Online Journal

Leather Sofa vs. Fabric Sofa: Making the Best Choice for Your Living Room
Ronald | Interior Designer BID Ronald | Interior Designer BID

Leather Sofa vs. Fabric Sofa: Making the Best Choice for Your Living Room

When it comes to furnishing your living room, choosing between a leather sofa and a fabric sofa can be a tough decision. Each material has its own set of benefits and drawbacks that can impact comfort, style, and maintenance. In Vancouver, BC, where the climate and lifestyle can influence your choice, it's essential to weigh the pros and cons to find the perfect fit for your home. In this guide, we'll explore the key factors to consider, helping you make an informed decision that suits your needs and enhances your living space.

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Choosing from a Round or Rectangular dining table for your Vancouver Home
Ronald | Interior Designer BID Ronald | Interior Designer BID

Choosing from a Round or Rectangular dining table for your Vancouver Home

In designing floor plans and layouts, our approach to selecting the shape of a dining table for clients blends our expertise with their preferences to craft the ideal solution. Whether opting for a round or rectangular table, each shape offers unique advantages that cater to our client’s space, lifestyle, and personal style. In this post, we delve into essential factors to guide you towards making an informed decision, ensuring your dining room not only meets functional needs but also reflects your aesthetic vision.

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Choosing Between a 3-Seater + Armchair or a Sofa with chaise for your Vancouver Home
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Choosing Between a 3-Seater + Armchair or a Sofa with chaise for your Vancouver Home

As an Interior Designer, clients often ask me about the best choice for a small living area: a sofa with a chaise or a 3-seater sofa with an armchair. When furnishing your living room, one of the biggest decisions you'll face is choosing between these two options. Both have their own advantages, and the best choice depends on your space, lifestyle, and personal preferences. In this post, we'll explore the key factors to consider to help you make an informed decision.

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The Practicality of Polyester Upholstery on Furniture
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The Practicality of Polyester Upholstery on Furniture

Step into any furniture store, and you'll likely encounter a wide range of upholstery options, each with its own unique appeal and features. Among them is polyester upholstery. It stands out for its versatility, offering a blend of style, durability, and affordability that makes it a popular choice for furniture buyers.

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The Timeless Elegance of Wool Upholstery: Elevating Your Interior Design
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The Timeless Elegance of Wool Upholstery: Elevating Your Interior Design

Wool: You're likely to encounter this fabric as you embark on your furniture search, whether online or in your favorite furniture showroom. Welcome to our exploration of wool upholstery—a timeless and sustainable choice that has made its mark on Vancouver's dynamic Interior and Furniture Design market.

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Off-Gassing in New Furniture
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Off-Gassing in New Furniture

I vividly recall the moment we unwrapped my newly delivered living and dining area furniture, greeted by that unmistakable scent emanating from the freshly unboxed pieces. Acquiring new furniture is an exhilarating moment, offering the promise of revitalizing any living space with both style and comfort. Despite the excitement of unveiling these pristine additions, one may encounter an unexpected concern – the phenomenon commonly referred to as off-gassing.

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Lacquered Finish at Home
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Lacquered Finish at Home

Step into any Vancouver furniture store today, and you'll encounter a dazzling array of furniture finishes, each breathing new life into pieces with distinct colors and shine. Among these, lacquered finishes are a popular choice. From the TV stands, dining tables, kitchen doors, and more, they stand out for their unparalleled clean look and elegant finish. Captivating the eye and adding a touch of charm to any room

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Ceramic Materials on Furniture
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Ceramic Materials on Furniture

In the world of furniture design, tables play a central role in defining living spaces, seamlessly combining functionality with style. As consumers increasingly seek home furnishings that marry aesthetic appeal with enduring durability, ceramic materials emerge as a top choice. Offering a blend of timeless elegance, versatile color palettes, and exceptional resilience, ceramic furniture stands out as an excellent option.

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All 100% Natural Materials for Upholstery
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All 100% Natural Materials for Upholstery

In our present era, where sustainability and eco-consciousness are reaching new heights, there's a growing demand for furniture that not only looks great but also aligns with our values and respects the environment. Recently, I received a message on Instagram from someone seeking all-natural materials for their sofa upholstery.

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Different types of Leather Upholstery
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Different types of Leather Upholstery

In the world of furniture, the choice of leather can indeed be both exciting and overwhelming. As you stroll through the showroom, you're bound to encounter various types of leather, each with its unique appeal and price tag. From entry-level options to the luxurious feel of full-grain leathers, the many choices can leave you pondering what sets them apart.

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Flat Fee Rate for Interior Designer
Ronald | Interior Designer BID Ronald | Interior Designer BID

Flat Fee Rate for Interior Designer

I recently read a book about the business of Interior Design, lend by my successful Interior Designer friend. While reading, I came across a topic about offering a flat fee rate for every project. While most Interior Designers charge hourly rates, I would be happy to offer a flat fee rate for Special Interior Design Projects.

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Wood Veneer, Compressed Wood, Plywood and Solid Wood
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Wood Veneer, Compressed Wood, Plywood and Solid Wood

I recall a memorable encounter with a perceptive client, whose unwavering preference for solid wood over veneer and compressed wood inspired this topic today. In this section, we'll unravel the complexities of these wood types often encountered in furniture showrooms.

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Hostile Architecture
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Hostile Architecture

Have you ever noticed an outdoor benches with spikes, armrests dividing the seats, or seemingly straight benches that turn out to be slanted designs? These are examples of what is known as Hostile architecture or Defensive design, a phenomenon often found in urban environments. Let's look into why designers opt for these approaches and how they impact the community.

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Minimalist Design: Less is More
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Minimalist Design: Less is More

When discussing the design of a particular space with my clients, one term that often mentioned is 'Minimalist.' It represents a simple yet powerful approach to design, where balance is key to creating truly remarkable spaces. In this section, we'll look into the principles of minimalist design, exploring its timeless appeal and how it shapes our living environments.

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Area Rug and not Carpet..
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Area Rug and not Carpet..

For some people, they barely notice the difference between an area rug and a carpet. However, many years ago in Interior Design school, we were taught the distinction between these items, particularly in terms of making floor plan and layout. We also learned about the various kinds of area rugs available on the market. In this section, we will discuss their types and the materials used to make them.

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Exploring the Simplicity of Japandi Style
Ronald | Interior Designer BID Ronald | Interior Designer BID

Exploring the Simplicity of Japandi Style

Welcome! In this section, I'll be exploring the fascinating world of Japandi style—a blend of Japanese minimalism and Scandinavian design. I'll share insights into what makes Japandi unique, along with some of my travel photos from Japan, captured during my time living in Singapore, just a short 7-hour flight away.

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Embracing Scandinavian Design: An Introductory Guide
Ronald | Interior Designer BID Ronald | Interior Designer BID

Embracing Scandinavian Design: An Introductory Guide

As someone fortunate enough to have travelled Denmark (and Sweden) over the years, I've developed a deep admiration for their rich culture, lifestyle and of course Interior design. In this section, I'm excited to share glimpses of my past journeys through personal photos while unraveling the essence of the revered Scandinavian Design.

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Pet Friendly indoor Plants
Ronald | Interior Designer BID Ronald | Interior Designer BID

Pet Friendly indoor Plants

My client often asked me, 'What are the best pet-friendly indoor plants?

So, with some extra time lately, I did my research online and visited a few plant stores around Vancouver. Here are my lists that will enhance the natural beauty of your space with some greenery, without compromising your pets' safety.

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Must Visit Furniture stores in Vancouver (Part 1)
Ronald | Interior Designer BID Ronald | Interior Designer BID

Must Visit Furniture stores in Vancouver (Part 1)

Having transitioned from living and working as an Interior Designer in Singapore to relocating to Vancouver, Canada in 2014, I found myself captivated by the prospect of exploring its diverse array of furniture stores. Join me as I explore this list, making your search for that specific furniture in Vancouver easy and fruitful.

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