BC Home & Garden

that means, let's throw everything out and start new." Start by looking at what you already have, then bring in a few contrasting materials to add tension to bland spaces. Amadatsu favours pairings like glossy marble over reclaimed hardwood, or antique wooden pieces with lacquered tables. "That juxtaposition of different materials will bring a lot of interest to a design," she says, adding that mixing finishes is a good alternative to just focusing on colour when designing a room. Different textures and materials can liven up even a monochromatic space. Repeat performance Art imitates life in the New Year as design moves toward organization. Interior designer Jennifer Scott of A Good Chick to Know sees this longing for order in our personal lives manifesting itself in the design world through a strong use of repetition. "The new option that we see coming out is using more organic elements to create a graphic feel using repetition," says Scott. This means repetitious decor layouts, repeating a line of light fixtures or something as simple as arranging your bookshelf by colour. "It's creating that uniform feeling using the same item," says Scott. The trend offers a lot of flexibility at a low cost, which is a boon for those of us pinching pennies after the holidays. "It's something that you don't have to go out and buy," says Scott. "You can take the things you already have and create it in an afternoon." Scott and her colleagues like to hit up local vintage stores for small decor items to bring in elements from different eras. Rather than arranging a gallery wall of family photos, Scott suggests grouping several frames closely together to give the illusion of one grand art piece. With just little adjustments, this trend can have an enormous effect on your space. It's all about you At his September 2012 presentation for Vancouver p46-53_Home+GarTrends.indd 49 interior design show IDSwest, Tommy Smythe urged the audience to make their needs the driving force behind renovations. "You need to renovate your house for you to live in, not for the next people who are going to live there," he said. "I've always said this – I think it's a stupid idea to decorate or renovate your house for other people." The supportive cheers from the crowd that day reflect the tide change in design and architecture: it's all about you. Despite the shift toward personalized spaces, many are still hung up on what effect custom design has on resale. "People are still compelled to have a formal living room," says Joy Chao, senior interior designer at John Henshaw Architect Inc. But according to her, resale issues are non-existent: "As long as the house is well designed and the space is utilized properly, it doesn't seem to be a problem." Chao says more of her clients are beginning to eschew traditional features and layouts and designing their homes to their unique needs, whether it's lowering or raising countertops, customizing condo kitchens or completely flipping the floor plan in a loft – all things that she has done. It's time to reclaim your home for yourself and your family's needs. it. Wu encourages homeowners to be liberal with soft, romantic fabrics in vibrant colours. "Don't be shy," she says, "be joyous and celebrate each kaleidoscope of colour and really have fun." Also for 2013, the rustic, reclaimed look is moving aside to welcome hand-painted china and bold-coloured glassware into the spotlight – "anything that's lacquered," says Wu. TRY THIS IN 2013 (Top left) These handmade, ceramic dishes by Mateus add the perfect pop of high-gloss colour (available at Örling and Wu) [PHOTO courtesy Mateus]; (left) Karla Amadatsu mixes finishes for a subtle yet varied design; (below) incorporate bright, lamb's wool throws from Kilppan for stunning organic accents (available at Örling and Wu) [PHOTOS Janis Nicolay (top), courtesy of Kilppan] Talking texture Bold and bright colours are appearing in unexpected places in 2013. Julie Wu, co-owner of Vancouver home decor store Örling & Wu, says she's excited to see natural fibres like cotton and linen in electric colours. "I want them in chartreuse or yellows and the really fun turquoise," says Wu. Natural textures are more commonly found in neutral shades, but this new wave of textiles is making a statement in the design world. When it comes to embracing this trend, it's all about how you incorporate 13-01-23 11:14 AM

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