In Conversation with Robyn Meredith Bryson

Robyn Meredith Bryson

As seen in SNAP, October 2009

Robyn Meredith Bryson is one of the most long-standing design firms on the island, and also one of the most well-known. Her projects have been featured in The Times Colonist, Boulevard, BC Homes, Western Living and, most recently, (one of the greatest achievements for any designer ) in Architectural Digest. She has upheld an outstanding reputation with her clients and colleagues and continues to design projects unique to her client’s needs and style.

Robyn has a love for sourcing unique finds, mixing the old and the new in her projects to make each one original and distinctive. She works with her clients from concept to completion and takes careful consideration of the client’s environmental, preferential and lifestyle requirements. Her portfolio is filled with a wide range of endeavours, from residential to commercial, show homes to developments.

Please read on to learn more about this local talent.

Iván Meade - What is your favourite design find?

Robyn Meredith Bryson – New materials. I am always excited when I discover a new use for an old material or a new innovative building material. We've come so far over the years.

The Radius Residence

Iván - Why is it important to you?

Robyn Meredith Bryson – Such materials allow for all kinds of possibilities for fresh design ideas or perspectives. Could Frank Gehry possibly have created such innovative architecture without such materials being developed?

Greystone Estates

Iván - How does this item reflect upon your personal design philosophy?

Robyn Meredith Bryson – I always want to present the best to my clients. The most suitable and the most innovative concepts for their project. Sometimes when something new comes across my design radar, it is just the perfect answer for a certain challenge on a project.

The Radius Residence

Iván Meade – What was your first experience with design?

Robyn Meredith Bryson – Bill West's art class in high school and an architectural drafting course at the same time and then on to Vancouver School of Art. I began tackling some creative specific design challenges and loved it.

The Radius Residence

Iván Meade – Who or what has influenced your style?

Robyn Meredith Bryson – My Mother was probably the greatest influence. She was an elegant woman with superb taste and I grew up browsing through Architectural Digest which my Mother subscribed to as well as being surrounded with beautiful antiques and fabrics in our home.

Iván Meade – How would you describe your style?

Robyn Meredith Bryson – I am very versatile. I strive to create environments that reflect my clients rather than creating my own signature style. This allows me to be very intuitive and pushes me sometimes out of my comfort zone which is what I love about my business.

The Radius Residence

Iván Meade – What designers of past and present do you admire most?

Robyn Meredith Bryson – I love the flamboyant confidence of Dorothy Draper from the 1930s to the 1960s. Her look was dubbed "modern baroque" and she had a reputation for audaciousness. Also Sister Parish & her business partner Albert Hadley. These two women were in a way pioneers not just of design, but of the business of design. Currently, I admire so very much the work of Juan Montoya. He studied at Parsons School of Design which, in another life, would be my choice. He is "not wedded to one particular design or period. "The client and the space dictate what style I will be working in." "A Montoya room is never full" - something that I understand and identify with. I have learned to edit which requires great courage in the face of all the choices available today.

Beach Drive Residence

Iván Meade – What do you consider to be your greatest strength and your greatest weakness?

Robyn Meredith Bryson – My greatest strength is my attention to detail. My greatest weakness? Attention to detail. At times, it is something that those who work with me do not appreciate and this can be an obstacle to our working relationship - I can be difficult and stubborn about the details. However, on the completion of the project - then they "get it". I really do believe that the project is "won or lost" in the final 10%.

The Radius Residence

Iván Meade – You mention in your article featured in The Times Colonist regarding the Architectural Digest issue earlier this year that “As designers, we have to remember what we are creating... We can't get lost in the drama of the architectural details and forget that it is a home.”could you elaborate on that statement for us?

Robyn Meredith Bryson – Hmmm. Well, I love architecture. Maybe this is my real passion but that is not what I do, so I am sensitive to the potential for conflict between the dramatic architectural details, the scale of the structure, the finishes of the interior, and the human scale and the human requirement for nurture and warmth.

Example: vaulted ceilings are so dramatic and really add to the volume of any interior. In my opinion, they also potentially present issues with sound and warmth. So as a designer, I want to find a way to have both the drama and the warmth. Another example would be the volume of glass and other hard surfaces. To strike a balance so if the architecture presents an environment which may be more hard surfaces, how can we provide the warmth? Colour is often the simplest and most important way to provide this balance, but also area carpets and fabric panels will be a welcome addition to the space.

Cobblestone Lane Residence

Iván Meade – I noticed in an image from the project featured in Architectural Digest that you included some sculptures from local artist Frances Sample. Do you like to source artwork locally as much as you can? If so, why is it important to you?

Robyn Meredith Bryson – Thanks for the question Ivan. It gives me a chance to speak about another one of my passions. I love to support local artists. Original art brings a magic energy to a space. When one browses the pages of Architectural Digest, it is evident that the carefully selected art is the focal point of any room. It brings a credibility and can be the glue that holds it all together. I love to introduce my clients to the possibility through the internet where many artists have web sites and also through the Art Rental at the Greater Victoria Art Gallery. It is one of the most gratifying parts of my career as a designer. I have, myself, an extensive art collection which feeds me visually, every day. I quote clients of mine " You have really introduced us to the world of art, which means a lot to both of us."

The Radius Residence

Iván Meade – How/why did you start your own firm? Could you tell me a little about the history of your company?

Robyn Meredith Bryson – Well, I started with my design consultation in the 1970's. My business name was "The Personal Touch - Designs For Living". I even manufactured a line of home accessories for a gift shop in Kerrisdale, in Vancouver. Later, I changed the name of my business to Robyn Bryson Design Associates and purchased a strata warehouse where I had a fantastic studio with offices above, staff, and I found myself managing staff as well as my design work. After several years of this, I decided to take close the studio and work from my home office. I hire support staff as I require it, under contract. This way, I am doing what I love which is design! I can work into the night doing drawings or research on the internet, sleep an hour later in the morning, answer emails the next morning in my p.j.'s and set my own schedule for the rest of the day! Divine, really!!

The Radius Residence

Iván Meade – What books are currently on your bedside or coffee table?

Robyn Meredith Bryson – Ahh. Well, for the last year I have been studying French language. At any time, I have several French language work books (I work at several at the same time), a huge French/English dictionary, and several books on French culture. Currently I am reading "French Women Don't Sleep Alone" which is a delightful and informative book about the subtle difference between the women of France and American or North American women. Of course it is an "idealized" version of "The French Woman". But I find it utterly charming and actually quite informative about the secrets of femininity. I am definitely an advocate of bringing back the charms of femininity which somehow may been lost along the way. After French, it will be all things Italian!

Edgecliff Estate Residence

Iván Meade – Your website mentions that you like to mix the old with the new, which can be an exciting experience - what is your favourite way to find antiques, markets, shops, auctions or..?

Robyn Meredith Bryson – I have a couple of great websites which I find are rich in the unusual finds. One is Vintage and Modern. (www.VandM.com) The other is Peking Lounge (www.pekinglounge.com) which is owned by two charming and savy guys in Vancouver. And of course, Paris France. I will be in Paris this September for the Maison et Objet design exposition which is always fantastic. I plan to spend some time in Montmarte at the antique and fabric markets where it is always a feast for the eyes. Three more weeks studying French near Marseille at a home-stay and I'll return to Victoria renewed and inspired, as always, with great design ideas and renewed energy.

Gonzales Hill Residence

Iván Meade – What are you excited about right now in the world of design?

Robyn Meredith Bryson – I am inspired by the new materials. The consideration to the safety and health of the environments that we create for clients. The young designers coming up who are fearless and unique in their approach to design.

Beach Drive Residence

Iván Meade – What project has given you the most satisfaction?

Robyn Meredith Bryson – Well, I love it all really. Small and large. It is a people business and I have been lucky to have wonderful clients. Even the very challenging ones, cause me to learn and grow. But I have to say, I have a Toronto client that I have worked with for about 12 years and he is the greatest! He is so creative, playful, and he loves the process. I have been so lucky to work with him. His home will featured on HGTV Top Ten in October. Also, the project that was featured in Architectural Digest was a wonderful challenge for me. Working with young clients in a unique setting on a project that constantly pushed me to be more creative and innovative was a wonderful experience.

Iván Meade – What would be your dream project?

Robyn Meredith Bryson – My dream project will be a boutique hotel in Barcelona or Paris; unlimited budget working for a charming, handsome, single man!! Yummmmm.

Beach Drive Residence

Iván - Can you tell me what your next design venture is?

Robyn Meredith Bryson – I have a wonderful project under way currently. We are just about to put in the building permit application. I have assembled a fantastic team and it is a great creative opportunity to create a very modern, completely new Asian theme restaurant. Very challenging but a wonderful creative opportunity for me and the team.

Gonzales Hill Residence

Iván Meade – Lastly, you have already created a stunning body of work in your own signature style. What would you like your legacy to be?

Robyn Meredith Bryson – Thank you Ivan, you are very kind. I would like my legacy to be a gentle smile that comes to the face of those who remember me, those people with whom I was able to work, sub-trades, contractors and clients alike. I always say to clients "when I leave your project please claim the space and all the ideas as your own but above all enjoy! I hope also, to have the opportunity to inspire and possibly teach some young enthusiastic design wannabe's to share the wealth of knowledge that I have gleaned over the 35 years in the business of design. And have some fun doing it!

I invite you to discover Robyn Meredith Bryson’s body of work at her website:

ROBIN MEREDITH BRYSON

Iván Meade is a local designer and principal of Meade Design Group, a multidisciplinary interior and graphic design studio in the heart of downtown Victoria – www.themeadegroup.com

In Conversation with Scot Meacham Wood

Scot Meacham Wood

Scot Meacham Wood is a fellow designer/blogger with whom I have established a great rapport. His blog, The Adventures of TartanScot, features all of the images, events and design tidbits that inspire him as an Interior Designer/Stylist.

Scot is an expert at comfortable, transitional, interiors. I think he has a real strong-point in lodge and smoking room style inspired interiors. When one browses his portfolio an instant sense of warmth, cozy comfort and welcoming is sure to follow. However, that is not to say that Scot is not a master at creating a more modern interior, his contemporary spaces are every bit as well done. His sense of balance with multiple patterns and colour palettes is superb, he also tackles asymmetry very well. I also admire Scot’s ability to create an instant mood for each space he designs.

His company, Thane Studio, also styles events; from dinners, to garden parties to - my favourite, - holidays. He continues his lavish design ideas throughout the venue, no detail is overlooked, creating a truly memorable event for anyone on the guest-list. With “M events” being the latest addition to Meade Design Group’s service offerings, I am finding Scot and I have more in common the more we learn about each other – aside from our outstanding taste in all things related to design!

I greatly look forward to sharing my wonderful connection with you, please read on to learn more about this talented designer and blogger…

Iván Meade – What was your first experience with design?

Scot Meacham Wood - Well, as a professional, it was an amazing four bedroom home in the Atherton area, near San Francisco. The homeowners had known me from my days at Ralph Lauren and we were a perfect match. They had just finished a complete re-model of the house and needed my assistance to re-imagine the existing furnishings and completing the styling of the house. It was just terrific fun - and the house looked (and still looks!) absolutely stunning. And best of all, we are all still great friends.

And as an amateur, my mom allowed my brother and I to design our own bedrooms when I was about 12 years old. Looking back now, it must have looked like something from Mount Vernon when I was finished. Very traditional. Very proper. Then I switched rooms with my older brother several years later . . . and spent the rest of my childhood in the room he decorated with tiger printed wallpaper.

Interior Design by Scot Meacham Wood

Iván Meade – Who or what has influenced your style?

Scot Meacham Wood - I would have to say that travel has been one of the strongest influences on my design. I lived in Asia for a short time during my childhood, and have traveled extensively through Europe as an adult. Seeing how other cultures view their lives, and their styles, truly inspires me.

Interior Design by Scot Meacham Wood

Iván Meade – How would you describe your style?

Scot Meacham Wood - A modern take on European style but, with a bit of Southern hospitality.

Interior Design by Scot Meacham Wood

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Iván Meade – What designers of past and present do you admire most?

Scot Meacham Wood – I would be completely remiss not to mention the 13 years I spent working with Ralph Lauren as a huge influence on my style. I can still remember seeing those first Home Collection ads in the mid 80’s and practically swooning. It was one of the main reasons that I decided to work for Ralph Lauren. As far as other designers, well, I’d have to start with Michael Smith, Vicente Wolf, Phoebe Howard, Miles Redd, Ken Fulk, Roger Banks-Pye, and Suzanne Kasler. And though I love each of them for differing reasons, the one aspect of their design that I most respect is their great attention to detail.

Interior Design by Scot Meacham Wood

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Iván Meade – What inspired you to begin a blog?

Scot Meacham Wood – I was taking part in a marketing seminar in early 2008 and the speaker was asking about people’s interest in social media. “Who has a facebook page? A twitter page?” and I was proudly raising my hand with each question . . . until “Who has a blog?” - and then, seriously, you could have heard a pin drop. The only blog that I was familiar with was “The Sartorlialist.” But, I went home that night - dug around a bit - and discovered the myriad of design blogs . . . and I wanted to be part of it. And the next night, at around midnight, “The Adventures of Tartanscot” was born. I think like all bloggers, it was started simply to document things that happen in our lives, but the community of bloggers and blog readers has really inspired me.

Interior Design by Scot Meacham Wood

Iván Meade – How has the blog influenced your designs and your career?

Scot Meacham Wood - It’s been kind of a two pronged effect. One of the reasons for my blog is to share the “things that inspire me.” Which means I need to find something that “inspires me” four to five times a week. I has certainly made me much more diligent about seeking out inspiration. “Eyes wide open. All the time.”

And as a businessman, it has clearly raised my visibility with the design world with new ‘fans’ around the country and the world. I’ve worked on a few consults for local fans of the blog, and it’s amazing to meet people who already have such a strong sense of who I am.

I’m always amazing and humbled when I meet someone who says, “Are you Tartanscot? I love your blog!” And it happens with alarming regularity.

Interior Design by Scot Meacham Wood

Iván Meade – What do you consider to be your greatest strength and your greatest weakness?

Scot Meacham Wood - Strength? That would have to be my imagination. I have a weird gift for walking into a new space . . . and seeing the entire, completed project in my mind. Sometimes it’s just about finding those pieces and completing the puzzle. I’m also frighteningly organized - and with the endless supply of tiny pieces of paper, fabric samples, and spec sheets that accompany the design business, it’s a true asset. As far as weaknesses go, there’s a bad habit for procrastination that I have to fight against almost regularly. I can usually win that battle with a hyper-focused ‘to-do-list’ each morning. Answering these interview questions was actually on my ‘to-do-list’ this morning.

Interior Design by Scot Meacham Wood

Iván Meade – What has been your favourite tartan find?

Scot Meacham Wood – There’s a few treasures - A great pair of custom-made Blackwatch tartan slippers from Crockett & Jones in London. I also have a copy of the works of Scottish poet Robert Burns with a Dress Stewart tartan binding from the late 1800’s.

Interior Design by Scot Meacham Wood

Iván Meade – Knowing that you favour all Scottish things – I have a personal question to ask. Do you like haggis?

Scot Meacham Wood - Yes, I’ve had some. But, no - I won’t be having it ever again. Does that answer the question?

Interior Design by Scot Meacham Wood

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Iván Meade – What are 5 things you can’t live without? (other than tartan –lol-)

Scot Meacham Wood -

1. Fresh flowers in my office and at the house.
2. Hearing voices singing in perfect, luxurious harmony.
3. Home-made scones.
4. My collection of antique portraiture.
5. A cold, foggy San Francisco night, curled up in bed sleeping in an old cashmere sweater.

Interior Design by Scot Meacham Wood

Iván Meade – What are you excited about right now in the world of design?

Scot Meacham Wood - The thing that excites me the most at the moment is the complete lack of rules and ‘trends’ in design right now. There is such abundance and endless variety. All of my clients are looking for something very specific to their lives and not feeling any need to confine the ‘look’ of their home to any specific trend. Seeing that design has no boundaries, no restrictions, is a thrilling place to begin each project.

Iván Meade – What is your favourite type of event to plan/design?

Scot Meacham Wood - I always love the boundless joy of holiday parties. And there is little on the Earth that makes me as happy as preparing a beautiful home for the holiday season. The sight of the van parked in the driveway filled with fresh greenery, some great dance music on the stereo, and seeing a beautiful home transform into the ‘stage-set’ for entertaining.

Interior Design by Scot Meacham Wood

Iván Meade – What would be your dream project?

Scot Meacham Wood - I know that someday, someone, somewhere - is going to ask me the design the new interiors for a castle in Scotland. Fingers crossed.

Interior Design by Scot Meacham Wood

Iván Meade – What project has given you the most satisfaction?

Scot Meacham Wood - I truly find satisfaction in each of the homes I’ve created. Each project is so collaborative, and so specific to that one client.

Interior Design by Scot Meacham Wood

Iván Meade – What is your next design venture?

Scot Meacham Wood - I’ve been designing a huge re-branding of my business for a goodly portion of 2009. “SMW Design” will be launching this Fall. For the new brand, I had been toying with the idea of launching a product line this year, but my residential projects have been keeping me too busy. So, really, I can’t complain. Keep an eye out - there’s going to be an exciting future.

Interior Design by Scot Meacham Wood

Iván Meade – Lastly, you have already created a stunning body of work with many mediums and styles. What would you like your legacy to be?

Scot Meacham Wood - Obviously, I would want my work to be an important part of my legacy. But, I also hope that my clients truly enjoyed the process of transforming their home. That they felt heard. That they felt understood. And when they walk through their house, that they look around and smile.

I invite you to discover Scot Meacham Wood stunning body of work on his website and to follow his adventures in his blog.

THANE STUDIO

THE ADVENTURES OF TARTANSCOT

UPDATE: Since receiving this interview with Scot Meacham Wood he has officially won 2nd place in the SFERRA/All the Best Bedroom Contest. Visit ALL THE BEST Blog to see the other beautiful rooms. The judging was done by a panel of note -worthy designers - Michael Devine, Kelly Wearstler, Vicente Wolf, Todd Romano, Amanda Nisbet, Nathan Turner, and Ronda Rice Carman.

Eye Candy of the Week – Listone Giordano Medoc

Medoc Flooring

PRODUCT

Listone Giordano “natural genius” | Medoc Flooring

“The distinctive feature of the “Medoc” is the “trunk” outline which takes up the trapezoidal shape of old floorboards, as planks were not straightened in order to avoid any waste. Uneven saw cutting accentuates fascinating lighting effects and unexpected ancestral sensations.

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DISTRIBUTOR

European Hardwood Flooring Centre Ltd.

DESIGNER

Michele De Lucchi + Philippe Nigro

DIMENSIONS

Width: 130 - 190 mm (trapezoid shape)

Length: 944 mm

Total Thickness: 18 mm

Hardwood top layer: 3.5 mm

VENEER

French White Oak - from the Cîteaux forest, in Burgundy, planted around 1000 a.d. by the Trappist monks.

CONSTRUCTION

Counter-balanced Engineered

DESCRIPTION

This floor has some great qualities; first of all, It has a very architectural feel in its shape and form. It will add both visual and tactile texture to any interior.

Second, this floor has a great patina and it is a great example of how you can bring natural patina to your space and still keep it sleek and contemporary.

Lastly, the Medoc Flooring is what Interior Design in Victoria needs!

YUMMY FACTOR

Molto Delicioso!!!

In Conversation with Brooke Giannetti

Brooke Giannetti

Brooke Giannetti not only does beautiful architectural design with her husband (Steve), stunning interior and furniture designs; she also maintains a very cool blog (Velvet & Linen) and runs a shop with her namesake – Giannetti Home.

Brooke’s interiors are very chic and warm with a feeling of someone really living there, not too stuffy or untouchable. Sophisticated and eclectic with carefully chosen juxtapositions, but always inviting. Her designs certainly evoke positive emotions and nostalgia.

Giannetti Home is very similar, an ever evolving showroom full of rustic pieces from around the world that have age and character. Brooke also has her own line of furniture which is very clean, slim and sophisticated, it would work with an array of styles.

The Velvet & Linen blog follows Giannetti Home’s current projects and inspirations, as well as little tidbits showing the personal side of Brooke, including a very sweet open letter to her 16 year old son.

Giannetti Home has been featured in several newspapers (including The Washington Post), magazines and blogs. She also appeared on The Skirted Roundtable, a popular blog that posts podcasts of roundtable-style discussions about interior design and blogging from a weekly radio show.

Please read on to learn more about this talented designer and blogger…

Iván Meade – What was your first experience with design?

Brooke Giannetti - I would have to say that my mother introduced me to the world of design. Although she was not formally trained, she was always doing something to own home. She even allowed me to design my own bedroom when I was thirteen. Lavender on the walls and carpet with white accents. I owe her a great deal for that!

Interior by Brooke Giannetti

Iván Meade – Who or what has influenced your style?

Brooke Giannetti - Steve has been a huge influence because he has been so supportive and has allowed me to explore my own style without judgement.

European design has also been a big influence. For the past year, blogs like Cote de Texas, Things That Inspire, Marley and Lockyer, Belgian Pearls (a new favorite), and all of the beautiful Swedish blogs have exposed me to a whole new world.

Interior by Brooke Giannetti

Iván Meade – How would you describe your style?

Brooke Giannetti - Right now my style is a combination of Belgian, French and Swedish with a little industrial thrown in. I love the cleaned up version of Belgian design as seen in the Beta Plus books, but with a little French and Swedish softness thrown in the mix.

Interior by Brooke Giannetti

Iván Meade – What designers of past and present do you admire most?

Brooke Giannetti – Windsor Smith for her daring and the lightness she instills into all of her projects. They always put a smile on my face. Joe Nye and Madeline Stuart for their incredible attention to detail. Barbara Wiseley. I could live in her own home. Our friend and Steve's client, Kelly Harmon. She creates the most serene idyllic homes.

John Saladino, the master of scale. His books have a permanent place on my desk. I love his ability to combine rustic with modern.

Interior by Brooke Giannetti

Iván Meade – What inspired you to begin a blog?

Brooke Giannetti – My friend Mary suggested that I start a blog. I had no idea what they were. I really started Velvet and Linen as an on-line journal to document all of my projects as well as the things that I love.

Interior by Brooke Giannetti

Iván Meade – How has the blog influenced your designs and your career?

Brooke Giannetti - The blog has been an unexpected gift. I think Velvet and Linen has enabled me to become clearer about my design style. There is nothing like having to put things in writing to get some clarity. The blog has also given our work a huge amount of exposure. With many of the shelter magazines shutting their doors, blogs have become a wonderful venue for our work.

Interior by Brooke Giannetti

Iván Meade – What do you consider to be your greatest strength and your greatest weakness?

Brooke Giannetti - Steve would say that my greatest strength is my lack of formal training. I design from my gut. My biggest weakness is when I allow insecurity to sneak into my head.

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Interior by Brooke Giannetti

Iván Meade – What is it like balancing a store, blog, design business and family all at once? How do you manage?!

Brooke Giannetti - It's crazy. The only way I manage is because I have a wonderful support system.

Interior by Brooke Giannetti

Iván Meade – What are 5 things you can’t live without?

Brooke Giannetti - Steve, Charlie, Nick, Leila, my Veranda magazine subscription!

Interior by Brooke Giannetti

Iván Meade – What are you excited about right now in the world of design?

Brooke Giannetti – I think that the internet has opened up the world of design to everyone. You can live anywhere and see what people around the world are focusing on in design. To me that is very exciting.

Interior by Brooke Giannetti

Iván Meade – The products in your store seem to be constantly changing due to all of the one-of-a-kinds you sell. What is your favourite piece in the store right now?

Brooke Giannetti - Although I love the Swedish antique pieces in our store the things that really excite me right now are our furniture line and Steve's paintings.

Interior by Brooke Giannetti

Iván Meade – What is it that you love so much about antique Swedish pieces?

Brooke Giannetti - The clean lines combined with simple details. They work so well with the industrial pieces that we love.

Interior by Brooke Giannetti

Iván Meade – What would be your dream project?

Brooke Giannetti - A beach house for a client who says: "I love what you and Steve do. Do what you want. I'll be back in a year."

Interior by Brooke Giannetti

Iván Meade – What project has given you the most satisfaction?

Brooke Giannetti - Right now our own home in Oxnard. Steve and I use it as our science design lab. We try out all of the things that nobody else will let us do, yet...

Interior by Brooke Giannetti

Iván Meade – What is your next design venture?

Brooke Giannetti - We are designing more furniture pieces as well as an accessories line. It's so much fun to concentrate on small pieces. It's like jewelry for the home.

Interior by Brooke Giannetti

Iván Meade – Lastly, you have already created a stunning body of work with many mediums and styles. What would you like your legacy to be?

Brooke Giannetti - Three happy kids.

I invite you to visit Brooke Giannetti stunning body of work

GIANNETTI HOME

VELVET & LINEN

In Conversation with Sandy Nygaard

Sandy Nygaard

Sandy Nygaard has been creating comfortable, unique and enduring interiors for the last 15 years. Her refined eye has developed a style that is all her own – understated, contemporary, warm, and full of textural tone-on-tone details in natural materials with an emphasis on West Coast style.

As the principal designer of Nygaard Interior Design, Sandy takes on a wide range of projects, from homes to restaurants, from offices to retail and she puts her own spin on the projects with wonderful execution. She does however, keep the clients’ needs and style at the forefront of her designs – incorporating Asian details, a Tuscan palette, or whatever their needs may be into a Sandy Nygaard original.

Sandy and her firm has recently been featured in the book “Spectacular Homes of Western Canada” by Panache, with a four page spread of one of her residential projects. An excerpt from the book sums it all up nicely – “After more than 15 years in the industry [Sandy] continues to derive energy and excitement from the cohesive design process, creating lasting design and unique living and working spaces.”

Please read on to learn more about this local talent.

Iván Meade - What is your favourite design find?

Sandy Nygaard – That is hard to answer. I find things that inspire me all the time. I can’t say there has been one thing that has made me say - that’s it, that is my favourite !

Interior by Nygaard Interior Design

Iván Meade - What is important to you in design?

Sandy Nygaard- what’s important to me in design is simplicity. Things I find that I get excited about are often about materiality, colour and texture and how it can be integrated into a space .

Interior by Nygaard Interior Design

Iván Meade - How does this reflect upon your personal design philosophy?

Sandy Nygaard –. I think it is a challenge to not overdesign . Therefore, using natural materials and letting them be what they are can bring the energy into a design. You don’t have to add a lot of extra stuff to make it exciting. Simplicity in design allow the colours and textures of the materials do all the work.

Interior by Nygaard Interior Design

Iván Meade - Can you tell me what your next design venture is?

Sandy Nygaard – I have many projects on the go.

Interior by Nygaard Interior Design

Iván Meade – What was your first experience with design?

Sandy Nygaard – Being involved in the design of a house I was going to live in. Coming from a 2 dimensional fine art back ground I thoroughly enjoyed the scale and 3 dimensionality.

Interior by Nygaard Interior Design

Iván Meade – Who or what has influenced your style?

Sandy Nygaard – It is evolving all the time.

Interior by Nygaard Interior Design

Iván Meade – How would you describe your style?

Sandy Nygaard – contemporary, clean, uncluttered.

Interior by Nygaard Interior Design

Iván Meade – Being in business for over 15 years I’m sure you’ve seen many styles come and go in Victoria. What do you think is the worst trend we’ve seen here on the island?

Sandy Nygaard – I do not think Victoria is a bubble and has it’s own worst trend. I like where we are now, the doors are open to all influences and design.

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Interior by Nygaard Interior Design

Iván Meade – How/why did you start your own firm? Could you tell me a little about the history of your company?

Sandy Nygaard – I studied and have my degree in Fine Art. We were designing and building a new house and I totally got side track ed . I loved considering space, function , light and colour and actually living in the art.

Interior by Nygaard Interior Design

Iván Meade – Although you are known for your contemporary spaces (such as Carriero hair salon), you have also created some stunning traditional spaces (such as the Rogers Chocolates stores). Which shows your versatility as designer – Is it fun to change it up once in a while?

Sandy Nygaard –Definitely.

Interior by Nygaard Interior Design

Iván Meade – What are you excited about right now in the world of design?

Sandy Nygaard – the use of materials as a focus versus adornment.

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Interior by Nygaard Interior Design

Iván Meade – Your work at the Brentwood Bay Lodge and Spa is one of my favourite projects you have done I believe is one of the best examples of Contemporary West Coast Style. What was your inspiration for the project?

Sandy Nygaard – For all projects the architecture of the building comes first. What the architect is expressing is the beginning of the story, I try to respond and respect that and finish the story on the inside. The building is contemporary, strong, and about the west coast materials. The interior had to carry those elements through or it would not have been successful.

Interior by Nygaard Interior Design

Iván Meade – What project has given you the most satisfaction?

Sandy Nygaard – There are not many that I have been dissatisfied with. I truly enjoy the process, getting to know the clients and working with them to create the end product. It is these relationships that fuel the design, good or bad. I have been lucky to have had wonderful clients that have allowed me to respond to their needs and create spaces that satisfy all of us. Some of these houses have received National recognition. It’s nice to know that the designs you create reach beyond the clients and are recognized nationally.

Interior by Nygaard Interior Design

Iván Meade – Lastly, you have already created a stunning body of work in your own signature style. What would you like your legacy to be?

Sandy Nygaard – I am not concerned about my legacy I am working in the now!

Interior by Nygaard Interior Design

invite you to discover Sandy Nygaard work at her website:

NYGAARD INTERIOR DESIGN

Ivan Meade is a local designer and principal of Meade Design Group, a multidisciplinary interior and graphic design studio in the heart of downtown Victoria – www.themeadegroup.com