Comox Valley Dwellings

{Local Shopping} Goats on the Roof Style

bethany — Mon, 24 May 2010 17:13:52 +0000

“Goats on the Roof” (aka Old Country Market) in Coombs here on Vancouver Island does “eclectic” very well. Such a diverse mix of colours and textures, yet somehow all the elements work so nicely together.

Here is what caught my eye last time I was there…

The new building, which has strong Mediterranean style elements, fits in perfectly - not because the architectural style mimics anything surrounding it, but because this little pocket of Vancouver Island is so diverse that it seemed to need something that stood out as “different”. I really love the wrought-iron balconies. I’m not sure I’ve seen that used anywhere else on Vancouver Island. The building’s lower level is home to a selection of Asian furniture which is displayed in a large room with reclaimed floors.

Just behind the produce and garden market is a little shop where I found simple cotton quilted blankets. There wasn’t a huge selection, but there was certainly something for everyone.

This will definitely be a frequent mini-road-trip destination this summer!
(and have you seen the size of the ice cream cones?!)

Work at Home – Lynda’s Home Installment 1

bethany — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 07:00:25 +0000

The big question over at our home for the past 6 months or so has been “where will we work?”

After some seriously strenuous conversations, we’re almost entirely convinced that we’ll work out of home. What that means, is that we’re going to need to make some changes around here. Working from home means that our previous plans for renovations are now scraped, and new concepts are emerging that allow for a flexible work/live arrangement. This is not an easy project when we’re talking about less that 1200 square feet!

We have a friend who is in the same boat as us. She also lives and works in a small vintage house. Her line of work is much different than ours; Lynda owns a fair-trade silk business.

The design factors for both our home renovations are the same:

a). We need efficient work space that is separate from the rest of the home, yet still feels like it’s part of the home.
b.) We need flexible rooms that can multi-task (thinking about: guests, re-sale, entertaining).
c.) We need to take advantage of as much natural light as possible. (site “re-orientation” for renovations).
d.) We need to create key design features that showcase our personalities.
e.) We need to design on a foundation of “quality”, “classic”, and “timeless”.

f.) and of course, we both want to design around what we LOVE.

I’ll get to sharing plans for my home/workspace eventually – but for now, I’d like to share a concept for Linda’s home inspired by the bright colours of some of the beautiful silk goods available through Lynda’s business, Floating Stone Silks.

Work:

These silk purses and silk headbands are goods from Floating Stone Silks. I’m really enjoying the ruffle on the dainty bag… very feminine.

The office image shows a neat and tidy work area with a timeless good quality wood desk. I think this is a great idea because it’s likely it will last a long time, and it’s neutral enough to decorate around when/if changes in design down the road. I also like nod to re-claimed with the vintage shutter as a place to keep notes.

The image of the fabric is so lovely! Lynda won’t need to hide away her fabric samples – they would look beautiful on display!

Home:

The row of images at the top is from theBemz e-newsletter. When I received this in my in-box a couple weeks ago I knew my colour prediction for BRIGHT and BOLD and possible FLOURESCENTS was right-on. Europe is always a few steps ahead of us…
The slip cover concept, seen here on dining chairs, is a practical one - a) it protects your furniture b) it can be changed when you’re ready for something different.

This yellow barn-style door (via SourthernLiving) is just beautiful. I think the steel elements have a nice contrast to the silk. Also, the salvaged wood and metal combination is an elegant infusion of humble materials.

Lastly, this sleek, simple kitchen is a blank canvas for creating culinary art after a long day at the office (down the hall – hehe) – or for entertaining friends on the weekend. A tip from this picture? Paint can do marvelous things!

Keeping it Local:
Resources for this project – right here in the Comox Valley!

1. Antique oak school desks at Coopers Government Surplus.
2. Shutters from Habitat for Humanity ReStore (but sorry, I may have purchased them all!).
3. Sturdy solid-wood shelving from the John’s Bedroom Barn.
4. Barn-Door systems – We can help you with that.
5. Modern-style kitchens from Acacia Decorating and Design – the display model at the Spring Home Expo was beautiful!

Stay tuned for another concept for Lynda’s work at home space…

ps. The Sunrise Veterinary project will be complete this week. There is a block party this Friday and the community is welcome to come by. This also marks our first Design-Build project and naturally we’re very proud of it and want to share! Details will be in the Comox Valley Record on Wednesday.

{ Limited Pallet }

bethany — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 16:54:20 +0000

Sometimes I feel a little boxed as I venture out into all things home design.

Anyone artistic probably knows this feeling. It’s the feeling where you’re so exposed to what your industry standards are, that you begin to feel as if you need to adopt them to be taken seriously.

In my opinion, true artistic or creative success comes from a limited pallet. If we possess every tool, every how-to book, and every bit of knowledge – what is left for creativity?

One of my favourite artists, Allan Sapp, developed his creative process with 4 tubes of paint: Brown, Black, Red, White. From this limited pallet, he draws out memories onto canvas.

www.AllenSapp.com

I think that the Design-Build process is a lot like this. There is a limited pallet. That pallet consists of the Budget, the Needs, the Wants, and the Rules (city bylaws, codes etc).

…and the Artist is responsible for bringing the vision to life using the pallet available.

There are a lot of people out there who can give a customer their dream home using a loaded pallet. However, there are few Artists who can bring a clients vision to life using the pallet available.

Add ethics and sustainability to the pallet - and the Artist must become a master.

{ Dreaming + Planning } Industrial, Framhouse, Craftsman, Reclaimed!

bethany — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:17:09 +0000

yep, I’m still here!

Every day I can be heard asking,“is it June yet?”
I graduate on June 11th.

Here is what I’ve been dreaming of these days:

Industrial. Farmhouse. Craftsman. Reclaimed.

Can they co-exist peacefully?

I think it’s possible!

via: www.beadboard.com
I love beadboard ceilings. What better way to cover up the horrid textured ceiling without having to grind it all off upside down for hours upon hours?

Anyone know where this image is from?
This floor is similar to the Premier Garage floor I blogged about here. Also, I’m in love with industrial style pendant lamp.

This image is forever stored on my computer. I also have the publication from Better Homes and Gardens where it was featured. This reclaimed mantel is exactly what I want in my house. I foresee multiple trips to Demxx in coombs…

I love this exterior by this renovation company in Washington. Our home could definitely look like this with a little assistance!

Alright – back to work for me!

-b

{ Art Round-Up } Animal Art for Your Home

bethany — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 04:56:18 +0000

HELLO MODERN ART

featuring Animals in all their

exuberant energy

and

lovable innocence…

All of these pieces are by Canadian artists.
I have had the honor to personally meet every single of of these talented people. What a wonderfully artistic country we live in!

Click on the painting to visit the gallery
and learn more about the artist.
Buying original art supports artists.

(Interested in learning about galleries, ethics, and how it all supports the artist? Start Here)

ARTISTS:

Ken Campbell
Les Thomas
Sheila Norgate
Terry McCue
Lucy Schappy

{ Floor Coatings } Durable & Beautiful

bethany — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 16:00:42 +0000

While planning for a local commercial renovation, we’ve been exploring some alternatives for flooring. For the type of application we’re using it for, it needs to be extremely durable but also professional looking. Marmoleum, as efficient as it is for commercial use, isn’t exactly the most beautiful product available. Tile looks great, but it’s very hard on joints when working on it all day.

Here are two alternative products we’ve considered during the design process. I can imagine these products in a commercial setting, but also in a sleek residential one.

#1. Premier Garage – Floor Coatings

These floors are made from a hybrid polymer. The product has been specially designed to withstand typical wear and tear in a garage. This product has a 10-year warranty against peeling, and a 10-year warranty against staining*. One of the best parts in my opinion, is the fast turn-around in installment – typically it takes only 48 hours finish. It is available in a high-gloss finish or a speckled “granite” look. I’m imagining the high-gloss flooring in a modern setting… stunning!

#2 StoneCraft

StoneCraft offers another great solution for floor coatings. This product is a cement and plastic combination that can be applied in a variety of ways. It can be applied as a smooth surface, or can be created to have the look and texture of tile. This product is pretty dynamic, and can be applied vertically up a wall – in fact, StoneCraft has been used on climbing gyms. This product also installs in approximately 48 hours.

As with any new product on the market, make sure to do thorough research before buying. If you are considering purchasing a product like this, perhaps ask the business for a few references from satisfied customers. If using it for commercial applications, it’s a good idea to compare the product’s durability with any heavy-duty cleaners that are used in the building.

Photos:
Top – Premier Garage
Bottom – StoneCraft

Local Contacts:

Cory at Premier Garage (Parksville) : 250-228-7768
Melanie at StoneCraft (Nanaimo) : 250-716-9294

Please note: this is not an advertisment. I just think this stuff is great!

*always confirm full details of warranties with the company.

{Home Tour!} John Lore’s Home – of Live Edge Design

bethany — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 16:00:49 +0000

We’re off to the Cowichan Valley today to peek in the home of John Lore – president of Live Edge Design.

I’ve mentioned this company before because I like the look of reclaimed and can get pretty excited when I find it locally. Live Edge Design has a noteworthy talent for design and a focus on quality workmanship. I’m cheering this Vancouver Island company on for chasing their dream of stylish sustainability.

Let’s take a peek…

I love this mid-century inspired reclaimed bed frame. The perfectly mitered corners on the side-table are a beautiful contrast to the textured edge of the headboard.

A well-made solid wood highboy is always a good investment. This piece works hard providing ample storage. The sophisticated button-like knobs gives this practical piece a very grown-up look.

Bring back the classics! I see this as a modern version of the popular 20’s must-have vanity. In the 20’s, art-deco pieces were often made to highlight the natural wood-grains. In this piece the wood-grain is the focus again, but with classic lines and a sustainable approach.
(also, I like the offset partial frame on the mirror!)

Floating shelves have become a staple for home accessorising in many style genres. From “Minimalist” to “Eclectic” and now to “West-Coast Sustainable”, floating shelves serve practical needs while eliminating awkward brackets.

Now this is a table! Connecting with natural foods around the dinner table is a focus for many families in our community. I can imagine food tasting it’s best when devoured around this down-to-earth piece. I like the regal look of the high-backed chairs and choosing to anchor the design with a dark craftsman inspired base was a great idea.

Thanks John, for sharing your home with us!

Want to see more? Live Edge Design has an incredible portfolio on their website.

For other HOME TOURS featured on ComoxValleyDwellings.com, click HERE.

If you know of a local home we should tour on this website, please let us know!

This is not an Advertisment. Please visit this page for more information.
-b

{ High Tides + High Winds } Flooded Oceanfront Homes in Campbell River this Morning…

bethany — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 18:33:32 +0000

The beach is on the road on the Old Island Highway in parts of Campbell River today.

The storm last night and this morning has thrown all sorts of beach debris on the Old Island Highway. Some poor soul, who parked his car on the side of the road with a “For Sale” sign on it, will find his car this morning completely blocked by logs swept in by the ocean. I’m guessing there will be some damage on the car from all the logs and rocks…

I stopped by two homes where the residents were standing outside discussing the mess they find themselves in this morning.

They said they suspected something like this would happen. High tides and high winds are the perfect recipe for storm like this.

“The dog was startled last night by a wave hitting the second story bedroom window”, home owner Kath Brown told me.

Kath, who lives in an oceanfront home on the Old Island Highway, says the last time her home flooded like this was 7 years ago. At that time the flood was a result of poorly serviced culverts which overflowed and caused water to flood down over the highway from the rivers and streams into her home. This time, the water is coming from the other direction.

When I asked her how long it took for her insurance company to help her out with the repair last time, she said that she didn’t think her insurance would cover this kind of thing.

As Kath headed into her home wearing pj’s and her rubber boots, she remarked with half a grin, “I had plans to be in the garden tending to the snowdrops that are popping up, guess I won’t be doing that today!”

{Local News} Small Comox Valley gets featured on leading Design Blog!

bethany — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 18:03:16 +0000

The Comox Valley is featured on Design*Sponge today!

I’m over the moon this morning. It’s so fantastic to see our little community get some international love on a website dedicated to all things design.

Check it out!

We do, indeed, live in a very special place!

Thanks to Simone for sending this in to Design*Sponge :)

{ Interior Inspiration } Ski Chalet Inspired – School Project

bethany — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 20:51:11 +0000

I NEED visuals when I’m brainstorming. For example, I like to write things down on paper. When I’m experimenting with colours, patterns and textures, I like to do a computer mock-up or lay photos out together to see how the elements play off each other.

When it comes to visualizing ideas for our current renovation, I’m over the moon when I find a photo that represents what I’m considering. YAY for this book!

For my school project (see post below), I’m finding that I need visual inspiration for the interior floor plan. I have ideas of what I’d like, but most of the time photos help me to expand on my own ideas and brings up a creative flow that wasn’t there before.

Here are some of the interiors that are catching my eye today:

Via: www.decoratingguru.com
Photo: Ngoc Minh Ngo/House Beautiful

Timber-frame is something Joe and I are really into – but for this project I’m going to leave it aside so that I can concentrate on learning how to use AutoCad for traditional framing. However, I’m going to incorporate some timber-frame elements into the design. For example, this banister could become a timber-frame inspired jointed piece.

Via: www.willowdecor.blogspot.com
Photo: Southern Accents

Ski chalets often have beds for as many powder lovers as possible. Perhaps doing the two “kids” bedrooms with built-in beds would help to carry that idea into a modern year-round home? Two beds in each room might seem a little extravegant, but the second bed would be wonderful for sleep-overs or reading stuggles.

Via: www.stovesonline.co.uk

Oh woodstoves, how I love thee! A REAL woodstove is a must. Fireplaces are lovely too, but there is nothing like the cozy heat of a woodstove. Although this blue is a too overwelming for my taste, I like the combination of the blue and red. Perhaps if the walls were more of a dusty blue/green…

Also, totally in love with the black/glass combo beyond…