Feb 08
0

A kitchen design to inspire: creative cakes to amaze

Posted by Toni Collins | VR Art Glass - Projects, VR Blog | No Comments

More than the pulsing heart of a family home, this impressive kitchen is also the creative hub for ‘Kylie’s Custom Cakes’, a business managed by Kylie Rischitelli.

While the business is officially quite young, the apprenticeship has been extensive. Kylie has been the family cake maker for over 20 years. Now a prize winning cake maker, Kylie has turned her passion into a career.

Prior to the recent renovation, the old kitchen wore a 1980’s colour palette. Picture floor tiles in tones of pink, grey and white, combined with solid timber cupboard doors and beige coloured benches and splashback. I was a teen in the 80’s, so I know how long ago that era was. The kitchen had done its work! A renovation was not only for the family; it was also needed to meet Council requirements for Kylie to register her business.

 

VR ArtGlass printed glass kitchen splashback artwork by Visual Resource Melbourne CHARCOAL 1

The spacious kitchen is vast in size – with as much again to the left (not pictured here).

 

The Design

The design process for the renovation involved considering Kylie’s needs from the kitchen, along with a selection of finishes to transform the space from the darker, heavier, solid timber feel it had been. With husband Leo a professional cabinetmaker and shop fitter, along with Kylie’s clear vision on what was needed, the kitchen design evolved collaboratively. Leo completed the design drawings, taking care of all the finer details, along with the build.

 

The End Result

  • The ‘Turino’ stone bench tops shine: creating a bright, open and inviting space.
  • The ‘Charred Makassar’ cabinetry finish with organic, natural timber grain reflects an individual style, well suited to the creative spirit the home emanates.
  •  ‘Charcoal # 1’ artwork featured on the VR Art Glass splashback was selected for its earthy colours and design, complimenting the kitchen beautifully.
  •  And with 56 drawers and 10 cupboards the kitchen has everything Kylie, Leo and the entire family could have hoped for.

 

The spacious, light filled and superbly appointed kitchen now enables Kylie’s creative business to flourish. Of course, Kylie will make all sorts of cakes to suit the needs of your occasion: cupcakes, cake pops, biscuits to name a few. Pictured here are some of her 3D and novelty cakes, which are just amazing.

 

To see more of the stunning cake designs Kylie conjures up after listening to what her clients have in mind, please visit: www.kyliescustomcakes.com.au

 

Kitchen Finishes

Finishes within the kitchen include:

  • Bench tops – Quantum Quartz Stone, (colour) Turino
  • Timber cabinetry doors – Charred Makassar
  • White cabinetry doors & drawers – StyleLite high gloss acrylic
  • Splashback – VR Art Glass featuring ‘Charcoal # 1’ artwork from the Seasons Collection
VR Art Glass Printed Glass Splashback photo art by Michael Collins CHARCOAL 1

VR Art Glass kitchen splashback featuring ‘Charcoal # 1’ from the Seasons Collection.

 

 

Kylies custom cakes POPPIES award winning celebration cakes

All cakes pictured (here & above), won first place in their categories at the Dandenong Show. ‘Poppies’ also won first place at the Melbourne Show for the Celebration Cake category.

 

Kylies custom cakes - ingredients and cupcake tins storage

One Council requirement for a home based cooking business is to have your ingredients stored separately. This requirement is well achieved by the sizeable cake & decorating pantry.

Jan 29
0

Establishing your sense of style

Posted by Toni Collins | Travel, VR Blog | No Comments

Holiday reading inspiration

Before January slips away for another year… I will linger (just for a moment), to share my favourite summer holiday pastime… reading.   There is a massive contrast to my experience of reading during the year versus on holidays. While engulfed in the throws of the yearly work/life juggle, reading a novel or book is a great challenge to squeeze in. I also struggle to conquer more than a few pages before I start to nod off! (Regardless of the time of day.) So every summer… with leisure time in spades, reading is like discovering a newfound joyful hobby, again, and again!

This year my holiday reading included the page-turner ‘Reckoning’ a memoir by Magda Szubanski, along with a book by Anna Spiro ‘Absolutely Beautiful Things : a bright and colourful life’ (pictured above).  Both wonderful.  The interiors book by Spiro bursts with vibrant, energising colour, along with eclectic, layered styling. (No chance of nodding off with it in my grasp.)

I found Spiro’s love for and use of colour playful and rambunctious. Best of all Spiro offers her reader insight into how she found her own unique style, along with encouragement to experiment, in order to find your own sense of style. That’s generous!

The style presented in the beautiful photographs of the book is not akin to my own. And I think that is one of the key points Spiro is making. Rather than trying to emulate a particular style, explore and trust your instincts, so that you may find your own style – one you love. The book invites you to be brave, “go for it,” “mix and match”, “Give it a try,” all come to mind as I read.

So why not put your favorite colours on display in your home? Who cares if your neighbors’ favorite shade is Antique White U.S.A., with a choice of cushion toned Whisper White (for a radical contrast)?

Why not let your home shine with items and colours that provide a small reflection of the complex character which is you!!!

VR Book Review Anna Spiro Absolutely Beautiful Things Style Inspirations

I loved the generosity of Interior Designer Anna Spiro, as she encourages her reader to develop a unique sense of style.

 

 

Dec 18
0

VR ARTWORKS – anywhere you want them!

Posted by Toni Collins | VR Artwork - Projects | No Comments

As you peruse through the VR Galleries, pick out your favourite artwork and ask yourself…

‘where would this look great in my home or workspace?’

Perhaps you have a bathroom or kitchen project planned where a feature splashback will be just the thing to make your space unique – a reflection of your individual style.

Or… maybe now is the ideal time to fill that blank wall, crying out for some love.

 

Where ever you need the addition of art – it is possible!

 

For some inspiration to spark your creative ideas, here are two examples where VR Artworks have become welcome additions.

The first (pictured above): VR Art Glass featuring ‘Charcoal # 1’ from the Seasons Collection adds the finishing touch to a carefully renovated kitchen.  (More about this beautiful kitchen and the professional cake maker who enjoys working within it… in the new year.)

The second (pictured below): Wall Art to unify the colour scheme and enhance the ambience of a financial services workspace. The office enjoys numerous pieces selected from the ‘New Elements Collection’, each created using the premium ‘Urban Presentation’ finish. The addition of the artworks completes a new fit out and move to a larger, higher profile destination for this successful business.

 

Anywhere you can imagine the addition of stunning VR Artwork – we can assist with a recommended finish, perfect for the location. Let your imagination run wild.

VR Artwork Wall Art for Office Reception NEW ELEMENTS by Visual Resoruce

VR Artwork ’21 New Elements’ adds a warming addition to the reception area.

 

VR Artwork Wall Art for Office NEW ELEMENTS by Visual Resource

VR Artwork ’13 New Elements’. A welcome addition to a successful financial services workspace.

 

VR Artwork wall art by Visual Resource NEW ELEMENTS photo art by Michael Collins

VR Artwork ’13 New Elements’, created using the premium ‘Urban Presentation’ finish. VR wall art completes the new fit out.

 

Nov 18
0

Announcing a new Collection of VR photo artworks – PODS

Posted by Toni Collins | Collections, VR Blog | No Comments

“In the purest sense, pattern, like colour, is a way of delighting the eye.

 

Pattern is powerful and transformative, adding rhythm and movement to the sensory experience of colour and texture. It can be rather stately and measured, suggestive of order and repose; flowing and branching, leading the eye onward; or lively and dancing, almost in a musical sense. Whichever is the case, there is something both joyful and infectious about it.”

A quote by Orla Kiely, from her book titled ‘Pattern’.

VR PODS 02 Photo Artwork by Michael Collins for Visual Resource

02 PODS. Inspired by the patterns inherent in nature.

 

The patterns inherent in nature provide the rhythm and movement Orla Kiely so eloquently presents.

 

Mesmerised by patterns found in nature, the PODS Collection was created when photographer Michael Collins explored and transformed one of nature’s designs, into something delicate and playful.

The creativity does not stop there. The colour choice for each PODS artwork is infinitely variable. Your PODS image can be customised with colours to reflect your style.

 

Pattern is part of the design of life surrounding us. All we need to do now is open our eyes, notice and enjoy it.

VR PODS 06 Photo Artwork by Michael Collins for Visual Resource

06 PODS. The colour choice for each PODS artwork is infinitely variable. Have your PODS design customised with colours to reflect your style.

 

VR PODS 01 Photo Artwork by Michael Collins for Visual Resource

01 PODS. Created when photographer Michael Collins explored & transformed one of nature’s designs.

 

Oct 28
0

VR Artworks can be subtle, delicate & quiet

Posted by Toni Collins | Collections, VR Blog | No Comments

The creation of a new series of photo artwork is underway.

 

The exquisite organic form of the flower is a delight.

The whiteness of the image evokes impressions of purity, simplicity and perfection.

Photo artworks created by Michael Collins are ideal for wall art, or a sophisticated addition to your kitchen as an Art Glass splashback.

The new ‘White on White’ Collection will be released soon, with just a sneak preview for you today.

 

Oct 12
1

Six things we love about an al fresco kitchen

Posted by Toni Collins | VR Art Glass - Projects, VR Blog | No Comments

With summer on the way, and with a wonderful outdoor kitchen and dining area such as this: the temptation would be to eat al fresco every night of the week!

 

When planning the project, homeowners were seeking a point of difference and a talking point for the outdoor kitchen… with the talking point being for the right reasons. No responses of ‘hmmmm that’s interesting…’ followed by an awkward silence were wanted!

There is little chance of awkward silence while people enjoy this delightful space. There are so many things for them to talk about.  Here are just six things we love about this al fresco kitchen…to get the conversation started.

 

One: THIS OUTDOOR KITCHEN HAS CHARACTER

When the homeowners first spoke to Michael and I about the outdoor kitchen they said the inspiration was to create a deli type feel… and for the space to evoke feelings about food. ‘Cremona #2’ from the Italy Collection was the artwork selection homeowners made, and it’s such a perfect fit for the inspiration and creative brief. Not only do the tones of the feature splashback compliment the surrounding finishes beautifully, the visual shows an outdoor café, set and poised for the evening trade ahead. Are you thinking about what sort of tasty Italian food the café may serve?

 

Two: CLOSE PROXIMITY TO INDOOR LIVING

The outdoor cooking area is located right next to the indoor living and kitchen area – making it so easy to expand the indoor and outdoor living spaces into one large zone. Imagine the convenience when entertaining!

 

VR Art Glass Printed Glass Splashback by Visual Resource view into home

The VR Art Glass splashback features ‘Cremona # 2’ artwork from the Italy Collection.

 

Three: CLEVER DESIGN WITH BUILT IN – HIDE AWAY QUALITIES

While you cannot see it… there is a roller door and when closed the entire outdoor kitchen is neatly hidden away. Not to mention protected from the elements too! The clever design enables a fully equipped outdoor kitchen, as well appointed and functional as any interior kitchen: all cocooned within a protective and streamlined shell.

 

Four: STAINLESS STEEL COHESION

The traditional stainless steel oven and cooktop appliances from inside – are replicated with the outdoor barbecue and gas wok burner. Even the pizza oven boasts a stainless steel finish.

 

Five: GENEROUS PROPORTIONS

The outdoor area is large! The size of the VR Art Glass splashback is over 4.5m wide x 0.8m high. The generous scale of the space allows family and guests to relax while spreading out around a good-sized dining table. (While not pictured here, the space is home to a sizable dining table.)

 

Six: OVERHEAD SHELTER

The Vergola (an opening louvre roof system) provides protection from the elements (sun and rain), along with privacy.

 

What do the homeowners have to say about the end result and what it was like to work with Toni & Michael (from Visual Resource) for their important home enhancement project?

“It looks fantastic! Dealing with you has been the best experience of our renovation adventure.” Dean

VR Art Glass Printed Glass Splashback by Visual Resource CREMONA 2 Photo art by Michael Collins side angle

Captured by Michael Collins – the photo art featured on the outdoor kitchen splashback was taken in Cremona Italy. While visiting Cremona we coined it the ‘City of Bikes’, as they were everywhere!

 

Sep 30
0

Artworks from VR add colour & character into two freshly renovated bathrooms

Posted by Toni Collins | VR Art Glass - Projects, VR Blog | No Comments

One home: two magnificent new bathrooms.

Good design just works. And sometimes… design is so good – the end result is more delightful than you could have imagined or hoped for. The crisply renovated bathroom & ensuite within a Vermont South home deliver just that. In addition to the perfect bones of ‘good design’: the spaces are impressive, a triumph.

Complete with tiles and fittings in black, chrome and white, both wet areas offer a simple monochromatic ‘canvas’. The white tiled walls for example, demonstrate a delicate restraint. The splash of colour from VR Art Glass compliments the restraint – adding the perfect balance of zest and personality.

 

VR Art Glass Printed Glass ensuite COLOUR SPLASH 7 close up

The niches echo the larger feature – providing a subtle motif and connection to the main artwork.

 

The overall impression:

More than a monochromatic beauty, the bathrooms wear colour and character with eloquent cohesion.

 

What does the designer/builder of the bathrooms have to say?

The ensuite is the best I have ever done. I love it. While I was initially worried about the brightness of the artworks… now they are in – I love them, as they set off the bathroom and ensuite, which are otherwise quite neutral in colour.

John Verrion – designer and builder of Renobuild Bathrooms & Tiling

 

VR ArtGlass Printed Glass for bathrooms PAINTERLY 14 wide

Bathroom featuring VR Art Glass – NEW PAINTERLY # 14.

 

The homeowner had a clear vision and decisive approach when she selected two artworks from VR Collections: ‘Colour Splash # 7’ for the ensuite and ‘New Painterly # 14’ for the bathroom. The artwork designs have a dynamic energy accentuated by the stunning colours.

 

As a result of her brave artwork selections, the homeowner is now enjoying her two new bathrooms that offer personality in spades.

 

VR ART GLASS Printed Glass by Visual Resource ensuite bath COLOUR SPLASH 7

Ensuite featuring VR Art Glass – COLOUR SPLASH # 7. Overall impression: the bathrooms wear colour & character with eloquent cohesion.

 

About the fittings

  • The bath is from the Polilife Mercury Series
  • Towel rail is Kado Quad
  • Feature artwork on the wall & niches – VR Art Glass from Visual Resource

 

VR Art Glass Printed Glass for Bathrooms by Visual Resource art PAINTERLY 14 upright

Bathroom featuring VR Art Glass – NEW PAINTERLY # 14. Towel rail is Kado Quad.

VR Art Glass Printed Glass for Bathrooms niche above the bath PAINTERLY 14

The niches echo the larger feature – providing a subtle motif and connection to the main artwork.

 

VR Art Glass Printed Glass by Visual Resource for Bathrooms PAINTERLY 14 Cameo Shot

Bathroom featuring VR Art Glass – NEW PAINTERLY # 14. The artwork designs have a dynamic energy accentuated by the stunning colours.

 

 

VR Art Glass Printed Glass by Visual Resource ensuite niche in Shower COLOUR SPLASH 7

Design and build by John Verrion of Renobuild Bathrooms & Tiling.

Sep 16
0

New Original Works by Michael Collins: BLOOMING BANQUET

Posted by Toni Collins | Collections, VR Blog | No Comments

A sumptuous feast for the eyes, the new Blooming Banquet Collection of photo art has been cultivated for beauty and rarity.

 

The Collection will be carefully managed with limited edition release.  Each artwork will be printed five times only, making these works as precious and rare as a warm Spring day.

A limited print run has incredible significance for art.  With five only of each artwork to be printed – you can be certain the work of art in your home will be an original.

 

VR Art Glass BLOOMING BANQUET 01 Kitchen Splashback Limited Edition Art

Limited Edition Collection BLOOMING BANQUET. Each artwork will be printed five times only. Pictured here ’01 Blooming Banquet’ – VR Art Glass Splashback.

 

View the full Collection of works – Blooming Banquet. 

Blooming Banquet - Limited Edition Photo Art by Michael Collins Images 18 and 11

Top – Blooming Banquet # 18. Bottom – Blooming Banquet # 11

 

BLOOMING BANQUET - Limited Edition Photo Art by Michael Collins Images 03 and 09

Top – Blooming Banquet # 03. Bottom – Blooming Banquet # 09

 

Sep 10
0

Exceptional Designers Awarded for Creative Talents

Posted by Toni Collins | News & Events, VR Blog | No Comments

Michael and I are simply delighted to share the news, not one… but two projects we collaborated on have won, during the 2015 Kitchen & Bathroom Designers Institute (KBDi) Awards.

 

Recently the Kitchen and Bathroom design community gathered eagerly hoping their fine work would receive the accolade of ‘best kitchen’ or ‘best bathroom’ award, when competing against a stellar field of Australian designers.

We are so proud to have contributed to these two wonderful award-winning designs.

Designer Patricia La Torre of OutsideInside Building Elements has taken out the award for DESIGNER – SMALL KITCHENS – VIC. Patricia’s stunning design went on to secure her the chapter award and title of KBDi KITCHEN DESIGNER OF THE YEAR 2015 – VIC.

Melbourne kitchen with printed VR Art Glass Splashback

Designer Tip: If artwork is your kitchen’s focal point, choose similar colours, textures and finishes to complement the artwork – without detracting from it.

 

The award-winning Fitzroy kitchen features a striking VR Art Glass splashback with photographic artwork created by Michael Collins – Natures Shape # 4.

 

Splashback with art NATURES SHAPE #4 by Visual Resource

About the design, Patricia La Torre said, “Visually, everything centres on the striking glass splashback.”

 

Designer Patricia La Torre of OutsideInside Building Elements describes the design:

“This kitchen is a marvelous blend of form, function and fun.

The owners are art and design lovers, so the new kitchen needed to suit their personalities, lifestyle and the architectural style of this North Fitzroy apartment.

Visually, everything centres on the striking glass splashback. A prominent piece of photography, the artwork injects vibrant colours and playful lines into the space. The surrounding palette was drawn from this to achieve a perfect harmony of colour and texture that flows from the kitchen into the adjacent living and dining areas, and outside onto the balcony.

In a smaller apartment, the layout needed to improve the function, storage and flow of workspaces. Every little detail was considered and is interconnected.

The result is an open-plan cooking and entertaining area that’s not only an eye-catching feature of the home but also the engine room of everyday life and a pleasure to spend time in.”

 

And what did the judges have to say about Patricia’s winning project?

The designer produced an outstanding design that certainly made the most of a very small space, but it was the dynamic splashback and vibrant colours in this kitchen that first caught the attention of the judging panel. Combined with the warmth of the Blackbutt veneer and the crispness of the white cabinetry and benchtops, the complementary red and green hues create a visual delight. Subtle detailing further enhances the appeal of the kitchen, and excellent documentation made judging a breeze.

 

Another creative design to capture the hearts and minds of judges was Sam Robinson’s elegant en-suite within a Port Melbourne apartment – awarded DESIGNER – SMALL BATHROOMS – VIC.

 

Bathroom design with wall sized VR Art Glass printed glass feature by Visual Resource

Designer Sam Robinson has taken out the award for DESIGNER – SMALL BATHROOMS – VIC. Congratulations Sam!

 

Incorporating a wall sized VR Art Glass printed splashback provides a statement piece as well as a stamp of individuality for homeowners.

Sam acknowledged the creative and technical contribution Visual Resource made to the project with a note to Toni & Michael, “Could not have been possible without your talent, skill and professionalism. Just wanted to say a humungous THANK YOU!’ Sam wrote.

 

Outstanding design within the all-important kitchen and bathroom does so much more than being aesthetically pleasing and functional. Exceptional design can unify a home, assert a personality and style worthy of the people living in the home, it can transform what it’s like to live in the space. I feel so strongly about the difference outstanding, creative design can make – I think it can change lives!

We enjoyed having our creativity and technical skills put to task for the clients and their homes. The collaboration between VR and designers Patricia La Torre and Sam Robinson yielded great results. Congratulations to both designers for the well deserved awards you have won for your exceptional designs.

 

About the KBDI Awards

KBDi is short for the Kitchen & Bathroom Designers Institute. Each year the KBDI host an awards program intended to recognise the incredible talent of Australia’s finest Kitchen and Bathroom designers. Entrants of the awards range from high profile professionals who have been in the industry for many years, to up and coming designers new to the game.

 

For a full list of National Award Winners for the 2015 KBDi Designer Awards, please follow the link…

http://www.kbdiawards.org.au/news/kbdi-awards-2015-winners/

Sep 01
0

Photography Exhibition Not To Be Missed

Posted by Toni Collins | News & Events, VR Blog | No Comments

Ballarat International Foto Biennale.

Michael and I love photography. (Perhaps you do too?) It’s the passion for photography that inspires us to venture down the highway, visiting the Ballarat International Foto Biennale every two years.

The range of photographic styles and collection of works presented by the BIFB is simply vast – well worth a drive and day out. For a very brief teaser of one exhibit you can see, the works shared here are by Photographer Pang Xiangliang, Daquing China, with his exhibition titled, ‘The Post – 1980 Drilling Workers’.

We found the exhibit by Pang gritty, industrial, harsh and real. The workers in these harsh conditions are heroic, presenting human qualities of endurance and perseverance. Much to our delight, the Photographer, his Wife and Niece were at the venue and keen to speak to us about his works. He even took some photos of us!

Within the Core Program Catalogue, Wu Peng wrote of Pang’s exhibit:

In order to record the hard working environment of ‘the post-1980’ drilling workers, Pang Xiangliang has spent countless hours taking photos in the well site in cold winter. With regards to shooting, Pang Xiangliang upholds the basic principles of documentary photography and its moral bottom line, which makes the pictures truly reflect the drillers’ work and the precious moments of life.

The Drilling Workers Photography by Pang XIANGLIANG - Young Drilling Worker

Photography by Pang Xinagliang © Image, Zhou Peng, a young drilling worker from the exhibition titled, ‘The Post – 1980 Drilling Workers’

 

Perhaps you will be tempted to go and take a look? See what you think of the photography by Pang and many other artists exhibiting at this years Ballarat International Foto Biennale – running from 22 August through until September 20. The International Foto exhibition is well worth a drive to Ballarat for a day of visual & creative discovery.

Without giving too much away about the experience that waits, a quick tip to get you started on your path is… Stop by the BIFB office (beside the Ballarat Mining Exchange – 12 Lydiard St North), collect a Festival Program, head for a nearby café to peruse the Program. The Program will provide a quick introduction to the scope of Photographers on display throughout the many fascinating locations exhibiting works. Then, get on the move and start discovering!

 

About the Artist

Mr Pang was born in Ta’an, Shandong Province. He worked as an oil worker and an art teacher before he undertook study and became a member of the judiciary. He is a member of the Chinese Photographers Association, the Heilongjiang Photographers Association and is Honorary Chairman of the Daqing Oil-Light Photographers Association. He was awarded Outstanding Photographer in social life photography at the Pingyao International photo festival in 2013 and again in 2014.

 

To discover more about the many wonderful photographers and creative exhibits presented by the festival, check out the organisers website link:

BIFB Website