Palinoia

Public - A Restaurant

2011-11-06T18:29:00.000-08:00

This is an interesting restaurant in New York city that I would love to go to. Public.Concept and design is by the AvroKO group whose work I am really liking from the looks of what I see (virtually of course;click the image to see closer.)

Located in the NoLita area at 210 Elizabeth Street in NYC, the restaurant serves International food served up by renowned chef Brad Farmerie. The globally inspired menu items are in the $30-55 price range. Farmerie has won many awards for his creative dishes. Public also has a 20 seat wine bar located within called The Monday Room.

The restaurant seats 120 people and the wine bar an additional 35 guests. The Monday room and the main dining room (on the upper level)are not wheelchair accessible but there is one accessible bathroom on the main floor of the establishment. Dinner is served seven days a week, beginning at 6pm and there is brunch service on Saturday and Sunday as well.

The food served up is referred to as "Free-spirited fusion" on the website which I gather means there is a lot of creativity thrown into the mix of offerings. There is a $25 corking fee for wine and gratuities of %20 are added for parties of 6 or more who dine at Public.

Formerly a bakery, the theme now represents a semi-industrial incarnation with sliding doors and hung filament bulbs along the ceiling. Oil lamps line one of the brick walls while a retired library-card catalogue has been placed by the coat check The full concept is represented with library style graphic details, including menus presented on clipboards and stamped like office order forms.

There is a lot of exposed brick in the space and skylights in the loft area above. Concrete flooring is used in the main floor area. Reviews I have read said that the space is often quite loud when busy. Several seating areas have changes in decor elements that differentiate each section yet they seem to be complementary.

Overall descriptions of the space indicate that it is trendy industrial chic with a cosy ambiance and interesting fayre.

AvroKO is also the genius behind Madame Geneva and Saxon+Parole both on Bleecker street. I will definitely be keeping an eye on their work.

If I'm Ever in Connecticut

2011-11-06T17:33:00.000-08:00

While it is highly unlikely that I will be visiting Connecticut ~~ever~~ anytime soon, if I do I will be sure to stop by this place just to see it first hand.

Right from the website, seen here;
The Philip Johnson Glass House, a National Trust Historic Site, offers its 47-acre campus as a catalyst for the preservation and interpretation of modern architecture, landscape, and art; and as a canvas for inspiration and experimentation honoring the legacy of Philip Johnson (1906-2005) and David Whitney (1939-2005).

Potential Title Page

2011-11-05T17:13:00.001-07:00

Something like this but with our Zeitgeist logo in the middle....

Some Ceiling Tiles

2011-11-04T17:45:00.001-07:00

I found a source for some interesting ceiling tiles. There is quite a range of patterns available so they could be used for a few different consepts. They also offer backsplashes and mouldings. See Talissa Decor for more infos.

WHOA its a scholarship!!!

2011-11-01T17:42:00.001-07:00

So I have been reading Design Sponge for I don't know how long now. I don't go there as often as I used to back when I had more time to ~~stalk~~ read all the great design blogs there are out there.

I was very excited to visit for the latest and see this post with the scholarship returning this year for design students. I could use a little bit of that $10k but I am sure the competition is stiff. It's open to international students this year too so being in Canada I still could qualify. Not sure if my program qualifies but I will have to check further into it as the rules say its for those in undergraduate or graduate level programs. Crossing my fingers and sprucing up my website for my application!....

It's All About the Stairs

2011-10-26T19:47:00.000-07:00

Construction Documents - this course requires a surprising amount of research in order to get a good set of working drawings. Here I have found a few pages from a very helpful book that I have had on my bookshelf for some time. It's a classic; Architectural Graphic Standards, 6th Edition published by Ramsey+Sleeper.

If you come across a copy I highly recommend it, even if it is an older version (like mine!)

SIDIM 2011 at Place Bon Aventure

2011-05-28T18:31:00.001-07:00

So I went to the SIDIM show here in Montreal. The design show that celebrates all things interior and then some. It really was interesting, I saw a few things that were new to me as well as some classics.

One of those newer to me things is this Bloom Chair by Kenneth Cobonpue. I find it quite a mesmerizing sculptural piece, like a fine flower. I was with a classmate and it turns out timing really is everything as we were at the booth right when the designer was coming in with another piece so we got to meet with him and chat for just a moment. Kenneth is from the Phillipines and most of his work is manufactured there as part of a family business. He studied Industrial Desin in New York at the Pratt Institute and his work has won many awards. More of his very innovative pieces can be seen at his website, Kenneth Cobonpue.

Tweed, Harris Tweed.

2011-05-20T17:17:00.001-07:00

So it's been a week that I have been off school officially and my brain doesn't know what to do with itself!

The other night I had a dream about meeting a man named Harris Tweed and I decided in the morning to do some research into the trademarked textile and see what is new from the Hebrides.

I found there are few sites that are selling the yardage and softgoods which was promising. The age-old textile is still made the traditional way by weavers and there are something like 8,000 patterns available!

Here are some links.
Harris Tweed Textiles (place holder only, keep watching this one!)
Harris Tweed Hebrides (Photo above from here)
Harris Tweed Scotland

I am seriously considering taking on a Harris Tweed North American Headquarters a project. Can you say "Office Design" anyone???

I SERIOUSLY WANT THIS!!!

2011-05-07T16:14:00.000-07:00

How ingenius is this?

Found at the Electrolux Design Lab Photo stream on Flickr.

Is this Ride OVER YET?

2011-05-07T14:50:00.001-07:00

Just a few more days left until school is over. It's been such a long year but somehow it went by so quickly. I am really going to be happy to NOT be a first-year student anymore. It seems like we are somewhat out of the loop on a few things as "First Years", like we are in the grey area of not-yet-designers as we are still learning many new things. Also I feel there is absolutely no connection to the design industry yet at all. Hoping this will change somewhat in the next year.

I am looking forward to the summer break as there are some things I have been wanting to do but have had NO time whatsoever;

I want to get going and post a few things on my Etsy vintage shop, Ella Cinders. I have collected a few gems since moving to Montreal last Fall. I have two of these bowls by Kaj Franck that will help to pay the bills when they sell.

I want to try this, but with recycled materials.
I want to make some curtains for my kitchen entry for sound-proofing. I would do more work there at the table since I will know I am not disturbing others (Old building=zero R-factor!) If that works out then I'm going to do some for the living room too.

I saw this over at the Ikea blog (**WARNIING-it's in Swedish!) I would like to do as well. Hmm, now that I think of it I also want to put up some shelves in my very shabby-not-so-chic kitchen. Something like this or this most likely, depending on my handy skills.

Wow, lots to do. With a busy summer ahead, maybe the ride is just beginning?

An Interesting Online Tool

2011-05-05T15:56:00.000-07:00

My daughter found this interesting tool online and I thought I would try it out. It is similar to Polyvore except you can load up your own photos. This took no time at all and I can see where it might be useful, especially for those of us who do not have Photoshop readily available.

I have to say I liked it better without the glaring ad for the Glogster site on it (which they curiously do not show at the "preview" stage when you are editing your piece.) At least I don't have to go to the trouble of posting a link to where I found it!

So Refreshing.............

2011-05-04T21:17:00.001-07:00

I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS!!!

A Breath of Life by Fraser Ross from FRASER ROSS on Vimeo.

Pure genius.

Some Cool Contests

2011-05-04T19:20:00.000-07:00

These contests look great - if only I didn't live in Quebec! Alas the Quebec resident is excluded for what ever obscure governmental rules that exist for whatever reason.............Too bad.

First, Style at Home is having a give-away of a Kitchenaid food processor. These things look like they can handle just about anything you throw at them in the kitchen. Check out the details HERE but hurry because this closes on May 25th, 2011.

The Canadian House and Home Kitchens and Baths Competiton would be a nice little prize pack for anyone who is looking to update. Contest closes August 14th, 2011.

What to do When There is a Chill in the Air

2011-04-27T20:20:00.000-07:00

You could bundle up in your parka on the cafe terrace or you could warm up up in style if they have these cool patio lanterns on.

Are these not the super chic alternative to those ugly gas heaters that can be seen keeping the chill away on those cooler summer evenings? While the gas heater might not be the best "green" solution to keeping warm in the outside areas we frequent, they are sometimes a necessary evil. Might as well go with the best looking of the bunch and this stylish solution from Kindle Living is the way to go. Note they are available with the optional LED lamp so the base is not to be missed. The black versions are sleek and offer a less conspicuous option.

See more and get info from Kindle Living.

Such a simple solution adds so much class to an otherwise clunky appliance. This company is based in Southern California and these items are crafted in the USA.

Crazy BluDot Swap Project

2011-04-26T17:59:00.001-07:00

"Blu Dot End Tags!" offered by Naissance in the Blu Dot Swap Meet

Still trying to figure out how this could work out to my advantage. I'm not sure if they accept Canadian offers yet, still reading the fine print but browsing through the swap offers is hilarious. Here are some of the accepted bids, like the one above which is some end tags that were swapped for a lovely coffee table it looks like.

Hmmmm, I could really use this couch myself; what could I possibly offer?

Dr. Eugene Tsui

2011-04-23T08:47:00.001-07:00

"You are the builder of your dreams. You are the master of your destiny".
One of my new favourite quotes. More can be seen at www.eugenetsui.com

I cannot sum up the life and ways of Dr Eugene Tsui in a blog post. All I can say is that his works and philosophies about life and other issues are unconventional and amazing at the same time.

His architecture is sometimes referred to as Biomimetic or immitating nature but he himself refers to it as Evolutionary. He is a biologist and mathematician. He lived briefly in Montreal and attended McGill Engineering school. His life is both interesting and diverse.

Other fun facts:
He only eats every other day! This apparently saves him 1100 hours per year. He is fully ambidextrous! He is a gymnast, boxer and also fences. He even designs his own clothes. I think the man is probably good at everything he does!

Cubism Cubed

2011-04-19T18:45:00.000-07:00

Today was our big Art History presentation at school. It was a group project that I worked on with fellow classmates Susan and Jonathan. It went relatively smoothly as far as presentations go and it was nice to have worked together on a blog format that we presented in front of the class.

Our topic was Cubism which I have been enjoying researching as this is a very interesting art movement. The shared blog can be seen over at Cubism Cubed. It was based on a visit to the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts.

The table pictured above is from a furniture designer in San Diego, CA called The Modern Project. You can see the blog here and OH LOOK! He has an Etsy site too!

An Interesting Project

2011-04-14T21:06:00.001-07:00

This project is a contest by Design By Many to design a house for the Katrina ravaged area of New Orleans. A bit much for an interior design student to attempt but I will be watching this one to see what the outcome is. Found at Inhabitat.

Site Visit to Vista

2011-04-14T20:40:00.000-07:00

Today we had a site visit and here are a few pics of some of the features we saw. Our hostess, Margo was very gracious and showed us the entire place. The colours she used are so fun and fabulous!

Lounge/meeting area. Also some computer stations where clients can check email.

In a private suite.

What a pool! I think I would move in now if I could! They also had a small gym, a bar and a depanneur on site. Everything you could ever need.

There was an amazing amount of feature lighting but I think those pics need a post of their own.

A Note About Stools

2011-04-14T20:08:00.000-07:00

You may have come to the conclusion that I have a little bit of an addiction to the chair. I will admit that I really like chairs. They have a sculptural element to them that I feel can add something special to a space if done right so I am partial to a few that I am slowly bloggingn away about here.

Just to add a new dimension to my posts I will throw you off by putting some stools into the mix. Here are a select few that I find appealing and I have considered using for projects in the past. Options 1, 3 and 4 are also eco-friendly according to Yliving.

Of course my fave of this bunch is the most expensive one on the right. I just think it would be so fab with a few other mid-century mod pieces that I have also featured before. At any rate, stools are just FUN any way you look at them.

Just in time for a Road Trip!

2011-04-12T19:36:00.001-07:00

A fold up chair!">

The Flux chair is pretty cool. Created by Douwe Jacobs and Tom Schouten it is now available in the US through YLiving. It comes in a variety of colours, eight to be exact, and it weighs only 10.6 pounds. Looks easy to pop together and you can hang it up when not in use. It is made from Polypropylene. I'm just wondering about the load restrictions as I could not find any weight limits listed anywhere. At $199 US I don't imagine they will replace the pop-up beer-caddy vinyl directors chairs on the sidelines of the local sport park anytime soon but I can dream.

Look Up, Way Way Up!...

2011-04-10T13:31:00.000-07:00

.............As the Friendly Giant used to say..........

Ceilings are often overlooked (or underlooked.......!) for potential to incorparate design elements so here are some "afterthought" solutions that can add some funk to an otherwise bland ceiling.

I am partial to the flowery solution after a long winter and this would be an easy and temporary solution that could be quickly changed up. Definitely good for those of us who are renters. Found at MarieClaireMaison.com.

This is HOT!

2011-04-06T18:26:00.000-07:00

I just found these hot new items that are getting a lot of internet attention. It's a new product that is actually on Kickstarter as the inventors (two guys named Dave from New Jersey) were looking for start-up money. Looks like this project is a go because there was so much interest in their product that their website crashed! Check out their Kickstarter page- $100k and climbing in pledges.

The beans are called Joulies and the website (still down) is joulies.com. The beans are some kind of metal that is safe to drop into your coffee and it will supposedly keep your java warm for hours. What a great idea and they look so sleek and cool too. Now that is literally a HOT product coming to market in May.

All Kinds of Etsy Goodness

2011-04-05T22:07:00.001-07:00

I have been an Etsy-addict for a while now....OK so I guess 5 years is more than just a while and maybe I have a problem. I take long breaks from it sometimes but every once in a while I just feel the urge to virtually window shop. Its cheap entertainment for those on a limited budget and there are no pushy sales people. A bit of retail therapy never hurt anyone. But I digress.

What I really love the most about Etsy is the diversity of items you can find there. Above are some really nicely executed vases. A new-ish take on an old item, the wall hung aspect is quite beautiful and the forms are clean and uncomplicated. At $21 US they are reasonably priced also. Based in the UK, you can find Wendy Jung's Etsy shop here.

This item on the other hand is an aptly named piece and just goes to show the level of "?" that can go on in a free market such as the internet. Kudos to this designer for putting the "Thing" out there! It is a well executed thing afterall. If I was a billionaire and money were no object I would actually consider buying this item but for now $100,000 US is a bit steep for me. More interesting items in the Polish designer's shop here.

Some Moody Photos

2011-03-28T19:14:00.001-07:00

These are a few inspiration pics for the condo project for the mood board. The project is a fun and functional space for a young creative family of four. Our concept is an aesthetically appealing organic and flowing space for a couple who work in design and their two boys. This family plays together and takes their fun seriously.

Muvbox in Old Montreal

2011-03-26T09:24:00.001-07:00

I like this concept. I am definitely going to take a look in the warmer weather and see this up close and personal.

I also found a review of the place from Mocoloco which shows the place in summer.

A Whoville Bathroom

2011-03-25T18:41:00.001-07:00

Some bathroom cabinets and fixtures with a whimsical feel. The cabinets are from Dust Furniture from Indiana and I love the playfulness of these pieces. Fixtures and light sconce are all Kholer products. The terazzo is for the countertop of the vanity that I want to custom fit the shorter cabinet for. I found a great resource for eco-terazzo with Vetrazzo based in Georgia and it looks like the reps are mainly in the West for Canada. I think I will go with Jadestone in Calgary.

Condo Photos Online

2011-03-24T19:14:00.001-07:00

Photos for the condo project above and a working designer's space below. (Thanks Adolphe!)

A Two Point Perspective

2011-03-23T21:36:00.000-07:00

View from the bedroom doorway into the kitchen with the dining room beyond.
This is a two point perspective I did to get a feel for how the kitchen will look with the lower drop cieling and the cube-like ceiling features in the dining area.

Verticals scanned a bit crooked but I am tired so I will fix it tomorrow. Colours do not look like this at all; the pendant lamp on the right is actually a nice orange but I see it as red on my monitor. Details of table and chairs in the dining room are not put in either. This was just a quick sketch on trace.

Move Over Eero..........

2011-03-23T20:15:00.000-07:00

The cherner chair is quickly becoming my newest vintage obsession of the modern variety. The tulip might have to take a back seat to this one very soon.

This was designed in 1958 by Norman Cherner who was educated "in the Bauhaus tradition" and the chair is molded plywood. It is now produced by the Cherner Chair Company which is run by Normans sons. You can read more on the website.

Nathan Allan Glass

2011-03-23T19:59:00.001-07:00

I used to walk by the Nathan Allan warehouse/studio I don't know how many years ago back in Vancouver. I liked how the doors were usually wide open and you could actually see what was being made. I think they have come a long way since then. The range of architectural glass they offer seems to have grown exponentially.

I really love these glass spheres on the right and I am dieing to encorporate them into a project somehow. The colours on the sample on the left are just stunning as well.

Some Museum Pics

2011-03-22T20:15:00.000-07:00

A Day Made of Glass... Made possible by Corning.

2011-03-22T18:15:00.000-07:00

WOW this is pretty cool stuff! Yes it is all the ideal and probably won't be the norm for some time but some really innovative possibilities. Maybe I should buy stock in Windex just to be safe?

Brad Ford Interior Design

2011-03-06T06:31:00.000-08:00

I came across this designer a few weeks ago while doing research for my personal dream condo project. I really am impressed with the way Mr. Ford's design aesthetic is so cohesive in his work. His designs are all different but in the same vein of the modern and contemporary with a nod to the past. Mid century modern abounds also and I just can't get enough of it so his work is right up my alley so to speak. He is based in New York not surprisingly. See www.bradfordid.com for more.

Interesting Lighting Place des Arts

2011-02-19T11:15:00.000-08:00

Back again at the Metro Place des Arts, this time inside near teh entrance to the Contemporary art Museum.Above is a paper type feature ceiling installed in a well used corridor.
Tiny lights iin the floor of the dark hallway to the theatre offer a dramatic feel. Below is some kind of wayfinding lighting but I'm not too sure what the e5 means, maybe where you enter for different theater seating sections?

Some cove lighting on the way to the Metro entrance. Lighting definitely draws the eye through this space.

Kartell

2011-02-06T16:24:00.000-08:00

Kartell is an amazing producer of some really fabulous industrial design products. They are based in Italy and have been around for almost 60 years! Designs continue to be cutting edge yet always classic in form and function. Somehow they manage to meld timelessness with the contemporary in their pieces. Plastic is the name of the game for Kartell, and they do it well!

Above is one of my favourite pieces they produce, designed by Ron Arad. So sculptural yet functional. Love it! Available in Canada at Gabriel Ross.

Everyone Loves Tulips

2011-02-05T15:34:00.001-08:00

I am really digging these tulip chairs at the moment. I think they are amazing. So retro cool yet still modern. Truly a modern classic thanks to the genius of Eero Saarinen. It's hard to believe he forst dreamed these up in 1956! You can read more details about Eero and the tulip series here. The chairs are available to purchase in Canada at Gabriel Ross in Vancouver. The price tag on them however is a bit much for me at the moment. In fact I will be saving for quite a while just to be able to afford the miniature version of the tulip ($213 Canadian.) My Blythe would be happy though!

Some Sweet Seats

2011-02-04T04:05:00.000-08:00

Interesting and Out of the Ordinary

2011-01-30T19:21:00.000-08:00

Interesting lighting from Aqua Creations. This is some really innovative and very imaginitve work. The sculptural element to these pieces is predominant as evidence from these few photos. Check the website here for more fabulous works of design meets art.

The design duo behind this hails from Tel Aviv in Isreal but items are available world wide.

Chairs a la Eames

2011-01-22T09:42:00.001-08:00

I love the work of the designer duo Charles and Ray Eames. Some of their chairs are my favourite pieces of furniture of all time. They way the couple worked and went through their design process was amazing and inspiring. I can't get enough of it.

From L to R is the moulded plywood chair with metal legs, moulded plastic chair with dowel legs, moulded plywood dining chair and the Eames wire chair.

All are from Herman Miller.

Art Installation at Place Des Arts

2010-12-28T23:29:00.001-08:00

Here I am freezing my butt off at Place des Arts on Sherbrooke. The plaza next to the Contemporary Art Museum has a temporary exhibit outside and it sure is a sight to see. Words cannot explain so you just have to look at these photos and scratch your head........

Italian Anyone?

2010-12-08T00:11:00.000-08:00

Somehow the Italians come up with some of the most amazing sleek modern and functional designs. This from Dieffebe.

This is some modular shelving made of metal, straight from the website.

Above is a tradeshow display booth with an office setup. NICE!

Another Way to Post It.

2010-12-07T23:53:00.000-08:00

I found this different take on "wallcoverings" and just had to share. Some DIY approaches that would definitely be conversation pieces.

Above is a Post-It wall! Apparently this shot was used in a Metropolis magazine article which I will definitely be looking into. Photo credit Bwillin.

This is some glass blobs that were made into a wallcovering. Photo JadeRyu.

A Tiny Apartment Transforms into 24 Rooms

2010-12-06T21:22:00.000-08:00

This is another absolutely amazing use of a very small space. 333 square feet!!!

Fabrics Abound

2010-12-05T11:02:00.001-08:00

There really are literally millions of fabrics to choose from. One needs to just google, or check out a current design magazine to see what is out there.

Many fabric companies also offer coordinating wallcoverings since the patterns are already developed. Here are just two examples.

Elitis is out of Europe so importing to NA might add concern over shipping sosts but WHAT a COLLECTION! Above is a nice example of a lasercut product which is a nice modern look.

The Fabric Co has quite an array of products available. Just check the website to be amazed at the selection. I will try to find a local dealer in Montreal and post the info.

Commercial Acrylic Apps.

2010-12-03T20:20:00.000-08:00

The Racine Art Museum in Wisconsin has a facade of acrylic panelling that allows light to penetrate the interior during the day for a natural illumination and at night the lights glow from the inside. Photo credit: Retinal Fetish

Above is a detail of a huge acrylic application in the Dubai Mall which is one of the biggest malls, hence a HUGE scale for this piece. Photo credit: UggBoyUggGirl

Here is a nice application of acrylic in a commercial facade. Stunning for the colour and we all know the instantly recognisable brand here. Photo credit: Sou

CIOT: Site Visit Report

2010-12-02T14:02:00.001-08:00

Yesterday we went on a field trip to CIOT!
It was a very informative tour of the showroom and fabrication areas on St-Laurent;
9151 St Laurent
Montreal, QC H2N 1N2
(514) 382-7330

The company was established in Montreal in 1950 by founding President Giovanni Battista Ciot and has since evolved and expanded. They are obviously doing something right because they are still in the process of expanding their St-Laurent location to make it even bigger.

^from the website ^

The company is divided into three main sections;

Habitat for the retail customer and home-owner.

Tecnica which assists designers on commercial projects.

Fabrica which is the custom and oone of a kind specialization area.

I had previously been there on a recon mission of my own but it was nice to have an official guided tour and see how the whole place functions. The lovely Marie-Claude showed us around and gave an informative "animation" but she chose to speak in french which was "un peu pire" because of my francais. It was also quite loud in the fabrication area so there was some info that I missed I am sure. Nontheless a very interesting behind the scenes look at what goes on.

I particularly enjoyed the natural stone section and the mosaic fabrication area. It was nice to see that the mosaics are still done the good old fashioned way, tumbled and hand cut to the detail. Each design is unique.

Here is a great example of a book match application of marble in the front entry way of the showroom.

Before we were told that pictures were not allowed I had snapped a few shots so I will share here (but don't tell anyone!)

Modular porcelain tile w/detailed relief.
Mosaic shower application.

Different designs in varioius sizes.

Plastics

2010-11-30T15:21:00.001-08:00

We have seen so many interesting uses of plastics in materials class. Here are a few applications I caught with my own camera (sorry bad lighting, mostly these were taken incognito!)
This is an interesting application of acrylic rods; they are placed in this mirrored large scale lettering and lighted from the inside. The effect is great signage with high impact. The letters fill the entire facade of this window. (Store is LIME in Place Versailles Mall.)
This is an interesting acrylic/lighting combination that are installed throughout the mall at Place Versaileles. It was hard to get a good photo of it but it is quite an eye-catching application. I am new to this area so I am not sure if this is actually a "pre-update" item since the neon look doesn't really carry well in all the areas of the mall. In fact sometimes it just seems completely out of place.
More plastic applications for lighted signage (also Place Versailles mall.)

DIVA! The shocking pink says a LOT!

Wallcoverings - Wallvinyl Just for You

2010-11-29T20:12:00.001-08:00

When we think "wallcoverings" many things come to mind. In this new era of digital on demand printing some great customization is possible. Including custom wallvinyls of pretty much any image you can think of.

This offers some great possibilities especially for the commercial and trad show applications. These would be some lighter and easy to install pieces for those companies that want high impact with re-use and ease of installation qualities.

This example is in a sport club where soccer is obviously foremost on the minds of the visitors.

Some sci-fi for your living room perhaps? All photos from ID-WALL.com on Flickr. See the website here.

Cool Stuff from Europe

2010-11-28T18:20:00.001-08:00

Firstly from Muurbloem, a dutch company. As well as some rad wallcoverings, they also have some really amazing furniture which is not really what you would expect when you think furnishings.

This is Budri, another innovative Italian company that is putting out some fabulous flooring. Lasercut inlay marble flooring in very intricate designs really makes a statement.

Library at Pie-IX and Ontario

2010-11-27T07:17:00.001-08:00

Some local details from my own POV.

Since moving back to Montreal I have really been enjoying the local sites and especially the details on all the older architecture around town. These are mosaic tile and stained glass details from my closest big library. Amazing!

Pure Genius

2010-11-25T21:49:00.001-08:00

For the New Yorker, Tokyo resident or just those a little low on square footage; these systems are amazing! Resource Furniture is simply amazing.

3Form - What Can I Say?

2010-11-23T18:59:00.001-08:00

3Form almost needs no introduction. Their innovative products continue to evolve. They even have Ecoresin which is a 40% post consumer recycled product. The application possibilities are very impressive as you can see from the website.

once upon a rainbow there was this really BIG project to do...

J.P Metals - Site Visit Review

2010-10-27T08:20:00.000-07:00

For our Materials 1 class this week we went on a field trip to J.P. Metals.

Our wonderful host Tony gave us a very thourough tour of the place where I really learned a lot about how they fabricate their products.

The company was founded in 1968 and is still privately owned, now being one of the largest manufacturers of wood and metal retail systems in North America. It is quite a success story as you can see from the website. It is a family owned business that still uses the same methodology to get things done.

Everything is done in-house (or as much as can possibly be done) to avoid dependency on other fabricators. Tony explained how this keeps their delivery times shorter and there is less possibility of delay as they can definitely rely on their own fabricators to produce what they need. The company prides itself on delivery as promised and they were very busy so it seems this philosophy is really paying of for them.

We got to see the CNC machines in action and learned what a "v-cut" is and how that reduces production time while retaining accurate measurements when done using the latest technology.

All in all a VERY informative visit.

The Agenda for C+L

2008-05-20T15:57:00.001-07:00

OOOOPS!!!! HOW DID THAT GET THERE??????

Here is the agenda for analysis.

Blue swatch pics

2008-05-15T09:30:00.001-07:00

OOOPS!!!! HOW DID that first photo get here??????
LOLOLOLOL

Here are the pics of the blue swatch

Leafy Tree (circa 2008)

2008-05-13T12:06:00.000-07:00

Leafy Tree (Circa 1994!)

2008-05-13T09:26:00.001-07:00

Tree Logos

2008-05-13T09:18:00.000-07:00

2008-05-11T20:58:00.001-07:00

The ad

2008-03-31T03:05:00.001-07:00

Another banner test

2008-03-30T23:42:00.000-07:00

More banners - test font

2008-03-30T14:40:00.000-07:00

One

Two

Three

Four

Five

Six

Banner test

2008-03-30T13:10:00.001-07:00

Olive Branch

2008-03-29T21:04:00.000-07:00

A branch with 5 leaves.

Eighteen

2008-03-22T12:45:00.001-07:00

Two times nine is eighteen.

Seventeen

2008-03-20T23:57:00.000-07:00

Seventeen sun shaped follows sixteen.

Sixteen

2008-03-20T11:45:00.000-07:00

Sweet sixteen.

Fifteen

2008-03-19T21:06:00.000-07:00

Three times five is fifteen.

Fourteen

2008-03-19T21:02:00.001-07:00

Fourteen leaves.

Lucky Thirteen

2008-03-19T20:23:00.000-07:00

A baker's dozen.

Twelve

2008-03-19T12:11:00.000-07:00

An even dozen.

Two Straight Lines

2008-03-19T01:34:00.000-07:00

Makes eleven.

Then there was Ten

2008-03-18T22:54:00.001-07:00

Zen ten.

Nine

2008-03-18T22:31:00.000-07:00

Three times three? NINE!

Eight

2008-03-18T17:40:00.001-07:00

Eight then follows of course.

Seven

2008-03-18T17:31:00.001-07:00

And then came seven.

Six More

2008-03-18T12:34:00.001-07:00

Makes a half a dozen.

Five

2008-03-18T12:20:00.000-07:00

Set of five.

Four Again

2008-03-18T12:13:00.001-07:00

I didn't like the last one; Four more leaves.

Leaf - Four

2008-03-18T10:29:00.000-07:00

Yes, four this time.

Three Leaves

2008-03-17T22:08:00.001-07:00

Three of them.

Leaves

2008-03-17T15:50:00.001-07:00

Two of them.

Leaf

2008-03-17T15:25:00.001-07:00

First of many.

What the Heck am I looking at....

2008-03-15T02:20:00.000-07:00

Palinoia is creative experimentation pure and simple.

At the moment this BLOG has morphed into a materials resource centre while complete my DEC in Interior Design at Dawson College in Montreal.

SCROLL DOWN to see the LABELs with all the sections where items are categorized.
Please comment whereever necessary. THANKS FOR READING!

Author Stacy Wolfenden has a varied background, having a studied applied and interior design at the post secondary level. She has always been inspired by the visual arts and is currently consumed with how traditional media and digital arts collide. With the advent of computer technology becoming increasingly accessible the arts have become extremely diverse in nature.

Enjoy your visit and please feel free to comment.

*Palinoia is an obscure word that is considered abandoned in the English language as it is no longer used in colloquial speech.