Sunday, June 19, 2011

Aaaaah, Madrid


That alone says it all. Just there in April for a few days, Madrid simply took my breath away. Filled with history, Madrid teems with old world charm and chic, with its beautiful 18th century architecture and classic gardens. Walking through the City I found myself constantly in awe of Madrid’s elegance. There were flowers everywhere, the streets were immaculately clean and the people beautifully dressed.

The Plaza Oriental

A street off of Opera Plaza.

With only 4 days to spend and so many things I wanted to do, I planned my time rather carefully. I wanted to hit the “big things” and still have “down time” to just “experience” the city. I managed to tour the Royal Palace, view fabulous art at Museo del Prado, stroll the Gran Via and walk through the Jardin Botanico. I spent a lazy afternoon sipping sherry in the Plaza Mayor and strolled through the nearby Mercado San Miguel, a feast for the eyes. I had tea at the Ritz, shopped for Majorica pearls and picked up a few pairs of colorful espadrilles for friends. I experienced the Rastro Flea market on an early misty Saturday morning, followed by a coffee again on the Plaza Mayor, where I witnessed men in their 70s and 80s trading stamps and playing chess, most of them in suits and hats – really old world charm. I spent a wonderful evening experiencing the beauty of flamenco and another evening tasting Tapas in a little jewel of a restaurant on the infamous Cava Baja.
A bull fighter in full regalia.
A plastic sculpture.
One of the many beautiful fountains.
Plaza Mayor I.
Plaza Mayor II.
The Royal Palace.
Beautiful tree-lined streets.
Open Plaza.
Vegetable vendor.
Famous Market.
Fresh tapas.
Me with a lamp post.

I will return to Madrid. I will return to Madrid.

Barbara Ashfield

* All photos copyright by Barbara Ashfield for Ashfield Hansen Design Inc.

Sunday, June 5, 2011

Behind The Scenes at William Switzer Headquarters: Part 3 of a series


William Switzer pieces as seen in context.

After arranging my trip to Vancouver last year, I was excited to have scheduled a tour of William Switzer headquarters as part of my journey, which I reported on here.

On arrival at the Opus Hotel in Vancouver’s Yaletown, the lobby interior was designed in a colorful, modern way with a few lively, heavily carved antique pieces. The antique pieces were what caught my eye. They looked like they might be William Switzer pieces, but I wasn’t sure given the context. I thought this a great coincidence if they were!

When I went on my tour of the William Switzer factory, my host Mr. Adam Switzer-Bellas confirmed that these were indeed William Switzer pieces adorning the lobby of our hotel.

Robert Bailey Interiors was asked to freshen up the interior of the Opus hotel lobby earlier in 2010, and conceived the new, fresh color palette. In his blog, he writes about it here.

The Opus Hotel entrance sign.

William Switzer Venetian Louis XV occasional chair.

The Opus lobby leading to the bar.

William Switzer Palazzo Caponi Centre table.

Robert Bailey Interiors was asked to freshen up the interior of the Opus hotel lobby earlier in 2010, and conceived the new, fresh color palette. In his blog, he writes about it here.

The original lobby colors were in the Olive/Burgundy family and not, in my opinion as suited to the playful nature of the already designed space. The new color scheme, which included re-upholstery of the existing Switzer pieces, was implemented shortly before my arrival.

The original color scheme for the Opus Hotel showing Olive and Burgundy.

David Hansen


Photos:

Photos 1-5 copyright by David J. Hansen for Ashfield Hansen Design Inc.

*Last photo of Opus original scheme from hdinspirations.com