Dream Homes

Our penthouse project at the Fairmont Pacific Rim Estates is in the spotlight once again, this time on Dream Homes.  Much appreciation to hosts Bianca Solterbeck and Peter Verge for their interest in our work and making it a very fun shoot!

Alem Dekor Magazine

It really is a small world (on-line) after all.  The Rancho Mirage home we designed for the lovely Jacquie Somerville, has been featured in ALEM Dekor Magazine Istanbul.   Many thanks to  Senem Öztürk and ALEM for this great editorial piece. Teşekkür ederim!   

Barely There

Jack Shadbolt, work on paper,  RBI client residence.

The framing + presentation of works of art requires individual consideration. The form of that presentation should enhance the work in its specified location, without drawing attention to itself.  For me it should be, barely there.  
One of our resources when looking to revitalize art in our interiors projects, is the highly knowledgeable, Fine Art Framing.   Their expertise regarding what best serves and supports works of art is based on a sound depth of experience and practical knowledge.

Viewing wall at Fine Art Framing

I tend to think of art framing, in a similar fashion as that which might be executed by a museum.  Understated and elegant.  We always want to address archival issues so that the work is protected from the elements.  This can include UV protection, archival matting, etc.   Works under glass should be low iron + anti reflective to minimize colour shift and image loss do to glare. As important as the functional requirements, the quality of the presentation in materials and craftsmanship must befit the importance of the work.  

Our clients newly framed collection, pictured here, was impeccably facilitated by Fine Art Framing.    

FINE ART FRAMING

Creed

RBI concept sketch for kitchen

As I approach my 35^th year of being a professional interior designer, I am struck not by how much has changed, but rather by how much has remained true.  Ultimately an honest authentic approach to design prevails for me.   Our design point of view is formed by our clients desires and informed by our core design values.  Interior design that is driven by an elegant expression of function, that does not care for trend or the latest colour.  I believe the  enduring choices we make, will only increase in worth as time goes by.  

This year we've been designing a number of projects which will not come to fruition, long before fashion choices will have moved on. We'll share more of our thinking + processes here on the blog and on our new Facebook page, as they (+ we)  progress.

"Modernism means freedom-freedom to mix, to choose, to change, to embrace the new but hold fast to what is good."   Edward J Wormley 1907-1995.

Art Glass

Bell Jar Pendants

Alison Berger is an artist whose medium is light and whose material is glass. Whether designing light fixtures, objects, furnishing or large scale sculptures, she uses age-old glass blowing techniques to create glass forms that transcend time and capture light.  The beauty of Alison Berger's fixtures are further embellished by a strong sense of history that is inherent in hand blown glass.  Glass art is formed from fire and earth in a magical process that is over 2000 years old.  She refers to her light fixtures as being atmospheric, small points of light emitted through dense glass; recalling fireflies.  The light fixtures we've included in our projects (shown here) defy style categories, fitting seamlessly, they are more akin to architecture than decor.  Just stunning.   Meet the Artist, Alison Berger: Museum of Glass

Pistil Pendant

Roman Ring Floor Lamp

Discipline + Revolt

When I heard of Andrée Putman passing last month, it brought to mind my first knowledge of her work.  Designing Morgans in 1984 (the first American boutique style hotel), she introduced us to a sophisticated sober elegance that was both serene and emotionally evocative. Minimal but never spare.  These were the early days of my design life, and Putman's celebrated work was a beacon extolling the virtue of design principles + theory, over tricks + trend.  As she noted "the perfect balance between discipline and revolt."  For me she has always been the model design citizen........ inspired and inspiring.  x x

Photograph leaning, Rodney Graham

To anchor and compose the unlikely, but functionally practical flat screen placement we created a stealth media unit, spanning the architecture window bay.

"Of course style and money have nothing to do with each other, good design is pure and simple, and I am interested in that family of things that will not date."  Andrée Putman 1925-2013.

Putman Style

Site Additions

Deans Knight Capital Management

We've added two new project portfolios and their descriptions to the RBI web site. Although very different in their intended use, they share common design principles.  Foremost of which is our belief in modern space, that is expressed in an honest uncomplicated way.    

Naramata Lake House

Project photography by Josh Dunford.

Palm Springs Life

Much appreciation to J. Everette Perry and his associates at Palm Spring Life Magazine, for including RBI in the PSST! section of the January 2013 issue.  It features the Rancho Mirage home we designed for our dear friend and client, the gifted Jacquie Somerville.

Hearten

As 2012 speeds to a close, I'm heartened to have had such a great journey this year at RBI.   We are privileged to work with such extraordinary people; our wonderful clients, industry professionals, builders, suppliers ........ the list is a long one.   It truly takes a village.
It is my pleasure to thank everyone involved in our day to day process of fashioning interior spaces, by making a donation to A Loving Spoonful, whose generous acts warm so many hearts. Wishing you the best of this season and a remarkable new year.
With peace, love + respect for all.  Robert     

Lightness Of Being

For our kitchen renovation in a mid-century west coat home, the objective was to create a bright joyful place, that is quite literally the centre of this family home.  The room is bordered on all sides by other rooms and natural light is limited.  Light reflective surfaces and an array of lighting sources  make the redesigned space fresh and a pleasure to inhabit.  

We evolved the functional layout and took the space from darkness to light.  Flooring is a large format porcelain tile from StoneTile.  Custom cabinets are high gloss white lacquer and quarter sawn natural walnut. Appliances: Ovens, hood fan and dishwasher from Miele, integrated Sub Zero and wine cooler,  island gas range top by Viking. Plumbing fittings, Dornbracht.  Surface lighting from Prandina.

Furniture: Adjustable height Miunn stools in walnut from Lapalma, Knoll Saarinen marble top dining table, Eames wire base chairs from the Herman Miller collection.

Project management Harrier Construction, Millwork 5M Enterprises.

Making It

At RBI our desire is to provide furniture that is beautifully designed and crafted, which will be admired by it's owners over a long and useful lifetime.  Holly Hunt is  the  design centric house with just such a pedigreed offering.  We used the HH Siren chair here, paired with a RBI custom designed walnut starburst dining top supported on a polished chrome drum. 

The Siren chair from Holly Hunt Studio seems to have decidedly mid-century design roots, with style and craftsmanship that transcend time.

Holly Hunt Studio, Siren Chair

Holly Hunt Studio furniture and lighting collections encompass minimalism, eclecticism, and a blend of modern with traditional references.  These distinct and time enduring designs have a strong presence.  Drawing inspiration from the old + primitive, to the new + modern, each piece is built with great attention to subtle detail and proportion.  This Holly Hunt video shows the craftsmanship that goes into the making of each Siren chair.

Pattern + Texture

Even the most homogeneous element when viewed at close proximity, has richness and surface marking that make it anything but plain.  We love the intimately revealed pattern of the simplest of materials.  Most of the work we do relies on the quiet harmony and  ornamentation of a diverse family of elements, to create visual interest.

For the bedroom pictured here, all of our choices were inspired by the natural world.  Over a rustic oak plank floor we layered a woven woollen rug, and a Glant cashmere flannel covered bed.  The Brent Comber Shattered (Douglas Fir) bench and custom walnut bedside tables add a more literal presence of nature.   The room is draped with No. 9 Thompson raw linen embroidered with a large scale paisley repeat.   We got a little louder with the bed dressing, organic chevron duvet cover from West Elm and Charlene Mullen pillows by Provide. Porta Romana  Lava lamps appear to have captured precious sunlight, in 8.5 kg of watery mouth blown glass.

Capital Investment

Great organizations know that people are their most important asset and are committed to the creation of a strong workplace culture.  Our client Deans Knight Capital, understands the importance of investing in an environment and culture that communicates their values and supports their people.  One of the great workplace amenities found in the new DKC office we designed is certainly the full service kitchen space.  The space acts much as a kitchen would in a residence.  It is the heart of the office and a gathering place for staff and clients alike. Centre of the hospitality suite the kitchen is open to reception, the staff lounge, and adjacent meeting rooms.

Finishes for the custom millwork kitchen continue the material vocabulary found throughout the office; honed marble flooring, cabinets in horizontal quarter cut walnut and back painted glass, with quartz counter tops. Appliances include,  Gaggenau integrated refrigerator/freezer, Sub-Zero integrated refrigerator drawers and wine chiller, Miele speed oven, coffee maker, and professional series dishwashers.  Plumbing fittings, Dornbracht.     

In / Out

One of the most effective ways to expand a homes living space is through the creation of outdoor rooms.  In the RBI projects shown here we've optimized living potential by taking full advantage of the adjacent outdoors.  The expansion can be as simple as a fire bowl and lounge chairs.   Or fully realized with sumptuous furnishing  in spaces that provide weather protection, temperature, lighting + A/V controls.......... and everything in between.  Resort living without ever leaving home.    

BEND Bunny Lounge Chair / SOLUS Fire Bowl

CORO Shot Table + Fellini Chairs 

Lofty

In addition to the visual aesthetics we create, It occurs to me that one of the goals of interior design is unseen.  Working towards the making of a place that emits an emotion of unity, where everything is alright with the world.  Spaces that bring together past, present and room for the future, possessing a soul of their own.  A lofty goal (for sure) but one worthy of pursuing in an attempt to achieve the simple feeling, of a perfect comfort ( both mental + physical ) in one's place of shelter.  

The Interior Design Show West, takes place September 27-30 at the Vancouver Convention Centre.  The show highlights the latest in furniture and interior design related products.  Interior Designers of Canada is hosting the popular 'What's your design dilemma?', located at the IDC booth.  Where registered interior designers provide a free (15 min.) consultation tackling attendees design challenges.  Enjoy the show.