Surroundings at Home

A Gift For You

2011-11-30T10:50:00.000-08:00

Our Christmas Gift to you for the month of December is Free local delivery of furniture purchases.

Christmas 2011

2011-11-30T10:27:00.000-08:00

Every Year Marina Woywitka takes photos of the store in its Christmas glory. Here are some of this years pics.

It Has Been A Year!

2011-11-30T10:04:00.001-08:00

I can't believe a year has gone by and I have not blogged once. It seems the word busy comes to mind. I really distaste that word, busy. To me it is used as the ultimate excuse for everything. After all we live in a society where we are all so busy. I recently purchased this painting at an Art Auction, it made me remember the days when I was not so, you know, busy.

Growing up in New Brunswick we owned at C&C Sailboat. The last sail of the year was Thanksgiving weekend. Dad and I would take "Rigwash" for her final sail up the Saint John River, the color ablaze in the country side, it was truly beautiful. We would be bundled up having a glass of port to stay warm, sailing in silence most of the day, the only exception is when one of us would comment on how beautiful it was. My dad's favorite line was " I wonder what the poor people are doing today". He was by no means being demeaning. Wealth to my father was the ability to enjoy and embrace mother nature.

The painting is for sale in the store. I don't need to keep all the wonderful things I purchase. I hope the future owner of the painting will love it as much as I do, and may the painting be a constant reminder to never be too busy to go sailing, even if it's only in ones mind.

Kristiane

Christmas Open House on Friday November 12th

2010-11-08T09:41:00.000-08:00

Come and join us for an evening of Christmas Spirit this Friday November 12th 6 pm to 9 pm. This is Surroundings 18th annual event!! Wow, hard to believe it's 18 years!

We will be serving wine, apple cider, chocolate truffles, and goodies from Pure Vanilla, Spinnakers, and the Italian Bakery.

Hope to see you there.

Kristiane

No Grey Please.......We live on the West Coast!!

2010-11-03T11:03:00.000-07:00

I've come back from walking the dog on a crisp fall morning. Color is in abundance, red, yellow, and my favorite orange. I'm thinking back to a precious summer afternoon spent with clients at their summer cottage on Thetis Island. Color, glorious color. The above photo looks down the hall towards the bedrooms, perriwinkle and canary yellow collide, the pink peony's on the table adding a sense of wimsy. This is a scene of a summer day, and it makes me wonder why we don't live like this all year round.

I just finished looking through Restoration Hardware's fall catalogue, there was not one bit of color, nothing, zippo, absolutely none. The walls a grey putty, furniture bleached wood, sofa's in linen. The textures are wonderful, but where is the color? Here on the west coast it rains and rains for 4 months a year, trust me I see enough grey in the landscape I don't need it in my house.

So, as we head into the rainy season, take a look at the summer colors and the joy it brings.

A classic bentwood rocker gets the royal red treatment.
The piano was painted white with a red coral design. It arrived on Thetis Island "a horrible brown" according to the owner. It now sits joyfully by the window looking out to the sea.

It's Spring!

2010-04-21T13:19:00.003-07:00

Wow, time flies. I've been negligent on my blogging, but with good reason. We have been busy putting together Surroundings first Original Art Show. The show opened on April 1st with over 150 people. Yes it was crowded!

We are featuring 6 local artists. The works are diverse, fresh, and contemporary. The show features, oils, acrylics, sculpture, poured resin, and encaustic. While I have a million photos, nothing does justice like the real thing. So, come in and visit us, the show runs until June 15th.

I've always been a firm believer and supporter of original art. Yes, I have a house full. I love every piece. Art is personal, it evokes an emotion, it stimulates thought and contemplation.

Everyone is an art critic, and that is the way it's suppose to be.

A Trip to the ROM

2010-02-10T09:23:00.001-08:00

The latest addition to the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) by architect Daniel Libeskind
The old and the new meet on the exterior of the ROM

Where the old protrudes into the new.
Looking down into the entrance.
A sliver of the ROM.
My brother Mike and I heading out on a cold Toronto winter night.

I was recently in Toronto to attend the gift show. I finished up business a day early and so I headed to the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM). I was anxious to see the new addition done by architect Daniel Libeskind, who happens to be a favorite of mine. Word around Toronto was people loved it or hated it. I'm in the love it camp.

I have always loved the juxtaposition of old and new. This is the concept in my own store Surrounding, and is a constant theme in all my design work. I stay away from mainstream design, because quite frankly it is too common, lacks spirit, and does not challenge my mind.

Daniel Libeskind has taken the ROM from being a classic old fuddy duddy to WOW! That is what architecture is all about. Better yet the blend between the old and new on the inside keeps the visitor to the Rom totally engaged. That is the highest accomplishment, when the architecture is part of the experience.

A couple of years ago Libeskind was interviewed by the Globe and Mail, he quoted the following which I keep on a piece of paper at my desk as a reminder of what I want to achieve in design.

" But who wants to be trapped in an anonymous box? Neutrality is not a value.... the world is enriched not by neutrality or indifference, but by passions and beliefs. Why settle for buildings based on a regimented formula that denies human desire?"

My Favorite Spot

2010-01-26T12:14:00.001-08:00

In the morning I can be found sitting in one of these turn of the century leather club chairs. They face looking out over the pastures, valley, and mountains. In the evening I sit here once again to watch the evening sun set behind Mt. Prevost. This is truly my favorite spot in my country cottage, and it is here where every house guest gravitates.

2010....... A Brand New Year

2010-01-01T20:28:00.000-08:00

I love New Year. It is a fresh start, a new beginning, and time of reflection. I do not make New Years resolutions, I try to live my life with the fullest of intentions every day.

In the design world we will soon be bombarded with the "Trends for 2010". Personally, I try to stay away from trends. Trends are temporary, short-lived, and do not stand the test of time. I always try to encourage my customers to think long-term, how is that piece of furniture going to look in their home 10 years from now? Thinking long-term in our decision making is probably one of the most "greenest" things we can do. Remember trendy items are destined to yard sales or worse yet landfill.

So Here is my top 10 for 2010, these are the classic design elements that will still be in vogue ten, twenty, thirty years from now.

1. Quality Furnishing ..... antique or modern

2. Beautiful Painted Walls ..... it's not the color the matters it's the professional paint job

3. Velvet .... use it in upholstery or in drapes, it is truly timeless

4. Natural Wood .... floors to furniture to trim work

5. Original Art .... sorry no framed prints

6. Black and White Photography ..... especially if it's your own

7. Lighting .... because we can't see in the dark

8. Energy Saving Appliances .... check out the fridge from SMEG

9. Clutter Free Interiors .... unless you live in an English country cottage

10. Your favorite Chair .... Because everyone should have their very own chair

Wishing you all the very best in the New Year.

Kristiane

Christmas Countdown

2009-11-23T10:29:00.000-08:00

The store decked out for the upcoming holiday season.
This wish tree in the front window.
An urn of glass hearts.
Tapered Candles in "the rack", a fabulous display. Tapers are by Ester and Erik of Denmark. They are smokeless, dripless, and long burning.
Cone shaped pillars by Ester and Erik of Denmark. These are truly the most beautiful burning candle.
Word magnets by Vancouver Island metal artist. These magnets are super strong and beautiful.
Topical leaves and fresh orchids makes a wonderful gift, they will last up to three weeks in your home.

I love Christmas. I don't want to hear any bah humbugs! This is the season for family and friends, food and laughter, joy and yes, sorrow. Christmas brings out our goodness, our sense of hope, and our dreams. This year the front window of Surroundings is a simple group of branches in a pot, hanging from the branches are hundreds of little white cards, each card has a personal Christmas wish. This display started on Thursday November 19th, and will continue to accumulate till Christmas Eve. Please come into the store and put your own special wish on the tree.

Our wish tree will be blessed by a monk on Christmas Eve.

REMEMBERING

2009-11-11T17:58:00.001-08:00

My Father and Uncle Jack walking along Wyte Ave. in Edmonton this past summer

My Grandfather, Wallace Baskerville was with the RCAF in WW I, during WW II he worked for Immigration Canada bringing home the war brides. He never told any war stories, it would be years latter, that my father would tell me about Grandpa. Both my parents talk about what it was like to be a child during WW II.

This past summer while visiting my Aunt, I took the above photo of my Dad and his brother, my Uncle Jack. They reminded me, as they walked ahead, so much of my Grandfather. It was like looking at two Grandpa Baskerville's walking up the street. I do not have a photo of Grandpa to post, so I felt this photo would suffice.

I'm walking the dog through the woods this morning when I hear a distant siren. I look at the time on my cell phone, it is 11 am November 11th, I stop and close my eyes. I remember.

Having a Ball

2009-10-28T18:58:00.001-07:00

John Vickers, Chairman of the Masquerade Ball is flanked by two exceptional costumes
Laura Dreger of Edmonton with the best dressed man in the room
The best dressed couple
Diversity in masks
My favorite costume!
Laura and Nadine from Langley

Surroundings is a proud Sponsor of the Victoria Masquerade Ball. This year the proceeds went to the Victoria Youth Clinic. The costumes were truly spectacular this year. I want to thank everyone for coming out and making this years Ball a success.

Girl Sunday Ties The Knot

2009-09-23T20:22:00.000-07:00

Robert hams it up during the cake cutting
Robert and Linda cut the cake

For the last two years Linda Giles has worked at Surroundings on Sundays. Prior to that, she and partner Robert Kidd owned and operated Still Life on lower Johnson Street (lojo). Still Life is an institution in Victoria's fashion scene. Kidd opened Still Life over 25 years ago, Giles came on board in the late 1990's. They have long been known as the most stylish couple in the city.

The wedding was done in pure Robert and Linda style, held at The Superior in James Bay, flowers by Ramsay and Ramsay, and of course, the bride wore a dress of her own creation. I have to say it was the most beautiful wedding I've ever attended. I only cried twice, oops make that three when Linda gave me her bouquet.

Lots of love to both of you.

Kristiane

Shop Dog

2009-09-16T18:59:00.001-07:00

Her name is Ida. She came into my life 6 months ago after a visit to the Duncan SPCA. She has become a fixture at Surroundings, and my constant companion. Ida loves children, as you can see above.

She has eaten the seat belts out of my truck, all my flip flops, the power cord to my mac book, and my stuffed toys ( yes, I own my own stuffed teddies). She will steal the cat food when no one is looking, and has eaten her fair share of home made bread. I still love her to pieces. She is sweet , kind, gentle, and a little brat.

Ida works with me on Thursday, Friday, and Saturdays, so come on in and feel free to give her a good ear scratch, she'll love you for it.

A Trip to My Sister's House

2009-08-26T19:07:00.001-07:00

A sculpture done by my sister
The back fence covered in mirror
Entrance to hidden garden

I love going to my sister's home. It is in a constant state of flux. Creativity reigns supreme here, your eye bounces from one spot to the other, purely delightful.

While I wanted to show case her amazing bathroom reno, as luck would have it, it's behind schedule. So we have to settle for garden pictures till my next visit.

My sister, Marjorie, is an artist in her own right and many of the objects found in her garden are of her own creation or those of her artisan friends. My favorite element is the back fence of the hidden garden covered with old mirrors.

Cool Customers

2009-08-17T15:10:00.001-07:00

Not all my customers are this cool. Erv Salvador, owner of the Whip Club in Vancouver, gets ready to drive away from Surroundings. In the side car sits Beau (the big guy) and Jake (the little guy). Jake use to work at Surroundings with his lovely owner, Carey Thiessen. Salvador and Thiessen live in Vancouver, and drop in to see us when they are in town.

In The Dog House

2009-08-05T08:42:00.000-07:00

The day this dog house was completed, Flinn, a Shepherd lab cross, ran inside and right back out again. Sadly he never quite took to his new digs. The dog house sits unoccupied in a beautiful country garden.

The owner was not dismayed by the dogs rejection. She loves how the little structure fits in amongst her wild garden. She designed and built the dog house to reflect the style of the main house and the chicken coop.

House of the Week

2009-07-29T14:58:00.001-07:00

Believe it or not this is a chicken coop. This little structure is fondly referred to as the Chateau du Poulet by the neighbors. When the owner of the property decided to build a new home for her chickens, she wanted it to reflect the architecture of the main tudor style house. This was designed and built by the owner. She told me she wanted all her outbuildings to be beautiful, after all, they are a part of the scenic views from this rural home.

I find it interesting that this little structure is architecturally more interesting than most of the houses being built. Stay tuned for next weeks building, the doghouse.