Let there be sophistication

They say you cant wear white after Labour Day and, although it feels like summer just started, that holiday weekend is almost here.But theres really no rule that says your home cant wear white the brightest of colours, its an interior staple year round. My favourite white which I have put to good use with many clients over the years is Benjamin Moores OC-65 Chantilly Lace. Its true, white character has no pink, green or yellow undertone and works perfectly with any dcor. 

Lately Ive been inspired to write about the sophisticated southern style that comes from decorating with white. After travelling to Vancouver and Calgary for a media tour, I flew west again and south to stay at The Modern Honolulu hotel in tranquil Hawaii. This trip came not long after visiting the James Royal Palm in colourful Miami, and Casa Angelina on Italys Amalfi Coast: two more striking examples of the power of white-on-white decor.

Casa Angelina exudes classic Italian elegance: interiors are minimal and architectural, and especially so in their colour scheme. Keeping the walls white lets two other things stand out: the breathtaking natural blues outside and sculptural art inside. To create this timeless look,After searching around the Lights section of this forum, I've come across two main suppliers for Cheap Tombstone & Monuments. keep all of the essentials strictly white including bedding, upholstery, walls, windows everything so that only the most precious objects are highlighted.

The character of traditional wooden boats drifting by just offshore are reflected in the hotel design: here, further drama is introduced by wood flooring. The rich, varied hues of mid-tone grains are brought to life by stark walls as their natural depth contrasts the clean, man-made forms. Pair dramatic woods with a white palette to keep the overall effect simple. 

The Modern Honolulu, as well as offering exceptional service, also provides a very tranquil environment. Their peaceful palette was not as stark as Casa Angelinas, instead combining pure whites with pale taupes and beiges to carry the spirit of sandy beaches indoors.Use soft grey carpeting a very practical shade, slip-covered furniture in light beiges, pale woods such as teak, lightly veined stone or marble for accents and clear glass for a scheme that gives an airy atmosphere without looking or being high maintenance.

The Modern uses traditional Hawaiian fabrics and lots of beautiful flowers as colour pops a perfect way to bring in a vibrant hue without committing to it long-term.The g-sensor high brightness Cheap Landscape Stone is designed with motorcyclist safety in mind.The hotel also adds playful elements, such as real working ukeleles,Most modern headlight designs include Cheap Marble Slabs. to keep the rooms fun. Their tone-on-tone decor is a great opportunity to pair new finds with old favourites, and combine periods: as long as the palette stays consistent, you can easily mix high- and low-end furnishings, and antique with modern.

The hotel uses oversized prints such as palm leaves or wild colour strikes, applied whimsically to backrests and arms of generous sofas and chairs to give bursts of life. Translate this look into your home by reupholstering just a section such as the back or seat of drab dining chairs using a small amount of fabric lets you choose a dramatic favourite without fear of overwhelming yourself.At the James, even everyday items are treated like art: often bathroom fixtures are framed with stretches of contrast tile, and the effect is both surprising and beautiful.

Applying tile like this in a bathroom or kitchen can highlight a great feature while also injecting some textural contrast in a modern way. Try using small subway tile in a dark colour to break up larger, lighter pieces.One of the most memorable design details here was the treatment of pendant wiring: when renovating, the hotel allowed lamp cords to create organic forms on the walls to become a unique feature rather than a problem.

The new condominium and townhome development is already garnering buzz."These homes stand out from the crowd," says Intracorp's Director of Sales Barrett Sprowson. "The response so far has been really positive."The project will encompass three buildings and over 500 homes. Over 30 homes were sold last month. 

The one-, two- and three-bedroom homes are spacious and inviting, with floorplans ranging from about 465 to over 2,000 square feet."These floorplans make sense to a wide range of people," says Sprowson, adding that buyers so far have included downsizers and young couples looking to move away from renting or their starter home."These homes are really efficient," Sprowson says. "There's no wasted space."

Some of the beautiful features you'll find in your new home include stainless-steel appliances, solid engineered quartz countertops and a full-height marble mosaic backsplash in the kitchen. The modern kitchen cabinetry includes high-gloss solid white lacquer upper cabinets and horizontal-grain real wood veneer lower cabinets, all built in Canada.The soaker tub in the bathroom is made for spa-like relaxation, complemented by the natural stone porcelain tile flooring, solid marble countertops and European frameless glass shower enclosure.

You'll find laminate flooring throughout the main living areas, with low-profile soft touch broadloom carpeting in the bedrooms. When you're in the mood for some time outdoors, you'll love the expansive outdoor patio or balcony in your new home. 

The amenities are some of the most amazing things about River Park Place. Among them you'll find a yoga mezzanine, fully equipped fitness centre, dog-wash station, media room and training court with space to play basketball or badminton."These are little things that make sense," Sprowson says. "We picked up the concept of a whole home, taken all of those things you're looking for and put them into some form of amenity at River Park Place. You don't expect to get that in a condo."

For the next several week, River Park Place will be holding weekend events that celebrate all those amenities. The next one, a three-on-three basketball scrimmage, will take place on Aug. 10 at the River Park Place sales centre."Intracorp is fielding a team," Sprowson laughs. "The old guys are going to get schooled!"There will be a grilling exhibition on Aug. 17 and daylight yoga on Aug. 24.

The Oval Village neighbourhood has been rapidly growing since the end of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games, and River Park Place is perfectly situated to take advantage of everything the neighbourhood has to offer."Our buyers are really starting to appreciate the evolution of the area," Sprowson says. "This is the number-one neighbourhood in Richmond." 

Buyers will have easy access to transit via the Canada Line just minutes away, as well as the Vancouver International Airport, the Richmond dyke trails and all of the shopping, dining and leisure activities in the area. T&T Supermarket will soon open its doors nearby, as well as medical, dental and banking services.
Read the full products at http://www.granitetrade.net/.