snapshots: marine building, vancouver

happy monday...! it's a fresh new week, and we're  fresh home from an amazing trip to vancouver... ! & i thought these snaps were a perfect way to get the week started :) 

reisinger design traveled west to attend the EXELerate 2015 conference (a first class, phenomenal event btw, more on that to come) where we were also fortunate to be staying near the bee-u-tiful marine building - which, i'm not going to lie, was kinda awesome. this historic landmark, without a doubt, it is one of my favorites in the city - an obvious holdover from design school, where we took a field trip here, tasked with sketching the sublime and beautifully crafted details that adorn the facade. being a fan of almost anything old, this building had it all for me; weathered brass accents crafted to reflect the stylin' art deco period, carved stone designs showing the city's status as an international port, and most importantly; character - that intangible something that just draws you in with it's story... 

no surprise, i was hooked.

back again after so many years, i was looking forward to getting reacquainted...! and thought this was a perfect excuse to grab my ubiquitous 'bucks, go stroll the streets, and take a few photos to cap off my stay. done, done and done!

welcome to the marine building; rich with history, and displaying craftsmanship & character from a bygone era... this art deco gem doesn't disappoint... and now for you , a virtual sneak peek - hope you enjoy! ;)

 

introducing: paliswood

as summer winds down and my thoughts turn to fall (yes, it's happening already!), it's somewhat ironic that i am just now, (finally!) getting around to posting these photos!? taken of a project i completed last spring, it seems fitting that they immediately invoke the sense of warmth and comfort i associate with the turning season. paliswood is an immediately inviting space - comprised of warm woods, muted tones, and comfortable furnishings throughout... it's like a warm hug! or perhaps an equally good book & a cup of tea...? either way, it always makes me feel at home :) 

this move was a downsize for some very dear clients - and what started as a potential cosmetic upgrade (known in the biz as a "lipstick" job) quickly evolved to a brand new kitchen & more extensive overhaul throughout. soon we had ourselves knee deep in a top to bottom renovation! this was, after all, meant to be the last move they'd need to make - and we wanted to do it right ;)

this new kitchen and family room hi light the feel of the home beautifully. here we incorporated many of the homeowners existing antiques and art (a wonderfully curated collection btw!) with some new furnishings and fixtures... resulting in a fresh take on a familiar feel. as hoped - we captured the look & feel of their previous home, but made it a distinctly new space for them to enjoy in the years ahead...

by all accounts, life at paliswood is going very well - and these clients are loving their new home! it's now it's a pleasure for me to finally welcome you in!

project profile: kelvin grove, part 3

and just like that, it's almost september?! wth.

it feel's that the last i checked, it was easter - and things were just warming up outside... but with school soon out and the sun shining long - it seemed everyone was off enjoying their summer holidays, and we were no exception...!  

of course, it's wasn't all play and no work - the crews over at kelvin grove were keeping very busy these last few months, and i've been hoarding the evidence of that on my hard drive! time to share :)

the exterior is near completion - with landscaping just wrapped up and finishing touches falling into place. looking fab i dare say? inside is much the same, where things are taking shape and quickly coming to life..! a few hi-lights? drywall is done and primed; cabinets are in and ready for counters - the much anticipated taj mahal (luxuriously leathered btw!); penny rounds are a GO!; furniture and draperies are being decided (the luccia sofa will be a stunner, just sayin')...and final paint selections are imminent! 

there'll be no signs of slowing down as we head into fall - with so many more finishes and fixtures to unveil in the weeks ahead! stay tuned for more - and welcome back to kelvin grove...! 

project profile: kelvin grove, part 2

just a quick note to say: windows are in!

always an exciting milestone - along with the fully finished roof lines and interior framing things are really beginning to feel like a home over here...!  we've just finalized our finishing selections - and they won't disappoint.  with a french "flavor" in mind (hint: it's all about the la canche cooker!), we sought to make selections that will be classic and comfortable...and of course durable for this growing family of 6. oiled oak floors, burnished brash, and sublime taj mahal set the foundation for this beautiful package - and i get excited just typing about it! eek!

can not wait to watch it all come together in the months ahead... and i'll be sure to keep you posted along the way ;) 

for now, here are a few shots of the progress to date...giving just a glimpse of what's to come over at kelvin grove!

inspired by: barry dixon

as a creative being, i always enjoy being in the company of other like minded industry peeps...sharing each others knowledge, experience and insights is a fantastic way to grow as a designer and i always feel so recharged after!  

today i was fortunate to have spent the morning listening to renowned interior designer barry dixon speak... and finding common ground with such an accomplished professional was both inspiring and reassuring! much like him, i love creating classic interiors that are layered with texture & history... by drawing from my clients own unique experiences and respecting the vernacular surroundings - i often aim to create interiors that are timeless, natural and rich with personal meaning...

my love for antiques probably comes as no surprise, and i am often asking clients about their history... what possessions or experiences do they treasure? family heirlooms? trinkets and treasures from their travels? collections and curios... there is always something from which we can invoke inspiration and ultimately incorporate into the design. this approach often connects me with the client on a more meaningful level, and allows me to then design a space that is intrinsically genuine to them.  

barry's philosophies were enlightening, entertaining and  a nice reminder of my own design sensibilities. special thanks to walls alive and hotel arts for making it happen (lunch was fabulous!).  it was an inspired talk and i just couldn't wait to share :) 

project profile: kelvin grove, part 1

this post is probably just a little overdue - as i was initially introduced to this family back in the fall of 2013... when their renovation plans were brought on by the impending arrival of baby #4. some serious spatial issues in their existing home were not going to add up for a new sister on the scene! 

a year and a half later and we've since welcomed baby eve to the world (so adorbs!) - and watched those initial renovation plans morph entirely?! the idea of creating their "forever home" ultimately seemed to make sense in more centrally located neighborhood - in a house that would be better suited to this close-knit family of 6. 

as fate would have it - they didn't find a house so much as a property - one that happened to spark the possibility of building their dream home... and the rest as they say, is history... ?

many months of planning and development later - we are now finally watching this fabulous new home come to life! finishing details are just being firmed up and we are really excited to share some sneak peeks along the way :)

until then, here are a few snaps to get us acquainted with kelvin grove...!

introducing: southland medical

designed in collaboration with tracy wharton of wharton interiors - this fun project let us pool our talents together (yet again!) and create this beautiful new medical office. teaming up with another creative soul is a rewarding venture, and we have found ourselves working together a lot over the past couple of years... a successful pairing that always makes the most of our varied design knowledge and cohesive style preferences :)

our mandate this time was to design a new office space for one of calgary's noted podiatrist's & his dedicated team.  tracy and i  were set to work to completely transform the tired and poorly laid out offices that were before us! reisinger design took the existing plans and revised the layout to better suit the day to day functions of this busy office - addressing the need for a clean and contemporary reception area, as well as functional storage & administration requirements throughout. from there, tracy used her keen eye for colour & texture to transform this once drab office environment into a warm and inviting space... a gentle palette of finishes & furnishings to welcome you in and flow through the office with interest and ease...!   

welcome to southland medical...! 

project profile: mount pleasant, part 4

well it's been a seriously long overdue update for mount pleasant...! we last checked in on this little gem  last spring, where the homeowners set to work on a few lingering household projects. not one's to disappoint, they've since created a much needed kitchen pantry, added new drapery, lighting & decorative bits throughout the living areas, and thoughtfully amassed a small gallery of mementos & memories to display with pride. i say, nice work boys!

i finally reconnected with the clients last fall, and was pleased to see all the wonderful additions...! the bold new stripes in the living room add a dramatic hit of pattern that defines the small dining area - and the new lamps in the bedroom are perfect - satisfying my insatiable love for mid century styling and anything brass right now ;)

but not surprisingly, it was the personal items that had been collected & curated over the course of the year that were my favorite change! maps & medals from wars past were hung neatly in the den; while plates & pottery passed down from family were incorporated into the bright & cheery kitchen... add a good dose of well worn books throughout and you've got a winning mix of personality and presentation! my combination for a pleasing vignette to be certain :)

thanks for stopping in, and welcome back to mount pleasant...!

introducing: glendale

another of our recently completed projects for 2014 sits nestled in the quaint community of glendale.... and while we wait for the furniture and decoration to take shape this spring - a few early snaps are shared below!

a personal favorite (in terms of era), this 1960's bungalow had limited space, but lots of character, and was renovated throughout to serve this growing family for years to come. classic and creative design details are married with thoughtful storage solutions to maximize the space at hand, and still offer an intimate and inviting home for all to enjoy...

a full gallery will be in the works this spring - but until then... here are a few quick shots to get you acquainted ;)

introducing: bearspaw

set in the picturesque community of bearspaw, alberta, this expansive family home recently underwent a complete renovation... and we can't wait to share a sneak peek of the results!

 with finishing touches still falling into place, preparations are underway for a proper photo shoot next month... but just to get things started, here are a few snaps that hopefully capture the flavor of this newly transformed modern farmhouse... not gonna lie, we're pretty excited with how things have turned out?! and are equally excited to share the full gallery this spring :) 

but until then...

saturday morning at majuba hill

i've often thought that if i wasn't busy designing, i'd sure hope to be pursuing my deep rooted passion for photography! as such, i find i am always admiring other photographers work, and inspired when i see their talents and careers take off :) 

fortunately for me, one such photographer decided to head on over to majuba hill on a rainy saturday - capturing some beautiful family moments in those morning hours! lexa has a keen eye for capturing the art of the everyday, seeing beauty in the details, and her appreciation for the imperfection of life is always a joy to see in her work. 

i am honored that these stunning pictures offer yet another glimpse into life on the hill... as seen from lexa's persepctive, here are some of my favorite shots from her saturday morning with the kiddos...

 

project profile: majuba hill

it is often the case that once a client has finished building or renovating, i rarely get a glimpse as to how the home evolves once lived in for a few years... so it is a welcome treat that i am able to return to majuba hill with such frequency :)

set amid towering cedars, and overlooking the valley below - this home is an eye catching addition to this tight knit family community...and it is always a pleasure to return and see how comfortably everyone has settled into life here... 

built in 2009, it has now been home to this busy family of four (plus two pets!) for almost 5 years...and every year it feels more complete, more inviting, and always more beautiful than the last...

these recent photos are from my last visit in june...where the summer sun & greenery set the scene for a fantastic visit! and i was once again able to stay and enjoy the fabulous company, generous hospitality, and breathtaking views (both in and out) of this majestic hillside home :)

enjoy!  

project profile: mount pleasant, part 3

summer is generally a time to kick back, enjoy the warmer temps - and head outdoors for some fun in the sun!  amiright? 

so on my recent visit back to mount pleasant, i was somewhat prepared to see the renovation momentum...stalled out!? in addition to our expected wait for the furniture - the clients were hit with a renovation "surprise!" when an electrician discovered knob and tube wiring throughout - covered up with a cheap disguise of about 5" of new wiring at the source...! not cool. the entire electrical system needed to be replaced - and our beloved hicks pendant lay waiting in darkness for the foreseeable future  :(

upon returning from our travels last month i made a date to stop by - as i knew the furniture had arrived...and reports were circulating that the nathan anthony polo sofa we ordered was a stunner ;) 

it was a "pleasant" surprise to see just how busy my clients had been these last couple of months..! much of the furniture had arrived (the sofa didn't disappoint!), pictures had been hung (including several family heirlooms and a beautiful pair of rocky mountain prints they had plucked from a nearby thrift shop for $25 - score!)... and most impressive!? the lighting was all hanging in place and looking fabulous!

i was pretty pumped.

the momentum not only kept going...but had completely exceeded my expectations...good job guys! ;)

we are still working on some finishing touches throughout - drapery, lamps and general accessories that will pull everything together...so i am saving the BIG reveal for then! but i hope you find the latest gallery a sweet hint as what's to come over at mount pleasant...

enjoy :) 

snapshots: prairie love

after only two consecutive summers of loading the family up for a road trip adventure to my hometown of winnipeg - can it already be called a ritual!? it seems to be so...! 

the now annual trek has - without question - reawakened my lost love for those expansive prairie skies (almost as refreshing as the ocean!?); has opened my eyes to the time weathered beauty of places encountered (& forgotten?!); and of course it takes me home... where i cherish the opportunity to connect with my family & friends for a few fleeting weeks of the year...

and of course, hanging in the spectacular prairie sun with an ice cold beer in hand doesn't hurt either...?! good times :)

in the miles covered over these past two summers - i was excited to discover that winnipeg - and many of the stops along the way - were filled with material for me to explore with my camera... and will probably keep me occupied for many a summer to come...! 

below are a few snapshots of our travels this year... where we made a quick pit stop in regina that led us to the legislature; where i felt the joy of watching max discover all of the treasures inside his grandpas shop - stirring memories of my own childhood, where i loved tinkering around my own grandpas garage! ; where we always manage to squeeze in a trip to the lake!?; and where ghost towns emerge in the middle of the trans canada highway (for real)...

enjoy! 

notable noms: thai chowder

it seemed fitting that my first 'notable noms' post should highlight a recent purchase from nanton; this beautiful dutch oven!

a cast iron piece from the 60's, it was designed by micheal lax for copco denmark, and has an unassuming, easy style. as a recent addition to my kitchen it is already loved for it's clean lines, sturdy make, and vintage vibe.. and i just know it will be put to good use! the stove-top to oven ability & easy clean up make it a practical addition too...form and function at work ;)

the beautiful micheal lax designed dutch oven for copco, denmark. 1960's

the soup i'm about to share below has recently been one of the many shuttled back & forth in the reisinger 'soup jar'  - a mason jar that has become a portable  'vessel of flavors'. frequently filled and shared among us, it is a new "tradition" i quickly became a fan of :)

this particular soup garnered enough positive feedback that i thought it was worth sharing!? it was also a timely post, as i was just about to heat up a bowl of this exotic fare for our lunch - and decided to use my new copco prize for a photo op!

converted from a recipe i found in the wild rose cookbook (so it is cleanse friendly if you happen to be on it!) - this is my version of their seafood chowder; done up thai style by swapping out the herbs for lemingrass, ginger & coconut... and the results were rather delish!

i tend to follow recipes loosely (often doubling them in the process!?), so my quantities below are listed kinda loosely too...but it's an easy one to throw together - and a recipe i'm sure you can play with it to taste :) 

seasoned with lemongrass, ginger & coconut, then topped with fresh cilantro...! yum.

THAI CHOWDER

serves 6-8

ingredients: 

  • 2-3 lbs fresh seafood (firm fish like cod, salmon, halibut, seabass, snapper etc. work best) , cut into large chunks
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 1-2 cups carrots, diced/sliced/julienned 
  • 1 large red pepper, diced
  • 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 19oz can diced tomatoes (i am a big fan of aylmer accents - and used the spicy red pepper flave in this one!)  
  • 4-6 cups stock (vegetable, chicken, or a combination of both)
  • 2 cups potatoes, diced
  • 2 cans coconut milk
  • 1 tbsp vegeta powder (a flavor enhancer found in the spice aisle) 
  • lemongrass & ginger to taste - don't be shy!
  • cilantro to garnish

directions: 

  1. saute onions, carrots, red pepper in olive oil over medium heat, 5 minutes
  2. add garlic, tomatoes, stock, potatoes, lemongrass & ginger
  3. bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer for 7 minutes
  4. add fish, bring to simmer and cook until fish is just cooked through, about 5 minutes (try not to overcook!)
  5. adjust seasonings and serve...top with cilantro if desired :) 

snapshots: nanton 2013

june 1st marked our long awaited return to nanton...yay!

an annual trip that is much anticipated as spring sloooowly advances - after the last week (or two?!) of rain we were thrilled to be donning our sunglasses as we hit the road in search of new treasures!

this is a trip i share with my sister in law (a fellow gemini and lover of deliberation!) where we enjoy browsing each shop top to bottom, and often twice around. reminiscing over the items we'd bought the years before, and hoping for that rush of finding something just as special this year :)

nanton rarely disappoints: this years haul included a nod to the 60's with some vintage pyrex, a micheal lax designed copco dutch oven (love!), and a playful monkey to hang around max's room. it was a good day's work indeed :)

i will be busy working these new finds into an upcoming feature on how old items can be integrated into your home in fresh new ways; stay tuned for that in the coming weeks!

in the meantime, below are a few scenes from around town - snapshots from our day down south...

til next year...thanks nanton!  

a~ 

project profile: mount pleasant, part 2

things are just starting to take shape over at mount pleasant so i thought it was time to post an update - first and foremost giving props to these two clients for all of the serious sweat equity going into their new home! over the past 6 weeks they have carefully restored all of the beautiful brass hardware; refurbished the existing hardwood floors throughout; and completely repainted their home (which is no small feat when covering purple crown mouldings & hot pink doors!). if that weren't enough? the original kitchen cabinets have all been painted over (inside & out) - and are now awaiting new counters, backsplash and hardware. good work i say!

we are now almost ready for the furniture & fixtures to arrive. one of the pieces we'll be seeing soon is the beautifully tailored (and thankfully slender!) nathan anthony sofa - which will anchor the seating area in the living room. chosen for it's perfect proportions - it allows us to maximize seating in this tight space while still being relatively compact in design. plus it's one sexy sofa. how could we resist? ;)

for the "jewellery" - the hicks pendant. which i am absolutely obsessed with right now! it's vintage flavour and clean lines are a perfect fit for this makeover -  and i cannot wait to see it hanging in the new kitchen! 

be sure to take a peek through the new gallery and let me know what you think... :) 

project profile: mount pleasant

sometimes a project comes along and you know it will be a gem!

for this mount pleasant home, the ingredients are all there: great clients, a small & challenging space, and it happens to be a 1912 bungalow that is full of character...just waiting to be painted & polished to a rediscovered glory! 

and what makes a "great" client? the answer could actually constitute a whole new conversation (perhaps a future post?), but in this case both homeowners have an eye for style, an appreciation of the old & new, and are keen to restore their home with a little time, a little more elbow grease, and an always appreciated sense of humor ;) 

the project is just getting underway, and we have decided to run a series of posts on the transformation. to get us started, here are a collection of  'before' pictures - revealing just a few of the details that are going to make this small home big on style!

stay tuned for more - updates will be tracked and shared as we dive into things over in mount pleasant...! 

introducing: nanton, ab

it might seem early, but i have it on good authority that spring is just around the corner.  although there is still snow on the ground, and the trees are still bare...whenever my thoughts turn to nanton, i know spring is close! 

nanton, alberta is a quaint town about an hour south of calgary - where my sister in law and i go every year to slowly and meticulously comb through each and every one of the antique shops that line it's few downtown blocks. we began this annual ritual about 5 years ago, and both eagerly await it's return every spring! in addition to the absolute thrill of discovering a hidden treasure in the shops (so much fun!) - we both like to let our imaginations loose, wondering about the people that lived behind the belongings we are so carefully browsing; who owned that pretty ring?  how did these postcards end up here? who wrote them?... and of course all those stern faces that peer back at us from the old portraits and pictures (some of them a bit creepy?!) - could they ever have imagined their possessions and memories would find their way here? and in some cases, such as ours, off to a new home to be used & cherished all over again!?  

i have to admit, i have hoped on more than one occasion that something i own(ed) could one day find a similar fate? perhaps my hoarding tendency to collect old magazines, vintage cameras, and kitchen crockery will one day result in one of these prized possessions experiencing a reincarnation into another home, a generation from now....? ha! a romantic thought...

in preparation for spring, and our mini road trip south, i thought i would share a few photos from last years visit...

welcome to nanton! 

and so it begins...!

imagine a girl with a passion for design, photography, print, food, fashion, fun & general frivolity... who also has a secret desire to write (a novel perhaps!?), travel the world (in search of exotic and forgotten treasures!), is a bit of a self professed word nerd (a natural byproduct of my love to read?) and probably has a hoarding tendency (i just need a bigger house, seriously!)…

well, that’s pretty much me!

with the launch of my design practice, and the current wave of social media that captures the attention of whole new league of audience, it seemed fitting for me to create a space of my own! a space where i can share my passions, exercise my voice, & push myself further as a designer - and as soon as i decided to jump on the blogging wagon, it became clear i had no shortage of material to write about...the ideas are piling up - and i can't wait to share...!

​so, without further ado - welcome to my blog! admittedly, a work in progress...but soon a place where i hope to keep you up to speed on my current obsessions, inspirations & musings - while allowing me to delve into so many of those aforementioned 'leisurely loves' along the way.  

i thank you for joining me, and i hope you enjoy...!​

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