Wednesday, October 15, 2014

THE LAST STAND BY DAVID ELLINGSEN




On this weeks blog post we wanted to showcase the latest photographic works by David Ellingsen, a photographer and environmental artist creating images of site-specific installations, landscapes and object studies that speak to the natural world and Man's impact upon it. We've had the pleasure of showcasing David's work for many years and this new collection titled 'The Last Stand' is stunning to say the least.

Five generations of David's family have been a part of the forest industry in British Columbia, from falling old growth trees and clear cutting to contributing to local sustainable harvest initiatives and environmental responsibility. His inspiration for this collection came from his past but also from his present and his thoughts of his own responsibilities in regards to forest sustainability.

"As this project began, these iconic remains of the old forest served as a meditation on the human altered landscape but soon evolved into a metaphor for the natural world that supports me, this contemporary globalized culture I am an active part of and the essential incompatibility of the two." - David Ellingsen

For more information on this collection please send us an email at info@providehome.com

Posted by Megan

Tuesday, October 7, 2014

DESIGNER INTERIORS THAT INSPIRE US: KELLY DECK DESIGN




Provide is pleased to feature the lovely work of Kelly Deck Design on our blog today. The above project is featured in the September issue of Western Living Magazine and we are swooning over the natural beauty of the beachy tones, light coloured woods and soft greys. Every detail is considered in this Vancouver home.

We are thrilled to see products from Provide used - such as bowls on the dining table by Rina Menardi, boxes and trays by Pacific Connections and brass bowls by AKMD in the living area. The soft seaside hues marry nicely with accessory choices, creating a relaxed calming space. Well-done Kelly Deck!

For more information on the products used, please visit our website www.providehome.com 

Photography by Janis Nicolay

Posted by Megan

Monday, September 29, 2014

IDSWEST14 HIGHLIGHTS



 The IDS West show was an exciting weekend for the design community, full of extremely talented exhibitors. Above is a quick sampling of some of my favourite highlights from the show.

The Brooklyn Exchange, curated by the talented ladies of Port and Quarter, was a booth that featured a group of gifted designers from Brooklyn, Asher Israelow, Volk Furniture, Juniper Design and Patrick Weder. I loved the work of Patrick Weder, the paper and wire pendant lamps showcased were inspired by 20th century design and naturally occurring forms. The organic quality and the warm ambience the lights gave off was very appealing.

Vancouver's own Brent Comber has done it again with his beautiful new 'Ikebana' collection; Ikebana is the Japanese art of flower arranging. Made of Douglas Fir and finished with white hard wax oil, these tables can be configured in multiple ways. Brent's booth also had no shortage of drama with his massive Douglas Fir sculptural backdrop.

Textile designer Lori Harrison caught my eye with her abstract painterly cushions. She creates imagery by mindfully experiencing the world and re-imagining the overlooked. Her designs mimic what she see in urban settings such as graffiti and decaying cement walls and turns that imagery into beautifully executed cushions. Her work is now available at Provide and will soon be on our website.

Finally the IDS West 10th Anniversary entrance feature called 'Place' was created by Vancouver's Barter Design Co. A showcase of tall cedars displayed the art of raw to redefined and was inspired by the West Coast and what we have access to right here in our backyard.

Overall I thought the show was a great success, full of so many talents. Can't wait for next year!

Posted by Megan



Tuesday, September 23, 2014

DINING FOR A CAUSE


On this weeks post we wanted to chat a little bit about GE Monogram's Dinner by Design event in support of the Dr. Peter AIDS Foundation hosted here in Vancouver. Provide is thrilled to have been given the opportunity to collaborate with Western Living Magazine to create a Dinner x Design installation amongst some of Vancouver's leading Interior Designers and members of our design community. We were priviliged to have a chance to work with some of the talents that we showcase here at the showroom... such as Bend Seating, David Mellor cutlery, Mud Australia dinnerware and Brooklyn designer Doug Johnston, who created an amazing custom light fixture made entirely of cotton cord.

GE monogram teamed up with The Social Concierge to host a memorable two-day event at the CBC building here in Vancouver. The festivities started with the Cocktail Art party Sunday night where Vancouver's top names in design and media enjoyed live entertainment, custom cocktails and a first hand look at the impressive displays. The intimate VIP dinner followed on Monday night, catered by Culinary Capers.

Designers such as Angela Robinson Design, BYU Design, The Cross Decor & Design and Gillian Segal (to name a few) created stunning concepts that showcased immense attention to detail and were awe inspiring. The designers also enlisted local talents such as Matthew McCormick and Jeff Martin Joinery to help in creating these elaborate custom installations.

Thank you Dinner by Design and Western Living Magazine, we were pleased to be a part of this unique and exclusive social experience that brings our design community together and supports a good cause.

Posted by Megan

Dinner by Design - http://idswest.com/highlights/dinner-design/
Dr. Peter AIDS Foundation - http://www.drpeter.org/
Western Living Magazine - http://www.westernlivingmagazine.com/
Provide Home - www.providehome.com

Friday, September 19, 2014

FALL ESSENTIALS: OUR TOP PICKS FOR FALL



 




September is a very busy month in the Vancouver design world. We've been actively preparing for IDS West and GE Monogram's Dinner by Design (more to come on that later next week). Amidst the hustle and bustle, we wanted to share with you some of our favourite fall arrivals.

We really appreciate the design trends of the fall season; primarily it's nice to see suppliers focusing on warmer tones and textures. Brass and warmer golds have been a huge trend this season and we are seeing that a lot in the fall collections from the designers we showcase. AKMD has made a brass version of their link candle holder, a modular system that can be expanded to any size, the perfect centrepiece for all of your fall dinner parties.

UK Textile designer Niki Jones' stylish and unpredictable embroidered cushions add a sense of warmth. Her designs are based around folk art & hand craft while offering a contemporary twist. The easiest way to vamp up any room is to simply switch out your cushions, these are sure to create a wow factor.

Fort Standard is a company we have fallen in love with, their brass crest bottle openers are as handsome as they are functional. The perfect gift for a hostess or the bartender aficionado in your life.

The new vessel shape 'Vaso' by the very talented Rina Menardi is featured in soft aqua marine and green bamboo. These pieces look best grouped in threes on top of a mantel or credenza. The quality of workmanship that goes into her collections is impeccable, timeless elegance, these pieces will last for years and years.

For more information on these and other products, please visit our website at www.providehome.com

Posted by Megan

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

ANGLEPOISE 1228 - MODERN TASK LIGHTING FOR ANY OFFICE SPACE





Sad but true, summer is quickly coming to an end. The kids are back at school and that feeling of productivity and regeneration is settling in. The idea of productivity got me thinking about the iconic task lighting company, Anglepoise. This UK company has been in production since the 1930's... if you think about it, that's a lot of task lighting that has inspired a lot of productivity!

The first Anglepoise task lamp was produced in 1931 by the companies founder George Carwardin, an automotive engineer. He developed a mechanism by which opposed springs combined could affect a unidirectional constant force on a pivoted lever counteracting the pull of gravitation. In other words, when the lever moves, it will stay exactly in place. This seamless mechanism is still used in all of the Anglepoise collections today.

A personal favourite collection of mine would be the Kenneth Grange 'Type 1228' series (available in both a desk lamp and floor lamp). Kenneth Grange is responsible for some of Britain's most iconic designs, such as the Kodak Instamatic and the London Taxi. The Type 1228 (developed in 2003) has all of the functions of a traditional Anglepoise but the design itself is far more contemporary. The translucent colourful plastic shades create ambient lighting and inject an electrifying shot of colour into any workspace. Easy to maneuver, these lamps can be turned any which way for optimal use. Available in mid green, granite grey, ice white, minerva blue, carmine red and daffodil yellow. These task lamps are sure to help launch you into productivity mode this fall.

For more information, please visit our website www.providehome.com or email us at www.providehome.com

Posted by Megan




Sunday, September 7, 2014

ZUZUNAGA TRANSFORMS THE DIGITAL INTO GRAPHIC HOME & LIFESTYLE DESIGNS
































Zuzunaga is a boutique design studio that creates unique, high quality fashion accessories and home interiors products.

Provide has been proudly representing Zuzunaga in our showroom and online for several years now and we often have the pleasure of catching-up with Cristian and Pedro (the co-owners of the company) on our travels – we recently saw their latest offerings while attending NY Now, a premier Interior Design show held twice a year in New York City.

Both "Bitmap" and "Roots" are striking, new collections of blankets, scarves, apple product covers, carpets and more that have been getting a substantial amount of interest from the press. The rugs Cristian Zuzunaga designed for Brintons have been shortlisted for the Elle Decoration British Design Awards 2014, in the Best British Pattern category.

Inspiration for the collections comes from the digital world – the resulting designs are highly contemporary and dynamic, while the hand-crafted modes of production soften their overall look and make them highly appealing. Famous for their use of colour, Zuzunaga offers these new designs in a wide range of colour combinations and styles. From the bold and the bright, to softer pastel hues, there is something to suit everyone's personal style.

For more information on Zuzunaga, please contact us via our website at:
www.providehome.com

Posted by David.




Sunday, August 24, 2014

METALLICS SHINE AT NY NOW



































Robert and I have just returned from an inspiring trip to New York City where we had the pleasure of attending NY Now, a leading design and home interiors show for trade professionals.

At the show, it was great to reconnect with some of our current suppliers, who where there showcasing their latest collections and to discover new products from other small boutique brands and independent designers. Both Robert and I felt like our time at the show was very productive as it had an abundance of home accessories that felt fresh and right for Provide.

Metallics have been a strong element in the design world for awhile now and it appears to be still going strong. We saw metallic finishes being offered as options on existing designs as well as appearing on products that are just being released.

Chilewich (top) is now offering their BouclĂ© placemat in a gold like finish called Gilt – we love the texture and the sophisticated look that this can bring to table settings.

Danish brand Stelton (second from the top) has long been on our radar and now the timing seems right – for autumn 2014 they have unveiled a variety of accessories for the table and home in stunning metallic finishes.

Finell (third from the top) is a recently launched housewares and accessories brand producing products that beautifully balance function with a modern sensibility. They work in a variety of materials – a standout piece is their Angle folded metal dish in stainless steel.

Brooklyn based brand, Fort Standard (bottom) has recently arrived in our showroom and is turning out to be a very successful part of our offering. So we were excited to meet them at the show and to see their latest designs including the architecturally inspired standing bowls in the new copper finish.

Now back in Vancouver, Robert and I are sorting through all our notes, photographs taken and catalogues gathered from the show – we will be placing orders over the coming weeks and are excited to fill Provide with beautiful new designs for the fall and winter season.

For more information and for any special orders, please contact us at www.providehome.com.

Posted by David.






Friday, August 15, 2014

MUD AUSTRALIA – A HAND-MADE TABLEWARE COLLECTION WITH A MINIMALAST AESTHETIC




While in New York this week, David and Robert visited the Mud showroom to hand select specific pieces from their collection.

Founded in 1994 by Shelly Simpson, this handmade collection combines clean lines and a large range of colours and pieces to mix and match. The end result is a product that combines a minimalist aesthetic with an artisan finish. Made from Limoges porcelain (which is a hard paste porcelain that has been around since the 1700's), sourced directly from France. The deep colours come from the pigment being added throughout the porcelain body, a clear glaze is then hand brushed to the exterior of each piece to create a 'stone-like' surface.

Handmade in Sydney, Australia by professional and in-house ceramicists, this collection evolves seasonally with the addition of new shapes and colours. Dishwasher, microwave and oven safe, these dishes provide a timeless alternative to mass-produced ceramic design. Keep an eye out on our Facebook page and Instagram for Mud's arrival.

For more information, please give us a call at 604-632-0095 or send us an email at info@providehome.com

Posted by Megan


Sunday, August 10, 2014

DAZZLING NEW FALL 2014 CHILEWICH COLLECTION






 Provide will soon be showcasing the dazzling new Fall 2014 Chilewich collection in our showroom and online. This new show stopping collection features elegant golds, sophisticated jewel tones and stylish metallics.

In every photo-shoot Chilewich produces, Sandy Chilewich chooses objects from her growing collection to enhance her textiles and express the mood of the season in her tablescapes. She also collaborates with some of our favourite designers such as Martha Sturdy and Rina Menardi to showcase the luxurious autumnal aesthetic this collection exudes.

Wanting to "lift gold out of it's comfort zone", Chilewich has created gold tones which are more accessible for a wider, less formal range of interiors. The jewel tone basketweave placemats display an intricate sequencing of metallic colour gradations. And lastly, in the new 'Metallic Fringe' placemats, Chilewich has incorporated customized yarn. The yarn feels like natural linen, although the look exhibits the muster of metal. Overall, this collection is both modern and right on trend for this fall season. Keep and eye out on our Facebook page and website for the collections arrival.

For more from Chilewich, please visit our website www.providehome.com

Posted by Megan

Sunday, August 3, 2014

ANGLEPOISE COLLABORATES WITH BRITISH FASHION DESIGNER PAUL SMITH


British fashion designer Paul Smith and Anglepoise have teamed up to create a quirky and colourful version of the class Type 75 table lamp. Paul Smith is best known for his well-made, simple cut fashions that often include a splash of vibrant colour, a floral print or his signature multi-coloured stripes.

The new special edition Type 75 lamp combines the unmistakable form and function of an Anglepoise with the unique handprint of Britain's foremost designer, Paul Smith. Warm grey-olive tones are contrasted with sharp accents of fuchsia and lime, with cornflower and clay added for a stunning effect. The modernist form has become the designer's palette, injecting new life into a classic design. Mechanical functionality is highlighted by Smith's playful colour-by-component approach.

These lamps are the perfect collectors item for the fashionista design lover. For more information send us an email at info@providehome.com or call us at 604-632-0095.

Posted by Megan


Monday, July 28, 2014

KALEIDOSCOPIC DESIGNS FROM BROOKLYN'S ESKAYEL

Provide is ecstatic about the new Eskayel cushions that just arrived at the showroom. Lead designer Shannon Campanaro continues to amaze us with her unique kaleidoscopic designs. The new arrivals are from her 'Jangala collection', the 'Playland capsule collection' and the 'Island collection'.

Shannon started Eskayel in 2009 when she decided her apartment needed a re-vamp. Wanting to create an accent wall with interesting wallpaper, she thought "why don't I just make my own wallpaper"? From there she found a way to print her custom patterns using a large scale repeat and ended up being incredibly pleased with the results. Gaining recognition on a large scale, her company flourished quickly. Being able to do what she loves, her passion for art drives her dedication to the company (which she runs with her boyfriend, interns and a lot of freelance workers).

Drawing her inspiration from the everyday and her many travels, her fabrics are whimsical and eccentric. I find myself staring at the ambitious shapes as if i'm doing an inkblot test and I need to figure out what I  can make of the designs. It is fascinating to me how she can take a piece of her own art; digitally manipulate it and produce the most unusually beautiful patterns.

Sustainably produced in the US, these cushions make a striking addition to any space. For more information, please visit our website www.providehome.com

Posted by Megan

Sunday, July 20, 2014

THE NEW CRYSTALLINE SERIES BY NICHE MODERN




Niche Modern recently launched the latest addition to their line up, the 'Crystalline' series. Veering away from their otherwise more muted colour choices, this collection introduces bright bold colour and new shapes that are centred on the idea of sharp angles and edges.

Each pendant is hand made carefully, slowly and with a lot of love. The angular forms can be difficult to achieve with molten glass so molds are required to help the process of achieving clean cut shapes. The line's four pieces include the Axia, Condesa, Delinea and the Trove, all inspired by the idea of crystal structures and how they produce different layers and angles that mesh together in perfect harmony.

Available in nine different colours, including clementine, tulip, rose, chartreuse and turquoise. These pendants are beautiful on their own or grouped together to create a striking impact in any space.

For more information, please send us and email at info@providehome.com or give us a call at 604.632.0095

Posted by Megan

Tuesday, July 15, 2014

NEW CREATIONS FROM DESIGNER AND ARTIST MARTHA STURDY












































Last week I visited the always inspiring Vancouver showroom of designer and artist Martha Sturdy where I was enthralled by the beautiful form of her Langara Brass Bowls. Each are individually hand crafted using spun brass and finished with their signature STURDY evolving patina. Elegantly presented on a white marble resin table – these bowls are timeless accessories that will add sophistication, colour and texture to your home.

Another new release to the STURDY collection (and currently on view at Provide) is the large scale servers made in Martha's choice resin colour – white marble. These are as dramatic as the are practical for dining and entertaining both indoors and out.

For these and other designs from the STURDY collection, please contact us at Provide via our website at www.providehome.com.

Photography courtesy of STURDY Living.

Post by David.