Italy Awaits!

I'm headed to Italy this week...One of my favorite places on the planet! It's been many years since I was last there, so I'm looking forward to some new adventures.

I'll be starting out in Milan by attending the Salone Internazionale del Mobile, which is one of the largest contemporary furniture exhibitions in the world. I will be sending updates from the road, so stay tuned.

After Milan I'll be doing some sightseeing, visiting with family and lots of eating!

Please check our Facebook page for the latest updates from the road!

Buon Viaggo!

David J. Hansen

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 18^th 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.

Behind The Scenes at William Switzer Headquarters: Part 1 of a Series

While visiting Vancouver last September I had the privilege of visiting the headquarters of the renowned William Switzer furniture line (my apologies in taking so long to present this). While I was there I got to see their Vancouver showroom located at 611 Alexander Street. I was also able to tour their adjacent manufacturing, finishing, upholstery and shipping operations. Special thanks must be given to Mr. Dean MacCracken of our local William Switzer showroom for putting me in touch with Mr. Adam Switzer-Bellas the grandson of William Switzer who, along with his family operates the company in Vancouver, BC Canada.

William Switzer started his namesake company in 1952 as an Interior Design firm, and in 1978 became a business strictly for the manufacture and distribution of handmade furniture, many which were used by Mr. Switzer throughout his career.

Coming up in later installments will be photos from the warehouse etc. along with some William Switzer furniture that adorned the hotel where I was stayed while visiting Vancouver.

The Showroom. This installment shows photos of the William Switzer showroom in Vancouver, which is in an adjacent location to their manufacturing facility. I’m sure the showroom has changed since I was there, but these illustrate how much William Switzer product they are able to show in one place. William Switzer also manufactures and distributes the Lucien Rollin Collection, originally conceived by another noted Interior Designer, and now made exclusively by their company. The great thing about the showroom is that they are able to show nearly all their pieces and finish options in one place. All pieces are made to order and custom finishes are available.

The building at 611 Alexander Street Vancouver.

The courtyard leading to the showroom entrance.

The door to the William Switzer showroom.

An English Chippendale style mirror in White finish on mirrored wall.

A vignette with large Wing Back style Louis XV chair and matching ottoman.

A vignette with multiple chairs and Zebra wood Art Nouveau buffet.

Austrian Biedermeier secretary and matching chairs.

Large Louis XVI Transitional mirror with reflection.

Vignette showing Mid 20th Century Berger arm chair and matching ottoman.

A room showing different options for Dining rooms.

English oval Birds mirror with ginger jar and matching urns.

Vitrine in Silver finish with gold accents.

Hand carved mirror with bedroom vignette in reflection.

Two Swag Back side chairs.

A new annex to the showroom that was just being finished and arranged.

David J. Hansen

Photographs:

The top photograph is from the William Switzer web site.

All additional photographs are by David J. Hansen for Ashfield Hansen Design Inc. All photographs were taken in early September 2010.

VIVA ESPAÑA – SAN SEBASTIAN!

Just back in town after a wonderful 10 days in northern Spain where I visited Madrid, Bilbao, San Sebastian and Barcelona – the perfect itinerary.

With that being said, I must admit to having a favorite and that was SAN SEBASTIAN! I’m not sure if it was the people, the hotel, the weather, or the days spent riding my bike along the ocean Promenade that made it so amazing, but it was just that. And what could be better than ending the day at sunset watching the surfers whilst sippingon the perfect mojito! Truly postcard perfect.

Here is a sampling of San Sebastian through my eyes…

Barbara Ashfield

All photos by Barbara Ashfield for Ashfield Hansen Design Inc.

Paris Blooms

Over the years I’ve done a fair amount of traveling and I have to say that I always make a point of seeking out notable florists in the big cities. They give me a sense of place, (no pun intended) of artistry, and a visual memory that lingers long after I have returned to San Francisco.


A beautiful Winter display in a shoppe around the corner from our hotel.

I included my cousin Wendy in the shot for scale.

On a trip to Paris last winter I made a point of visiting some of the famed florists there. They were glorious, as glorious as I had imagined them to be, and when I entered the threshold of each shop I felt as though I had been enveloped in a beautiful blanket of color. The shops are like little Faberge eggs, each one bejeweled and sparkling. They reminded me of the old Podesta Baldocchi on Grant Avenue in the 1960s. Now that was a florist!

Beauty en masse as seen in the shop around the corner from our hotel.

A few of my favorites from the City of Lights are Christian Tortu in the 6th, Marianne Robin in the 7th, and Flamant in the 8th.

The window display at Christian Tortu.

Mares eat oats, and Does eat oats, but little lambs eat daffodils at Christian Tortu.

Beautiful Ranunculus at Christian Tortu.

I am looking forward my next adventure – destination as yet unknown, but I do know that the great florists of THAT city will be on my list of things to see.

Barbara Ashfield