MODERN TRANSITIONAL - KELLY HOPPEN

Feature Interior Design Firm: KELLY HOPPEN
Location: London, Britain and Paris, France
Specialty: high-end residential, commissions including hotel, restaurant, office, aircraft
Project Highlights: Private Residences, British Airways, Royal Mougins Golf Club, Cartier
Photography by: Thomas Stewart, Vincent Knapp

I am inspired by world-renowned British designer KELLY HOPPEN, whose work over the years has motivated me to pursue my love of interior design as a profession. I admire Kelly as an excellent role model for her ability as a talented designer and creative stylist to turn her passion of design into a successful business. The Kelly Hoppen signature style has transformed the art of consulting into a brand of it's own. Recently, the firm has re-launched the KH website to feature the KELLY HOPPEN HOME line with BHS. Kelly now leads a team of 30 with offices based out of London and, more recently, Paris. I am excited to see her signature line of product accessible to a client market that has long admired her sophisticated sensibilities and approach to design. Kelly has been highly-influential in my career as a source of inspiration and as a professional leader.

MODERN WINDOW TREATMENTS - RAVI DESIGN, VANCOUVER

When we think modern minimalism, we don't necessarily think drapery ... however, it is the added textures of lush fabrics and the tailoring of window treatments that complete a room. I love the combination of modern interior detailing combined with the softness of lush, organic styling achieved with accessories, art and of course, the addition of stunning drapery panels. There is a subtle beauty in modern minimal architectural elements such as flush drywall details, oversized windows, polished concrete floors, recessed hidden light fixtures and frameless glass panels. Key to styling an interior is the layering of the final soft finishes that transform a space into an experience, turning a house into a personalized home. Window treatments are key elements to completing an interior; they can dramatically soften a space while providing practical functions such as protecting your furnishings from UV damage or providing additional insulation. Full height drapery panels can create drama in a space by emphasizing ceiling heights or create an ethereal feeling by filtering light into a room. Vancouver-based RAVI DESIGN is an exceptional company with which to work. Recently featured in Apartment Therapy, LA as a great source for modern window treatments through their flickr images, they are an incredibly talented team that produces craftsmanship of incomparable quality. Their attention to detail is unparalleled in the world of fabulous window coverings ... I highly recommend their work and love the opportunity to collaborate with them whenever possible.

MODERN HOSPITALITY - STUDIO GAIA

Feature Interior Design Firm: STUDIO GAIA
Location: New York, New York
Specialty: hospitality (hotels & restuarants), high-end residential
Project Highlights: W Hotel - Korea, W Hotel - Mexico, Tao - Las Vegas, Private Penthouse - New York

STUDIO GAIA, based in New York, specializes in hotel and restaurant design along with high-end residential projects. They have displayed a deft skill for creating dramatic interiors with bold concepts. Carefully crafted custom furniture contributes to truly unique spaces, along with effective use of ceiling and lighting details. The W HOTEL is a great example of their ability to create a strong concept and carry it through in every detail, such as interesting space planning where they've arranged seating around a central core in their lounges. It's refreshing to see their theatrical style applied to residential interiors, as demonstrated with their New York penthouse project.

MODERN HOMES - AUSTRAILIA

I came across the work of MARCH CASHMAN KOOLLOOS ARCHITECTS through my friends at DESIRE TO INSPIRE. Midcentury Jo and Kim are 2 talented design enthusiasts who I've been lucky to meet through flickr and blogging. I love the work of MCK Architects for their modern-transitional design sense and their amazing ability of create seamless yet interesting home extensions as shown in many of their home renovations.