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

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

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

ART, FORM AND FUNCTION BY FORT STANDARD

 On this week's blog post, we are featuring Fort Standard, the latest addition to Provide's product mix.

Fort Standard is a contemporary industrial design studio based out of Brooklyn, NY. Founded in 2011 by Principal Designer Gregory Buntain and Industrial Designer Ian Collings. Their craft includes everything from lighting and furniture to bowls, bottle openers and coat hooks. Primarily working with long lasting materials such as wood, ceramics and bronze to create thoughtful refined designs that compliment their brand.

The result is a unique product mix that features "the simplicity of utility and the elegance that can be found in basic functions" - Collins. Extraordinary attention to detail and a love for the process behind how things are made, Fort Standard has termed their aesthetic as "warm-contemporary."

For more information on Fort Standard, please send us an email at info@providehome.com

Check out this video for an inside look into the world of Fort Standard.

DESIGNER INTERIORS THAT INSPIRE US: FALKEN REYNOLDS

Provide is pleased to feature the beautiful work for Chad Falkenberg and Kelly Reynolds, the design duo behind Falken Reynolds. Believing that one specific design aesthetic doesn't fit all, they allow their clients individuality mirror into the spaces they design, making each project truly unique. Keeping in tune with higher-level principles, balance and the unexpected, their interiors always showcase clean lines with an edgy twist and a pop of colour.

The above photos are from a modern Whistler cabin, which is in the recent issue of Western Living Condo. Provide had the pleasure of collaborating with Chad and Kelly in accessorizing the space. We love the light feeling that the home emanates. The use of light oak floors and crisp whites gives the feeling of being at a chalet in the Swiss Alps. Our Teixidors cushions add a bit of texture and warmth to the vast open concept living area. The towels by Missoni and Coyuchi add a graphic punch to a very spa like bathroom. Great work guys! We can'y wait to see what you design next.

Posted by Megan

For more information on the products used, please visit our website www.providehome.com or send us an email at info@providehome.com

For more information on Falken Reynolds please visit their website at www.falkenreynolds.com

STURDY'S NEW JAPANESE INSPIRED 'OSAKA' COLLECTION

During a visit to STURDY's showroom last week, Robert & David brought back some beauties from Martha's new 'Osaka' collection. This selection features an alluring contrast of resin shapes inset into the classic STURDY forms.

The inspiration for this collection emanated while Martha was traveling through Japan. She was taken by how the clear moonlit nights washed over the luscious fields of age-old bamboo creating a dream like quality. Frequently inspired by natures beauty, it was only natural for Martha to integrate this inspiration into her resin designs.

Each resin strip or sphere is hand-poured & hand-sanded. They are then placed into the mold and the coordinating outer colour is then poured on top, this is what distinguishes the difference in the placement of the strips. Some will appear bold as they have been pushed further to the front of the piece, or they may appear more diluted as they have been pushed further to the back. This process is what makes each resin piece unique.

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

Posted by Megan