BC Home – April/May 2010
A Meaningful Mix – From Paul Newman to a New York City eatery, two designers find their inspiration in people, places and a few idiosyncratic pieces
Taxidermy may not typically inspire swanky interior design, but for this sleek space in Vancouver it was the somewhat unorthodox starting point. Designers Peter Wilds and Darci Illich of The Cross Design & Decor in Vancouver’s Yaletown neighbourhood – a stomping ground for the stylish set – were in Manhattan dining at Freemans (a hip eatery on the Lower East Side) when the inspiration struck.
“There was taxidermy and antlers everywhere,” says Wilds, “and we were so inspired by this space and the spirit and the vibe of the crowd there.”
The design grew from there, which the pair based on creating a livable, chic urban home. The duo’s client – Townline Group of Companies, a Vancouver-based developer – wanted a display suite for its new, luxe Yaletown condos, which, staying true to Vancouver’s “green” roots, feature eco-friendly flourishes from FSC-certified flooring to low-flow faucets.
The developer was familiar with the look of The Cross and wanted Wilds and Illich to recreate the boutique’s same warm, livable mix of modern vintage. The specs also included the usual condo musts, like a TV over the fireplace, but while that condo standard may not have been Wild’s and Illich’s first choice, they worked it into their vision of the savvy, urban couple they imagined living there.
View Full Article: A Meaningful Mix [PDF]
