DOXA, Documentary Film Festival, hits Vancouver May 4-13 airing independent films from various theatres around the city. There is a great selection of interesting films including a film titled Coast Modern – a film of inspired living by the pioneers of West Coast Modernist Architecture.

Filmmakers Michael Bernard and Gavin Froome take us on a journey from Los Angeles to Vancouver gliding through the sleek interiors and lush gardens of some of Vancouver’s most stunning modernist architecture. Tracing the emergence of the modernist movement from its first incarnations in 1922 through to current day.

Honesty was the rallying cry of early modernists and they reduced everything to absolute essentials – Arthur Erikson.

The film includes intimate interviews to modernist architects as they share their insight into the Modernist Movement, and its relevance in our lives today. The modernist houses themselves will take centre stage, shot in high definition: the open plans, simplicity of form and integration of site will awe and inspire.

Coast Modern Film

Michael Bernarda and Gavin Froome, 60 mins.
Tuesday May 8.

Love Modern Homes in Vancouver? Call me for an active selection on the MLS.

Interior design options just improved now that Philippe Starck and Lenny Kravitz are collaborating on a new line of chairs for Kartell. Lenny Kravitz has to be one of the coolest rockers around so you know that this is going to look great. Unveiled in Milan, the Kravitz + Starck collection is a interpretation of the already iconic Mademoiselle chair.

How would this look in your modern Vancouver home?

Look for the Kravitz influenced chairs to include faux fur, reptile patterns, and weaves. According to his interview over at Cool Hunting “…It’s all about making your environment so comfortable and inspiring and sexy, that you want to be creative.”

We couldn’t agree more. Price to be determined.

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I am currently debating between a new hardwood floor or going all out and getting the look and style I have always loved – polished concrete. I have always been attracted to the way smooth concrete floors accentuate a modern designed living environment and how it highlights dramatic architectural features like lofts, sunken living rooms, and even stairs. Done right, concrete flooring can create such strong visual lines in a space.

For example, take a look at the image below and tell me you’re not blown away by the matching indoor/outdoor cut line.

I have a 2-level loft on Seymour Street in the Brava building that has 25-feet of glass and open loft space. Although, it’s not for everyone, I think polished concrete floors will add some impact on the Benjamin Moore art Gallery White walls, glass pony wall and the already existing modern lines that the townhouse has.

The existing engineered floors would have to be removed, and depending on the condition of the sub-concrete slab, a self leveling compound may have to be applied. Once ready, concrete is actually sprayed over-top of the existing sub-floor. Today’s spray systems blend polymer resins with cement, sand, and other additives to … Read More »