Cerruti Baleri creates the illusion of a stone chair

In the world that we live in today, deception is everywhere. We constantly find ourselves paying for products with qualities that don't match the price and often fail to last. When was the last time you were pleasantly surprised by something that you bought? Well, this armchair by Italian manufacturer Cerruti Baleri will do the job.

Entitled "Louis XV goes to Sparta", designers Maurizio Galante and Tal Lancman have created a furniture piece that is definitely more than meets the eye. The armchair is made to resemble the hard and cold carrara marble, but is in fact incredibly soft and comfortable because the upholstery is made of 100% silk with a photographic print (other prints available include Grande Antico marble and Portasanta marble). The chair's framework is constructed of plywood and CFC-free soft polyurethane foam with a separate seating cushion made of polyurethane. "Louis XV goes to Sparta" unites modern technology with classic design and is an unique item that one can add as an accent to any space. The chair retails for USD $6,189.00 and can be ordered from Cerruti Baleri.

Dining room design by Michael Lai

The diagram above is the design of a dining room which I created using the program Google Sketchup. It was a project which I completed for the computer technology course offered at BCIT. The criteria was to create a space for a young couple who enjoyed entertaining as well as relaxation and time alone. The property is located on a cliff in Portland overlooking the ocean below. The concept consists of creating a tranquil and romantic environment with neutral earth tones so that the interior would amalgamate with the exterior. The double-sided fireplace adds coziness and is a feature shared by both the dining room and the living room. The mirror on the wall with a classic frame acts as an accent but also refracts light coming from both the fireplace and the chandelier. The simple and straight legs of the dining chairs contrasts the curves of the flower planters as well as the lines of the chandelier and parallels the subtle modern twist in this traditional setting. This dining room is an accurate representation of my work and portrays my tendency to merge the classic style with the contemporary.

Georg Bohle simplifies the task of entertaining guests

In the busy and hectic society that we live in today, it is increasingly hard to spend quality time with family and friends. Social media has completely changed the way we interact with one another, and has taken away those precious dinner gatherings that we once had. Even if one were to have time to plan a gathering, what would it take to keep the guests entertained and prevent them from taking out their cell phones and tablets?

The Piano Table by Georg Bohle is a viable solution to the problem of entertaining guests. Made completely of oak, this is an innovative piece of furniture that combines the functions of a piano with that of a dining table. Hosting a party of 8 will now be an easy and simple task (the table can comfortably seat 3 on each side and 1 on each end). After the meal is served and the table is cleared, the piano door can be lifted to reveal a full, 88-key electric piano. With the sound of music and everyone still gathered around, The Piano Table will no doubt create many unforgettable moments. The table is made to order for a price of USD $6000.00. For more information, please contact Georg Bohle.

Material board for windward island visitor center by Michael Lai

Shown here is a photograph of a material board for the Windward Island visitor centre project. Windward Island visitor center is a west coast style structure that provides tourists with a sanctuary for the mind and soul to rejuvenate while awaiting the ferry. It is an environment that synthesizes creativity and functionality to create a cozy and relaxing niche that bridges nature and design. The predominant inspiration of the space is founded in the great blue heron. Mellow hues of blue, grays and whites from the body of the bird can be seen in the colour selection of the materials. The orange shade of the beak serves as the accent and provides ample stimulation in a subdued setting. Light blue carpeting throughout the space is symbolic of the shallow water which the bird wades in. Natural materials such a wood and stone are used in abundance to link the structure to the site. This in turn creates a calm and harmonious environment where one can be relaxed and at peace. This material board is shown for it exhibits my ability to reinforce my concept via the use of colours and materials.