Catching Up with Sophie Burke

The Vancouver designer lets us in on her favourite trends for Spring.

Last year, Designer of the Year alum Sophie Burke gave us a tour of her favourite shops in Gastown, and we’ve caught up with the designer to see what trends are topping her list for the Spring 2015 season.Sophie’s Snapshots. Want the look? Sophie sent us her personal pics of some of her fantastic finds, like these brass-toned light fixtures.Metallic WarmthThough warm metals in the home are not a new concept, Sophie emphasizes that most trends typically outlast a single season. Brasses, coppers, and golds are still a strong statement and can easily be integrated into any home design. Sophie loves the Tom Dixon Collection, which offers a range of warm metallic lighting fixtures, furniture, and home accessories. For a quick addition, think tabletop accessories like candlesticks.Designer’s Choice For bold black and white patterns, Sophie finds inspiration from Danish design brand, OYOY, who feature a range of graphic pillows.Graphic Black and WhiteAccording to Sophie, the use of black and white in strong geometric patterns is only just getting started. “You can see that with fashion, and I think it really has permeated the design industry,” shares Sophie, “you see it very much right now in bathroom tiles using either white or black tiles and the opposite coloured grout, creating a strong geometric feel.” But the trend isn’t finished pushing the envelope, and is now coming through even in the plumbing industry with bold fixtures throughout the home. For no-fuss solutions to integrate this trend into your home design, Sophie suggests looking at pillows and linens from Danish company OYOY, or CB2.Sophie’s Snapshots Sophie sent us this pic to showcase how international woven rugs can add an eclectic and colourful mix to a home’s design.The Global CollectiveWorldly designs are becoming closer to home, and Sophie can’t get enough of global influence. From Moroccan boucherouite rugs to Scandinavian pale pastels, international styles are now easy to find in shops around town. Despite the convenience, Sophie’s favourite find comes from Denmark. “When I was there in the Spring, there was a line of single cut crystal lights by Lee Broom that I fell in love with. And they’re not that expensive!” Still getting through spring cleaning? Sophie suggests embracing the global collective through storage solutions like woven baskets.Designer’s Choice To get the handcrafted look, Sophie picked out these dip-dyed cushions by CB2 that can easily be switched in to get a fresh Spring design.Homemade DesignsThe handcrafted look is at a prime, but (luckily) Sophie knows it doesn’t take an artist to get the look. “There’s that organic, handmade look for dishes right now,” Sophie adds, “And stores are using crocheted wall hangings for displays right now, like Vancouver Special on Main Street. “ The designer explains knitted wall hangings often come in monochromatic tones and are an excellent way to take the handcrafted movement and put it on the wall.Need a touch more inspiration? Have a peak at more of Sophie’s snapshots she took while on the hunt for the latest trends. Cut crystal pendant lights by Lee Broom