new colour combinations for 2008.
5) Contrast- This element is the one that unites all the trends and defines our new interiors. Contrast- High contrast colour combinations such as lavenders paired with oranges, crisp white with midnight black are perfect examples of the new high drama look for interiors. Contrast is not reserved only for colour, try rough-hewn old wood table atop highly reflective silver toned based for a luxurious and original coffee table. Mix your textures, nubbly and soft chenille pillows atop soft aged ‘white’ leather sofas. Scale is also a wonderful way to create contrast. Try one truly large over-scaled element such as a piece of furniture, art or a mirror along side more diminutive objects. Instant drama. Think outside the ‘beige safe box’ this is all about drama over-sized lamps, large patterned wallpaper (yes- even wallpaper is making a comeback) patterned pillows, large florals. It is all drama and infused with youthful energy.

6) Bling! Load up the chandeliers with crystals – laden the tables with glass and crystal vases. White or cool based metals are the new metals for your home jewellery. Silver, nickel, brushed or polished aluminium, steel, platinum form the basics in hardware, accessories, faucets, chandeliers and lamps. Glitter and bling adore the trend-setting spaces in quantities that have not been seen for years.

7) Eco-friendly is back with a new twist; ‘style with a conscience’ is the new buzz phrase. Refinish family heirlooms, shop in second hand stores, and revitalize upholstered pieces from the 60’s to create a one of a kind eco-friendly space. Focus on organic, eco-friendly products such as cork or bamboo for flooring over old forest or exotic hardwoods. Style with a conscience has brought elegance and beauty together with earth friendly interiors.

8) Multi-Purpose Furniture- Furniture in small spaces needs to earn its’ space. One of the most popular is the ‘Murphybed’, custom cabinets hide the bed by day and superior mechanisms allow both the young and old to easily pull the bed down for use and hide it away. Perfect for a studio apartment or a one bedroom where the living space may need to double as a spare room. There is even a model that can be incorporated into your kitchen island area to accommodate a small visiting child.

9) ‘Simplize’ the kitchen. Heavy ornate kitchens that work with the larger homes do not work within the smaller scale of most condos. We are seeing simple high gloss laminates used for European inspired simplicity in cabinets, high gloss stains and paints are the new preferred cabinetry. Counters are still high-end solid surfaces, granite is still a basic but growing in popularity with the set that does not cook that often but wanting a high end ‘glam’ is marble. The concept is to create; easy to use, simple lined spaces without clutter. Hiding the clutter of many appliances is being accomplished by the use of refrigeration and freezer drawers, which can be ‘hidden’ by facing them with the same finish used on the cabinetry. In addition the dishwasher drawers are favoured for their smaller size while also allowing smaller ‘condo sized’ loads of dishes to be washed in addition to saving on both electricity and water.

10) Zen this 5000-year-old philosophy is not going anywhere soon. Homeowners are seeking calm, refined, peaceful and relaxing retreats in their living environments.

sexy city summer gardens

Sexy City Gardens

Creating a wonderful oasis in the middle of the city, on a small balcony or in a postage size backyard, has never been easier or more dramatic! The newest design concepts for our interior spaces has been extended to our exterior space as well.

Drama, large-scale excitement in a small space. Similar to the stunning look of an oversized mirror in a small living room, we are seeing large-scale containers on small outdoor living spaces. One singular grande and bold statement piece creates an instant focal point on your deck or patio.

Large-scale drama! We have ‘de-cluttered’ our homes and the time is here to simplify our outdoor spaces as well. Choose one large dynamic piece, one you may think demands a more lavish or grande space than you have room for. Plant the one large pot- preferably one with height- with an arrangement of tall common grasses that are in garden vogue for the past few seasons. The look is simple and dramatic!

Texture is another one of the basics we use inside and it should be considered when we accessorize our outdoor spaces as well. Mixing smooth finishes with rough ones create visual interest while also maintaining a consistent colour theme that will unify the space. Imagine a rough textured black matt container filled with large swaying grasses, delicate white blossoms cascading toward the garden floor beside a high gloss metal table and chairs upholstered in a soft fabric.

Creating a wonderful quiet oasis outside your own backdoor or on your high-rise patio deck also brings the drama inside. Place your ‘vignette’ within view from your most used interior spot if at all possible, adding interest to the inside space as well as alluring your guests to relax outside. This simple arrangement will also create visual interest during the long winter months.

Diane Kroker from ‘EarthTones Garden Shoppe’ explains great garden design is always in the scale and she is seeing more and more of her customers shyly eyeing the large generous sized containers. Diane explains the largest mistake she sees in petite outdoor living spaces is too much clutter, “ Too many small containers, knickknacks, tiny flowers and plants, just too much for the space.”

Creating a visually interesting outdoor space need not only be intriguing during the summer months, man-made plants have come a long way! Faux greenery is not what it used to be!

Placing a ‘man-made’ cedar in a proper-scaled container creates intrigue and comfort all year long. You get what you pay for here, most of the new ‘faux cedars’ you would not be able to tell they were not ‘nature made’ unless you actually touched them.

Speaking with a manufacture’s agent about the growing popularity of these ‘plants’ she explains the quality is much better then in earlier years. The faux versions require no watering and unlike true cedars who cannot over winter in our climate, in containers, these one do very well surviving our cold winters.

“I put a couple beside my front door a few years ago. I am not home much so watering and caring for plants is not an option for me. These cedars actually looked better after the first year, I got leaves tangled up in them, they got a little touch of dust and dirt on them and they actually look more real with the ‘patina from real life’.

Creating instant drama has never been simpler or more dramatic than now- one plant, faux or natural- and the dreariness of your simple balcony can be banished forever.

Summer finally

What a ‘wonky’ season!


Like most of you- I am certainly glad to see the backend of this winter. The touches of green dotting my yard….. even the mud puddles make me happy! The leftover leaves mushed into my grass topped by branches from last year’s winter storms make me very happy I booked my spring clean up last fall! Hope you have your clean up booked!

New soffits are arriving shortly complete with new eaves topped with fancy gizmos so I don’t have to clean them. Nice, especially since I have a 40 plus foot tree hanging over most of the roof of my house and I tend to be extremely clumsy! (Gosh lately I fell off my high heels- no wonder my family is worried when I get on the roof!) Once again though- I booked the soffit folks early in the spring.

The broken window in the basement, that was broken last summer, and front door jamb- finally will get fixed. Like many of you I had to wait along time to find a window/door company that would come and look at such a small job. I did finally find one. Wow- things are starting to happen at this old house.

http://dezinz.ca

http://dezinz.cadeZinz Custom Interiors, is a full service interior decorating firm offering a complete range of services: drafting, kitchen design, colour consultations, space planning, window coverings, master plan services. In addition, qualified consultants offer specialized services such as Feng Shui, Space Clearing and Home Staging.

Our success can be attributed to the fact we provide a very comprehensive service to our clients. Whether a small or large project deZinz will arrange a package that is custom tailored to a customers' exact requirements. For larger projects deZinz has the ability to custom design and order specialized fabric, wall vinyl and furniture. For smaller projects we have a large selection of suppliers that offer unique and interesting fabrics, furniture and accessories available by custom order.

We can offer a one-stop shopping experience to busy clients or the one-on-one shopping service to a discriminating customer looking for assistance in purchasing accessories or art.


Services

Full Service

No time? Confused by all the options?
Decorating your space can be a daunting undertaking. Whether it is one room or an entire home starting with your wish list and budget, deZinz will design a personal, functional space created exclusively for you. Room finishes, specialized faux paint, custom-made furniture and personalized accessories will create your own private retreat.

Master Plans

Not enough money to redecorate your entire home at once?
Many people face this task, the house needs an up-date but the budget only allows one room at a time. One way to insure a continuous flow from one room to the next- and avoid the distractions of trends is to create a master plan. From this master plan you can progress through the home as the budget allows and create a harmonious living environment for you.

Space Planning

Too much furniture? Not enough? Furniture too big?
Many times furniture is custom ordered without the thought of “How do I get it in the door?” or “ Will it fit in the living room?” With good space planning we can assure you the furniture you buy will comfortably fit in your room while allowing ample room for traffic flow and the everyday activities the room is intended for.




Drafting Services

Are your dreams on paper napkins and old scraps of paper?
Most all good design have some beginnings there. We will transform your dreams and sketches into ‘working drawings’ that contractors can use when creating your special spaces. Our specialized kitchen consultant

Window Dressings

Need window coverings the cat will not destroy yet are stylish?
Our experienced decorators can handle any window-covering project from simple venetian to motorized solar shades over 2 stories high. deZinz supplies blinds such as: venetians, verticals, wood, solar-shades and privacy sheers. In addition we can manufacture custom drapes, swags and jabots to suit any room or style.

Colour Consultations

Ever been in a home where the colour should of worked- but for some reason just seemed off?
This is a common mistake many people make by not understanding how light can distort and play havoc in any room. What looks good under one light may not work in another. Also, there are very slight colour changes in shades and tints that can make one hue work while another very similar colour will not. Our trained decorators understand those slight differences and can help you avoid a costly mistake.

Specialties

These are some of the specialized services deZinz is pleased to offer their clients.
Many people form opinions about the homes they enter either at the curb or at the front door. This can take about 5 seconds—the following services can assist you in insuring your visitors ‘feel’ good about your spaces.

Home Staging

This is a secret of many top Realtors. Hiring a Home Stager can greatly increase the selling price of your home. Simply put this is clearing the clutter and creating eye catching vignettes that draw attention to the desirable aspects of your home while distracting from the ‘not so good parts.’ Home Staging can be rearrangement of furniture, removal of clutter, creating ‘life-style’ vignettes or can be more involved with the suggestion of new paint, carpet or exterior changes to assist you in creating a ‘show-home look. We also offer home staging for special events or too make the most of your home with your existing treasures.






Intentional Feng Shui

Intentional Feng Shui is the art of consciously manifesting your life desires, be it wealth, love or creativity by using the flow of universal energy in your home or office space.
Effectively enhancing the flow of chi, Intentional Feng Shui offers limitless possibilities and opportunities to you.

Interior Alignment

Space Clearing ceremonies are conducted in one form or another by every culture.
By clearing old stale energy from your home either energy from you or energy from a previous occupant and then consecrating the area remarkable positive changes can occur. Space Clearing Ceremonies and Blessings dramatically transform your home or office. Energetically everything that happens in your home leaves an imprint. Balancing and releasing stale or negative energies can powerfully influence the course of your life.

Space Clearing enhances Feng Shui; both can be conducted alone or together.


Consultants

Principle

Raine Turner

Raine Turner is a certified Interior Decorator graduating from the University of Alberta, member of Canadian Decorators Association, Certified Consultant in Interior Alignment and Space Clearing. This is in addition to her 7 years experience in the commercial and residential fields. Raine has been involved in projects for the Government of Alberta, Delta and Coast Hotels, among numerous others and many private residences.

Consultants