IDS west 2009

I attended IDS west (Interior Design Show) in Vancouver this morning to catch the 9 am Trade Day Seminar on

“West Coast Design and How It Adds Value to Projects”

Local panelists were Designer Kelly Deck, Artist & Furniture Designer Brent Comber, Architect Micheal Green and Architect Jim Toy.

(One of my favorite examples of West Coast design is actually this lottery home Kelly Deck designed in South Surrey last fall … all photos by Sue Womersley)

Kelly Deck Designs (Brent Comber table)

Kelly Deck spoke of the quality of our cool gray light here, of wood and neutrals, the textures of the landscape, the exquisite soft colour palette and of incorporating this in her designs.

Kelly Deck Designs

Jim Toy, Principal of False Creek Design Group, spoke of West Coast Materials, elements influencing structures, taking an organic approach, of definable regional palettes (the red of an Okanagen Apple), of embracing nature and how in BC that we have a quiet confidence that is casual and sensible.

Kelly Deck Designs

Brent Comber, Principal of Brent Comber Originals, began with a visual of a vintage stubby brown bottle of Old Style Pilsner.  On the label was representative of the era – an interface with the outdoors — the stagecoach, the steam engine, the airplane and the tee pee (modular home!).  The Western perspective of humans in the center of nature or undomesticated wilderness vs. manufactured landscapes.  We are blessed to live where we are living and to incorporate that feeling in design work by using authentic, indigenous materials and engaging the senses.

Kelly Deck Designs

Micheal Green, Principal of Mcfarlane Green Biggar Architecture + Design, presented on the influences of the Native culture, the European perspective, the Pacific Rim influence and even Greenpeace.  A blend of culture and climate, and essence is essential.  Renewable materials timber, concrete, glass — driftwood, rocks and rain — local based materials, local resources and innovations with wood.  (He is featured in this month’s Western Living)

Kelly Deck Designs

During the question period all panelists spoke of collaboration, innovation, consciousness, purpose, value, quality and the responsibility of designers to inform the public to make educated buying decisions.  West Coast indeed~ !

Visit the BC Chapter of CDECA (Canadian Decorator’s Association) “Ask a Decorator” booth #726 this weekend for professional answers to your burning decorating questions!

Published by decorata design musing

*Design Consultant + Decorator *Decorata Design Creative Owner *Miniature Long Haired Dachshund lover *World Traveller, Photographer, Cinemaphile *West Coast girl *Personally Survived 4 Major Renovations View all posts by decorata design musing