Green design

Green design is not one size fits all. Everyone has different needs, histories, demographics and cultures; all which are reflected in our daily living.

Bureaucrats and politicians are faced with the complexities of trying to blanket a single environmental practice over a vast and diverse nation. However, the daily living needs of Bob in rural Saskatchewan are quite different than Jill in urban Vancouver, and unique again for Lars in Iqualuit. We’ve seen a single prescriptive solution for all tried before and we know it doesn’t work.  As professional Interior Designers, we don’t coerce clients into choosing a single, pre-made solution, instead we tailor make each design specifically to meet the clients’ individual needs, and this includes sustainable materials best suited to each client’s lifestyle.

Sustainability is defined as a pattern of resource use that aims to meet human needs while preserving the environment, so that these needs can be met not only in the present, but also in the indefinite future.  Not being psychic, it’s impossible to predict what the needs of the future may be.  Bringing it closer, many of us think in terms of borrowing the earth from our children, but we need to think beyond our lifetime. One philosophy I quite like is adopted from the First Nations; a commitment to the seventh generation, or approximately 150 years in the future. This is a more effective time frame to think of sustainability.  But we need to balance this philosophy with the fundamental tenet of sustainability – starting by meeting human needs right now.

Looking at our living and working environments, they are spaces where we eat, sleep, work, meet, spend time with family, clients, house possessions, maintain our lives.  How we use these spaces is as unique as ourselves; a home or workspace might be a showcase, or a refuge. How do we create an interior environment we enjoy, worthy of the time, materials and money required to create it, plus have a lighter impact on our earth and resources?

New products and technologies are constantly evolving with demand and as registered professional Interior Designers, we research and update our resource libraries daily.  Tell us at the beginning of your project if you are passionate about implementing sustainable design principles in your home or office project.  By understanding your needs and wants, together with our knowledge of the use of certified green materials, we can create a unique, balanced interior environment, which meets your expectations and coexists seamlessly with nature.

Thinking about Condo Renovations ?

Location, Location, Location.  That’s a big reason why you invested in your condo, but location alone isn’t enough to keep it at the upper end of it’s potential resale value.  Perhaps it’s time for an upgrade – injecting the tired or cookie cutter style of your pied-à-terre with renovations showcasing new trends, to differentiate yourself from the other offerings on the resale market.

In order to keep your renovation plans on solid ground, imagine that you will be listing your condo for sale in about one year.  This timeline is a practical way to develop your budget and determine how much value your renovation will add to your home.

The two key thoughts to follow:

•    Be aware of home value to set your renovation budget.  You want to recoup your investment; keep the percentage of home value that you budget for renovations reasonably low.
•    Don’t over renovate. Know how much investment to put in (and where) to get the most back.

Don’t know where to start?  Consult several registered professional designers or professional licensed renovators – ask for references, check with the Interior Designers Institute of BC http://www.idibc.org/ and the Better Business Bureau.  Don’t think that you only need a designer if you don’t know what you want or have a large project.  Your designer or renovator knows the latest market trends for your area and can guide you towards making the best choices for your renovation dollar.   They are also able to give you a realistic timeframe and expectations for an in situ renovation.

Want to DIY?  Consult your Condo board.  Most Condo association bylaws outline work that must be done by professional tradesmen with City permits and have guidelines for installations such as hardwood flooring and tile.

Smart condo renovations in competitive markets such as Vancouver or Calgary will help you make the most from your investment.  Do your research and let your ideas flow!