BlackBelo

2011-09-06T18:49:00.000-07:00

This blog is currently under renovation. For photo portfolio, please go to

http://blackbelophotography.blogspot.com

For more information,
Contact Jugana, at jugana@blackbelo.com

Sisters

2011-08-30T08:13:00.000-07:00

Pictures.... worth so much more than words...

The Colours of Serbia

2011-06-19T23:36:00.000-07:00

I am always amazed at the hours and hours of dedicated work done by hand in these costumes. And, although they are pieces of timeless beauty, I am afraid that the woman who make them by hand will disappear with time and will no longer be around to create these family treasures. The pieces involve countless hours of watching a flower slowly blossom, colours of Serbia revealed one stitch at a time.

Interiors + Photography = True Love

2011-04-01T23:15:00.000-07:00

You know when you watch someone do something, and you think, "I can do that!" Well, that was exactly my immediate impression when I watched Scott Hargis, of Scott Hargis Photo in San Fransisco, teach a small group of photographers to photograph interiors. It was during my attempt at photographing this kitchen that I realized that Scott performed his art very well, and that he made it look easy. In reality, it was not as easy as I originally concluded, and there was a lot of learning that I was about to embark on. Scott is a master at his craft, and I was one of the lucky few who got to attend his Vancouver workshop last month.

Not only was the topic an interesting one to me, the home we photographed was a beautiful show home in the heart of a newly developed Equestrian community located at the 49th parallel, a stone's throw away from the U.S. border.

Lunch with the GFs

2011-01-20T22:46:00.000-08:00

(Photo from InteriorDesign-Center.com)

I recently tried on a purple coat. As soon as I put it on, my friend scrunched up her face and gave me that "no way" look. But, when I looked in the mirror, a smile appeared on my otherwise usually critical face. I was inspired by its colour--its beautiful colour. I thought, what could be better than a beautiful purple coat on a grey, cold day? (And, we're not talking deep, dark purple, but an unusual shade produced from blue and red combined.) The colour made me happy. It was that simple: happy.

My friend still scrunched her nose at it (and she had every right--it was pretty bright purple after all.) A passerby came by and gave me praise for it--saying she loved the colour with my dark hair and had been admiring that very same coat the entire winter. I was still smiling. My friend was scrunching her nose. And, the coat was still purple.

When I came across the photograph of this restaurant, it evoked that same smile. The soft, colourful chairs not only warm the whites, but also invite a group of friends to sip coffee, try out sweet pastries, and laugh the kind of laughter that can only come from a gathering of good friends. It's a reiteration that we can find joy in so many places. This not so plain and simple space evokes such a basic response: it makes me happy.

Silk Christmas Tradition

2010-12-08T07:09:00.000-08:00

The tradition of hand making raw silk and ribbon ornaments continues.

I started this collection after watching an inspiring Linda Reeves segment years ago (and I mean years), on Christmas Decorating. Since then, I have probably made nearly 200 of these ornaments--and never have two been the exact same.

On the weekend, I went to visit dear family friends. My 11 year old God-sister came running to me, pulling out three of the many ornaments I have made for them over the years. She then drew me over to the box of ornaments where they have a collection started of these. In the beginning of this hand-made adventure, I made some with remnants of the three kids' baby rooms--sentimental keepsakes for rooms and times long gone. They do not match the tree decor--and I have said to them, "Please don't feel they have to go up!" But, the spirit of the season drives the decor, rather than the colour scheme.

My six year old niece has taken to making them. Unlike my need for controlled pattern and colours that compliment, her own sense of direction in colour reveals a joyful collection of candy-like ribbon and beads. She thinks she is just making crafts, which she adores doing. But, we're really making memories. I'm not out in the mall, trying to find her the "perfect" gift--of which there will never be. Rather, she and I escape into a world filled with Christmas music, laughter, times spent together, ornaments and memory making.

They do take time to make. But, in the world of technology, where I spend so much time, and will have very little to show ten years from now for that time invested, I am happy to go back to using my hands for something else rather than typing...

Every bow is hand made. Every bead, carefully selected. The ribbons wrapped around the ornament are all hand wrapped. Additions of Swarovski crystal and sequins add sparkle and reflect the lights in such a pretty way. And the colour combinations are endless: from extremely traditional reds, whites, golds to blues and silvers, purple and chartreuse greens. They range in size from extra small, hanging perfectly on my fourteen inch tree, to large, filling up the branches of our six foot sparkler.

I will often fill glass bowls and vases with these colourful and muted delights, and place them on my extra large mantle.

It's one of my favourite things about this time of year. It's a tradition that not only provides one of a kind Christmas decorations for our home, but also reminds us of the stories of Christmas' past, fosters times together making them during Christmas present, and is memory making for Christmas' future...

Looking for a Fresh New Start to Christmas Decor?

2010-11-29T08:32:00.000-08:00

Are you looking for a change in your Christmas decor? Are you trying to make your home feel festive, but with a spark of personality?

Seasonal colours of forest green and various shades of red often dictate the decor of seasonal festivities. However, there are so many more options out there now. This purple and chartreuse green hand-made ornament takes us to a new traditional.

Sometimes, non-traditional decor (the white tree--or even pink tree!) can be a little too modern for some tastes. These non-traditional Christmas colours keep some of us a little more comfortable than some of the extremes in non-traditional seasonal design, as we haven't stepped out too far out of the box. And the traditional design also echoes a classic design that evokes comfort. However, the colours bring something new and fresh to the repetitive decor that often saturates most homes during this festive time of year.

Thinking outside of the red and green box can be exciting, scary, and fun. There are many more options out there and it can be as simple as changing the shade of green we usually find in Christmas Decor.

Happy Decorating!

Kimberley Seldon's Star Shines Brightly in West

2010-11-23T18:27:00.000-08:00

How often does one come across a professional who cares about her colleagues in the same industry as much as she cares about her clients? The one that comes to mind is Kimberley Seldon, of Kimberley Seldon Design Group.

"Transparency" is not just a business model she follows, it is also who she is. She has taken it upon herself to help her designer peers learn about the Business of Design, sharing her years of expertise and experience in the industry. Her business principals are relevant to all those who dare embark on a journey in which creativity is a means to a salary, and not just in design. Kimberley thoughtfully reminds us that it's 80% business and 20% creative. Although business can be creative, an entrepreneur needs to know what he or she is doing in order for the business to prosper and be successful.

On Friday, November 19, Layers and Layers (http://www.layersandlayers.com/) hosted Kimberley's successful book signing event (http://www.kimberleyseldon.blogspot.com/). It was another opportunity to listen to Kimberley's inspiring real stories--incredibly candid, entertaining, and transparent. The venue was the lovely Salari show room, and the evening was filled with talented people in the design and building industries.

Thank you to all the people who worked hard to put together this lovely event for us. And, a thank you to Kimberley for flying all the way out West to inspire us to keep moving forward, both creatively and in business.

2010-08-17T18:31:00.001-07:00

Meet Spot

2010-08-17T11:20:00.000-07:00

Here he is: Spot. He's not furry, nor is he complicated in any way. Co-designed by a six year old, his cute potential was enormous from the get-go.

In design, we let our creativity take us down a complex path of mixing and layering. We put in the pillows, the art, and a hint of this and that: the inspirations all transpiring into one lovely decorated and designed space. Sometimes, we go back to a clean slate, relying on simple lines to bring our art together.

Spot exemplifies the latter. Not all good design has to be an intricate weave of complex fibres. Sometimes, simple is just right and mixes the right tones of classic and contemporary. Sometimes, we want to embrace simple, to escape from our lives, cluttered with so many to do lists and all this stuff that surrounds us. Sometimes, simple is all we really want.

Time

2010-08-05T16:23:00.000-07:00

There are moments we try so hard to hold on to, and yet the seconds slip from our fingers...

Summer DIY

2010-07-08T09:18:00.000-07:00

How do we finish off our homes? I often walk into the homes of friends and families, and I see many lingering design projects. I've been guilty myself. I find it easy to finish off other spaces, but it's often our own that end up works in progress: The pictures that idle on the floor instead of the wall, the last bit of tiling that was missed, or the accessories still packed in boxes. Despite good intentions by home owners, time, budget, family commitments, the flu... all can stop us in our tracks when it comes to designing our own space. We think that we will do it over time. But over time seems to spread itself over too much time. Good news: there are ways to best tackle those DIY design jobs in your living space.

1. Get Inspired:

Look through magazines. Take notes of what you are drawn to--remembering to consider your own space and how you can apply your design preferences. Decide what design style you are drawn to and work towards that. Remember to keep in mind your existing style and space. You wouldn't pair a formal sequin dress with a pair of white running shoes--so don't do this to your house! As good as it is to decide what you like, it's also good to decide what you don't like. Maybe it's even time to get rid of some of those things that need to be let go of.

2. Create an Action Plan:

What is it that you have to do in the next day, two days, weekend, week? Create a list and the steps you need to do to see check marks on that list. What about a design plan--do you know where you are putting what? Figure this out before you start. You are the project manager, so manage your project.

Do you need help? Are friends and family part of this DIY or are you tackling it yourself? Do you need to rent any tools or add another one to your collection? Make sure you prepare for that before the day you start the work.

Remember, if it's a change such as a toilet, or sink, make sure you know the size and dimensions that will work in your space. No, not all toilets are the same--so figure out what measurements you will need to have when purchasing.

Pick up paint the day before, so that you can start first thing in the morning. Trips to the hardware store take precious hours away from our day of work, so make sure you have everything you need to get the job done well before you even start it!

3. Implement:

Set a time to start working. Don't wait until you "feel" like it, or when you have some spare time to get around to it. Make it a priority. Do it like you would any job: get up early, have all your tools and gear, and start working! Don't let the phone distract you... or decide that now is a good time to go through that huge pile of mail. Stay focused on the goal: a finished home, and get it done.

4. Wrap it up:

Yes, make an executive decision. You've planned for this. You have thought about it. You know that this is the artwork that is going up, so put it up there. Finish off the project with all the details you'd expect to see in a well-designed space. Are you going to "love it" as though you just walked in a "before-and-after" design make-over show? Not always, but don't doubt yourself once you have made your design decisions. Design mistakes happen, but we still need to work through it and get the job done. So get the job done.

Summer is here, and it's a perfect time to make a home out of your house, or take the generic out of a condo box. Take the plunge, jump into your design projects and finish them off! Happy DIYing everyone.

Build From Floor Plans?

2010-06-17T12:18:00.000-07:00

Question: Can you build a house using just a floor plan and a picture?

Answer: Sorry, no. Floor plans do not usually have enough information for builders to actually construct the home. Your builder will need complete blueprints, or construction-ready drawings, with technical information that you will not find on most floor plans.

On the other hand, if you provide your architect or professional home designer a floor plan and a photo, he or she may be able to create construction-ready drawings for you. Your pro would need to make decisions about many details that are not ordinarily included on simple floor plans.

Source: About.com

From Princess Pink, a Girls' Room Starts Growing Up

2010-05-23T23:16:00.000-07:00

Princess Pink became passé for the ten and twelve year olds who enjoyed their fairy-tale years, but were ready to move on. How to take two different personalities and combine them into one room and keep the peace? Each of them told me the colour she'd like to see in the room, without the other one knowing. Hence: Yellow and Purple. They both liked the idea of black and white, and our palette dictated the direction we were heading.

It seemed natural to take them from their all pink domain to a more open, light space. The walls were painted in a light, warm grey white, to go with the furniture they already had. They not only share the same room, they share the same initial, so it was serendipitous when we found these M & M decals.

Perhaps one of my favourite pieces in this room is one that most wouldn't notice. It's the silvery-grey desk that has double purpose in this small room, as both a desk and a night table. The table was salvaged from their pink room. It was their toddler table, where they sat and did puzzles. They inherited it from their much older cousins, and on the under-side of the table, there are years of Happy New Years signatures from all the kids, including them. We painted the top, and added new metal legs from Ikea.

The table found its way back into their room, and a piece of family history remains with them on their journey en-route to their teen years. Just like the table, we'll watch this room transition with them as the leave their childhoods...

The View

2010-05-23T21:52:00.000-07:00

The view. When I took this photograph, I thought to myself what a beautiful moment: this adorable little girl, with her reflection gazing back at her on the sky train window. But, I realized that she probably didn't see the same thing I did, as she peered at Vancouver roof tops. It's amazing how we all see so differently.

It's a gift to see the beauty in what others see as beautiful, because I don't always remember to do so. I can't walk into a room without analyzing it (and wanting to redesign it.) I guess it's both a blessing and not. As someone who wants to achieve the best possible design for a space, I sometimes have to remind myself that life has its beauty, outside of what we see. I have to walk myself back into the experience and stop looking around, remind myself that it doesn't have to be perfect and fixing it is not always necessary. A child's toy on the floor or drawing on the refrigerator, that gift you made for your mom way-back-when that she just refuses to hide away somewhere. The paint will eventually chip and the floor could use some repair. They tell a story about life. They all have value and remind me that design isn't perfect. I don't know if I can stop analyzing spaces, but I have to remember to let go and let life dictate the view at times.

Silver & White

2010-05-19T23:10:00.000-07:00

Like air, silver and white drift into my view with ease, cooling to the eyes.

The details in a bathroom don't have to be found in the dedicated bathroom section of your favourite decor boutique. This silver frame, paired with an identical one in the room, was meant to house a photograph. Add some custom cut mirrors, and small vanity mirrors take on a new look. A crystal appetizer plate, hugged in classic polished silver, makes a beautiful tray for cosmetics and lotions, maybe even a necklace that finds itself there after a long work day.

A small space in a basement setting doesn't have to be dark and cold. Cool and inviting, this space triumphs its site by presenting lighter and brighter than one expects.

Roses are pink...

2010-05-14T22:43:00.000-07:00

To feel this beautiful....

Drafting, Old School

2010-05-09T22:25:00.000-07:00

How lucky am I that I got to learn from a Master Draftsman years ago (yes, I am aging myself) before AutoCAD was the only way to create architectural plans. I love to draw, and I love building an idea with pencil, ruler, and eraser. I love that I can envision something and put the idea down on paper for others to see my vision... Don't get me wrong, I love my computer and all the advantages a CAD produced rendering offers, but there is nothing like putting pen to paper and showing my hair stylist "in the moment" of conversation what could be done with her kitchen handles. Thank you, Mike H., for teaching me how to draft!

Film Photography: Previous BlackBelo Website

2010-05-09T10:27:00.000-07:00

Some have been asking to see the old BlackBelo site. Here it still is:

http://blackbelo.com/index_apr19_2010.html

Enjoy the trip back to film photography...

Canadian Design Icon, More Than Expected

2010-04-16T19:15:00.000-07:00

Kimberley Seldon's seminars for design professionals were more than an educational experience. They were enlightening and even entertaining! The expertise packed into the program will be passed on to our clients. Thank you, Kimberley. You've left your design stamp on Vancouver's design community!

Kimberley Seldon, Design Expertise

2010-04-14T17:43:00.000-07:00

BlackBelo is attending Kimberley Seldon's Design Seminar in Vancouver.

Home Staging, Oakridge Townhome

2010-04-08T20:04:00.001-07:00

Sometimes, a little help is needed to showcase your home so others can see it as their new home. This Vancouver home needed a little extra something in its otherwise beautiful but blank canvas to draw buyers to fall in love with the space.

2010-04-08T20:00:00.000-07:00

2010-04-08T19:59:00.000-07:00

2010-04-08T19:53:00.000-07:00

Just BlackBelo

2010-04-08T19:41:00.000-07:00

Relaunching BlackBelo has been an exciting road. We are showcasing the combined portfolios of design and photography under one creative umbrella, known as BlackBelo. After years of building each creative path separately, we are launching BlackBelo as a combined entity. We welcome you to walk through our creative house. Enjoy!