From our CTVBC News At Noon segment today: a cheap + cheerful DIY decor piece

If you saw our clip on CTV News At Noon today and want to recreate the fun book decor piece we showed, here is the step by step! It’s a super easy and affordable way to add personality to your space, plus it’s a great repurpose for a dusty old book. Try it yourself – we’ d love to see pics of your creations!

Step 1: find a hard cover book; choose a cool vintage one to add some style!
Step 2: open the book leaving about 1″ of pages before you make the first fold.
Step 3: make one large off-centered fold, and then a smaller fold to complete the off centered triangle.
*repeat this step another 4x to have thickness in the design
Step 4: make your folds in the reverse direction to make the off-centered triangle lean to the other side.
*repeat 4x to add depth and match the thickness of step 3
Step 5: fold you paper to make a triangle in the middle of the page.
*repeat 4x to match the other 2 sections
Step 6: continue repeating step 3-5 until you have about an inch of paper left on the backside of the book, to balance the book open.
Step 7: viola! Now you have a super fab book ornament!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Distinguished Gentlemen

It has been a fun adventure recently working with young, professional men on their living spaces; not your typical, style-challenged bachelors, these guys are looking for a traditional-meets-cool feel in which they can spend their time and entertain their friends. We kept true-chick style with special finds, custom pieces and playful accessories, but toned it down to make a more masculinely classic aesthetic. Take a peek and, as always, we invite your feedback! *photos courtesy of Vincent KH Lee Photography*

My Style File: Inspirational Spaces

No matter how busy life gets or how many hours of sleep I must (happily) forgo to make the time, there’s one guilty pleasure that always finds a way into my life; endless hours have been spent scouring design magazines and websites, constantly on the hunt for cool spaces, items or trends to get my creative juices flowing. I am usually rewarded with at least one fab find – something that I can’t wait to interpret in an upcoming project – but every now and then I find a space in it’s entirety that has the ability to truly excite me. Here are two of my most favourites that have totally kickstarted my desire to redo my own home: the first, a pop art-inspired West Vancouver house that I found online awhile back and, the second, a stellar Gastown warehouse conversion that was recently featured in the Fall/ Winter 2011 issue of Western Living Condo. While one appeals to my desire for a large, whitewash, open space with mid-century bones, the other satisfies my appetite for an intimate, eclectic and layered display of treasures in an urban setting (and if you look closely, it even has my dream car parked out front)… these homes are very different, yet both embody the quirky, playful and personal touches that inspire me as a designer. Take a peek at what captures me, and I hope you find your own creative wheels turning.

West Vancouver artistic gem:

Urban eclectic Gastown warehouse conversion:

Formidable Fashionista

Just a quick post to give a big shout out to a seriously style-savvy friend, Regina Albanis, whom I met what seems to be a lifetime ago, way back in the days when we were both working at Holt Renfrew in Toronto. Regina has since relocated to sunny L.A. (um, jealous!) and it seems that the California lifestyle is totally working for her; she’s rocking the fashion world with her designs and has a new, super adorable piece hitting the floors of Urban Outfitters for their Spring 2012 collection this month. Check out this wicked little party dress (The Pins and Needles Strapless Lace Dress)- it’s definitely on my must-have list this Spring!

 

Closet Confessions: 5 tips for fast closet facelifts

We’re all guilty of shopping under the guise that we “just can’t find anything to wear” in our closets – and I guarantee that most of us, if properly organized, would find a few fab outfits in our midst without hitting the boutiques. While we love to help clients find amazing new pieces to add to their wardrobe, we also know that without proper closet configuration those pieces will likely become a needle in the haystack of garments, accessories and shoes that already fill the shelves, racks and cupboards.

The easiest solution, of course, is to outsource a custom closet company like California Closets to design a shelving and storage system specifically for your needs; however, if you don’t have the cash for or interest in such a permanent setup, we do have a few quick tips that any of us can implement at home to make our daily dressing super easy. A trip to Ikea, Winners or Cosco and you (and your closet) will be set.

1. Streamlined velvet hangers – they prevent your garments from slipping to the floor and are space savers for small (or overfull!) closets;

2. Loop hangs for scarves, belts ties and even necklaces – it keeps them all in view so you know which will go best, and also prevents them from knotting or wrinkling;

3. Bin/ container organization for within your drawers – this keeps your lingerie or smaller accessories altogether and easily found.

4. Colour block and itemize your garments – not only does it make your closet look pretty, but helps you find what you need faster.

5. Purge seasonally – it’s for sure the hardest tip to implement, but absolutely makes the biggest impact!

Cool spot in the T.Dot.

On a recent trip back to Toronto, I was super stoked to hit one of my old favourite stomping grounds, The Drake Hotel Lounge. While it has fab snacks and wicked happy hour bevvie specials, it remains a top hot spot for me due to decor. The self-titled “hotbed for culture” takes an effortlessly eclectic approach to its design… mix-n-match midcentury loungers, a floor-to-ceiling library, brick with wood with steel finishes and industrial lighting.  I totally take inspiration from  this place;  the Drake wants you to think of their Lounge as your living room away from home – if only they could all look this good.

 

 

 

With love, from The Chicks

2011 has certainly been an amazing year for AGCTK – one filled with growth, opportunity, support and love. We have accomplished many of our goals this year and absolutely couldn’t have done it without the endless support of some extra fabulous peeps. We (of course) owe a huge and heartfelt thanks to our team of Chicks – they joined us earlier this year and have been a fabulous addition; we also need to give a shout out to the local businesses that have made our journey a success so far. We’re giving big props to those companies and individuals who have stood beside us during 2011… each of them have been great resources for us and would definitely be worth adding to your roster, too! Cheers to the year passed and to the one upcoming – we wish each of you and all our supporters a super fun, prosperous New Year.

 

THE COMMUNICATION LOFT: Kelly Aldinger:  www.communicationloft.ca

We had the good fortune of meeting Kelly, the principal and owner of The Communication Loft, through our involvement with the 2010/ 2011 CRAVE Vancouver guide. Kelly’s upbeat and creative personality, alongside her experience and wicked PR skill set, made her an ideal fit for our team when we were searching for a marketing firm to work with. It’s now coming up on a year working together and we couldn’t be happier to have TCL on our side: features on Vitamin Daily and an ongoing relationship with CTV Morning Live are just a few of the great exposures Kelly has brought our way. Many thanks to her and the team.

 

VINCENT KH LEE PHOTOGRAPHY: Vincent Lee: www.ishot.ca

The Chicks feel super lucky to have met Vince at the onset of each of our careers; we had just completed our first home makeover and were on the hunt for a photographer who was starting out and looking to build an Interior Design portfolio. We were recommended to reach out to Vince and we are so glad we did – his eye for the details, the vignettes and the key little things that we pride ourselves on as designers is what sets him apart from the rest. His images always capture our work with a lens that allows us to narrate our spaces to you… Vince is not only talented, but a dream to work with – his openness to new ideas and willingness to do whatever it takes to get that “just right” shot makes it all worthwhile and is much appreciated.

 

ZOE PAWLAK FINE ART: Zoe Pawlak: www.zoepawlak.com

Before we even saw her work, Zoe taught us about beauty; she is a glowing soul to know and offers a positive and grateful attitude to those around her. Plus she’s an ultra rad artist with a unique approach to form and colour; her work has been featured in some serious clout publications (umm, Martha Stewart Living and Design*Sponge!) and has been a huge hit with our clientele. Zoe is also co-Owner of Loaded Bow, an inspiration group of women with whom we are honoured to be associated with. As a friend and as an artist, the Chicks are grateful to have Zoe!

 

ANNE STARR AGENCY: www.annestarr.ca

Anne Starr has been Vancouver’s premier Textile and Accessory supplier to the Interior Design trade for over 20 years – and they are also the go-to, never-fail resource for AGCTK when on the hunt for extra fab wallpaper! The team at Anne Starr is extremely accommodating to the crazy requests and deadlines that we walk in the door with, and they always manage to help us find the perfect paper with a smile.

 

COASTAL CONCEPTS PAINTING AND WALLPAPERING: Martin Granatstein: 604.763.1424

I actually can’t count the times Martin and his crew have saved our butts when it comes to last-minute painting and wallpaper install… even when he’s super busy (which is always!) he manages to squeeze in our jobs and comes through with a fabulous end result. He’s quick and fair and his eye for detail doesn’t go unnoticed when our clients come home – honestly, wicked wallpaper is nothing without a perfect install.

 

REFIND HOME FURNISHINGS: Bart Taylor: www.refindhomefurnishings.com

I’d say that getting to know Bart and being a regular shopper at ReFind has been fun, except that “fun” absolutely doesn’t cover it. Hilarious, entertaining and inviting, all mixed together with a guaranteed successful hunt for cool pieces might be more accurate. Bart has created a welcoming and enjoyable environment for people to shop for mid century, antique and unique finds and prides himself on his “customers always leave happy” approach to business. Without his ever-changing and seemingly-endless supply of stellar furniture and accessory pieces, we would not have been able to create the spaces that we have. And we certainly wouldn’t have had so much fun doing it.

 

SPACE LAB: Clint Moroz: www.space-lab.tumblr.com

Space Lab is the ultimate destination for treasure hunting… obscure, industrial, unexpected items that somehow come to life here as the next rad thing to have in your home; a wicked book collection on everything from art and design to comics to history; cool old cameras and accessories mixed in with vintage science and medical bits; an impressive selection of old school record players, stereos and speakers (read: there’s always great tunes offered as the soundtrack to your shopping); then there’s of course the art and furniture and (hands down my vote for the best) lighting, both vintage and custom. Clint’s eye for the enigmatic has cultured a shop that lets you find exactly that piece you didn’t know you were looking for.

 

THE EAST VAN – WELCOME TO EAST VAN: www.welcometoeastvan.com/the-east-van

We met the boys of The East Van moving on a recent project; we needed movers on short notice and had been eyeing up the company’s cool van around the city for awhile. We rang them up and immediately knew that we loved ‘em. Super friendly, accommodating and fairly priced was the trifecta that caught our attention and will keep our loyalty – these are some seriously rad dudes with an inspiring focus on community. When they’re not moving, they’re motivating positive change in East Van; check them out and, if you love them as much as we do, you can pick up some cool East Van  swag at Sharks + Hammers in Gastown.

 

CHERYL STEBBINGS DECOR & DESIGN: Cheryl Stebbings: www.cherylstebbingsdesigns.com

At the onset of her design career, we had a chance to have Cheryl work with us on a few big projects; her love for beautiful decor and outgoing personality made her a blast to work with. Now with her own company, Cheryl is taking the Staging and Event Styling world by storm – we wish her tons of success and know she’s going to rock the industry!

 

We also owe many great finds to some of our favourite home furnishing and decor shops in the city: Mint Interiors, Zientte and NOOD have all been huge supporters of AGCTK and do their best to make our needs a priority (and a reality!). They each offer unique pieces that you won’t find anywhere else.

 

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU AND YOURS! XO, AGCTK.

Haute Holidays: Chic Tabletops

I can’t believe it’s that time of year already… the tree is trimmed, gifts are wrapped and under the tree (ok, I’m lying – my shopping has barely started, but it sounded good, didn’t it?) and friends & family are gathering to share in Christmas Cheer. As the big day (read: big dinner) approaches quickly, thoughts of how to create a fabulous table setting are top of mind. Whether you are preparing an intimate dinner for two or going full gusto with a big group, there are fun ways to add personality and charm that leave the super traditional settings of the past, well, in the past.

In line with our Holiday segment for CTV Morning Live today, we have created two totally different settings to entertain your guests. The first is a glam inspired intimate table for two – using a mid-century table and jewel-tone glassware with gold accents, it’s polished and chic, yet still playful and inviting. Sharper colours against the stark white table make each place setting pop, while layered glass and metallics add just that little bit of sparkle. The space is finished off with great DIY projects like knitted pom gift bows and wrapping-paper-turned-decorative-trees. Our second table plays up a warmer, more rustic feel; using a heavy wood table and richer palette of emeralds and golds mixed with plaids, this space pulls more upon a cabin in the woods environment. Faux furs and antlers set the backdrop, while unusual industrial finds and unexpected objects add the finishing touches. Our DIY here was the use of Winter socks as wine bottle covers – a great hostess gift idea with the combo of a fab wine plus a cute pair of stockings!

The best part about these tabletops is that they don’t break the bank: the glassware and dishes were all scores at Value Village (we spent about  $100 for both table settings, including accessories) and we sourced the unexpected special finds at our usual stop for cool treasures, Space Lab. It’s the chic & cheerful approach to Holiday entertaining that leaves your time and money available for less “chore” and more “cheer”; we challenge you to create a fabulous Holiday setting on the cheap this year – send us your best pics and we’ll feature them on an upcoming blog post!

The Chicks top tips for a Haute Holiday Style?
1. Layer! Just as with fashion, adding multiple layers – each with a slightly different texture and colour – adds depth and interest to a space or tabletop;  we used mixed chargers, plates and placemats to achieve the look on our tables, as well as groupings of coloured glassware.
2. Experiment with colour. Don’t allow yourself to be restricted by traditional colour ways; this season the saturated jewel tones are largely on trend and ultra pretty… mix and match – try them out in your Holiday decor or fashions!
3. Choose unexpected items in lieu of more formal pieces – we used industrial brass clamps and steel cut offs from machining as place card holders (with vintage found photos as the place cards) and opted for a set of pool balls instead of formal Holiday decorations to fill the surround of a poinsettia. We also used vintage brass numbers to mark the chair places and wrapped the formal chair with old plaid blankets (our pick for the number one must-have decor piece of the season) and tied them off with leather straps from camera cases.

 

 

Feeling creative? Give some of our featured DIY projects a go!

Eco-happy Pom gift topper (we opted for a knitted version):

http://www.designsponge.com/2008/11/diy-project-eco-happy-pom-pom-gift-topper.html

Recycled dry cleaner bag Holiday wreath:

http://www.designsponge.com/2008/12/weekly-wrap-up-diy-wreath-project.html

 

Frugal Fall Fashions: the Chicks picks

Ditching my grocery shopping duties at Superstore over the weekend, I found myself arms-and-eyes-overloaded with the new Fall fashions from Joe Fresh. I mean, who wants to shop for broccoli when there are shoes to be bought? Seriously. I’m sure I heard the woman working the fitting rooms groan as she saw me coming – full wardrobe in tow – to put on a little fashion show for myself; there were so many great finds (at even better prices) that I simply had to share it. Check out my picks and I would definitely suggest making your way to Joe to find your own fave fashions… you (and your wallet) won’t be disappointed.

Nude sheer blouse; $39

Black riding pants; $49 (grey version also available)

Grey fine-rib tee with elbow patches; $19

Black faux-shearling cropped vest; $39

Plaid button-front shirt; $24

Fitted cotton stripe dress; $19

Camel + mustard light knit sweater; $29

Metallic gold lace-up flats; $79

Oversized black-on-black aviators; $19

Style Trendspotting: Finding it Local

While I am usually inspired flipping through pages of design magazines, a recent scouring of the latest Style At Home caught my particular attention. On two pages of Style Trends, I found a number of items that I have not only seen and loved before, but have great resources for local versions. The current design lean toward rich tartans for Fall is a huge hit for me – it is playful yet speaks to a refined history, and using the texture of wool is ideal as we see the season (all too soon) transition into cooler weather. Tartan throw blankets have somehow helped me recover from the loss of Summer and have sparked urges to curl up fire-front with my own wooly throw, a good read and quite likely a lovely glass of wine; I love the rich primary colourways that the tartans offer and am inspired to include them not only in my own home, but also in my next project. The Osbourne & Little yellow and black tartan fabric seen in Style At Home is stunning, but I have recently found local options that are equally fabulous. Space Lab (1837 Main Street) currently has a vintage collection of tartan throws (wrapped with salvaged leather ties) in an invitingly masculine window display of wood and metals, mixed with softer leathers and, of course, wool; priced around the $75 mark and heavy in saturated palettes, I may snag one of these blankets for my own. At my usual work-lunch favourite spot, Cafe Bica (1809 Fir Street), I also saw fantastic new versions in the $200 range. And if wrapping yourself up in one of these throws just isn’t enough, a new trend for recovering furniture in the heavy woollen fabric might be just for you: as seen in Style At Home, a gorgeous traditional chair gets a facelift with a throwback fabric; funny enough, just a few weeks ago Clint Moroz (of Space Lab) ventured over to his upholsterer (incredible wool blanket in tow) and had a wicked teak lounger ordered to be recovered… mid-century meets cozy lodge – I think I like it!  I don’t want to spoil any surprises, but I also know he dropped off an Eames lounger to be recovered in white, as also seen on the Style At Home Trends page, yet he opted for canvas versus leather which I think is super chic (and animal friendly). Stay tuned for when these gems hit the store; for now, enjoy the throws and cheers to fabulous Fall design.

Style At Home: Trends page showcasing the tartans and the white Eames

Close-up of the Osbourne & Little tartan fabric

A collection of vintage tartans available at Space Lab

Tartan throws available at Cafe Bica

Eames lounger in white (leather version shown)

Style At Home: Trends page showcasing traditional chair recovered in textured wool

Close-up of the recovered chair