In The Workplace:
Having Canada Day off didn’t make for a less busy week, it just meant more to do in less time. The highlight was taking an excursion to Oakville to see the Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation Showhouse, designed by Lynda Reeves and the H&H design team. Although it was still under construction, the space was astounding and very homely, yet luxurious. I’m not able to display any pictures until the big reveal in August, but here’s what else I’ve been up to:
Working in the Creative Services department means I get to sit in the boardroom for meetings with sales reps and advertising clients. This week I sat in on a meeting with Samsung to go over the current advertising campaign.
After visiting the Princess Margaret Hospital Showhouse, we gained a better understanding of the events we could run at the house and the unique features to highlight in the print spread we are currently doing a mock-up for.
In The Loft:
Being thrifty was the theme for the past week and here’s why:
I’ve attempted making a tabletop greenhouse using zero dollars. An upside down vase and dish from the previous owner were used. I’m hoping this branch will start to root. I wanted to buy a real plant, but nurseries are hard to come by in the city.
I was taking the recycling out to the disposal room and the neighbours were disposing of this mortar and pestle. It’s nice enough to display.
Also in the disposal room was this sleek lamp that I didn’t want to see go to waste. I recommend also going down to the compactor rooms of condos where bigger objects are disposed of. There’s a lot that can be salvaged (especially if the other residents are rich and dispose of great things!).
I purchased these lightshade globes from Value Village. I liked their simplicity and reflectivity. I also wanted spherical objects to break up the angular space. With battery operated tea lights underneath, I love the atmosphere they create.
In The City:
My afternoon at Value Village also had me come across:
A wall of stove element trays that was so tempting to buy for a project to make either a huge ceiling fixture or wall backdrop. I love the shape and sheen.
This was an odd find and it strikes me as antique, but the repatched hole in the middle of the chair is a bit gross. I’m thinking of pre-toilet days. I love looking at furniture and imaging how it could be redone.
Value Village’s many shelves of glassware and trays are always intriguing, but I always have to stop myself and realize I don’t have a use for knickknacky additions like these.
In The Online World:
We’ve all seen old electronics turned into tables or planters and it could look a bit tacky. Turning to art for inspiration, here are some interesting alternatives to open your mind. I was thinking about what old electronics can be used for since Value Village and Goodwill stores have tons sitting there collecting dust.
Old monitors, wires and computers were used to put this Sandy Smith installation together. It would look neat in a large modern loft.
Canadian art star Michel de Broin used old batteries to create this fun sculpture. It would be so unique for a coffee table.
I also must note Michel de Broin’s use of an old TV that he turned into an outdoor wood burning fireplace – a statement on how we gather around the TV much like how we used to gather around a fire.
On the topic of electronics, it will be a big change of scene in the week ahead since I’ll be at Samsung testing products and appliances, working on ad campaigns and conceptualizing for promotions!
Photo Credits:
1. Mauritian Sunset by Sandy Smith at the Embassy Gallery, Edinburgh
2. Dead Star by Michel de Broin
3. Late Program by Michel de Broin