TREND SPOTTING

Philippe Malouin goes for a brutalist effect, while Bensen pursues an international style. Two unique furniture lines are bom

BRUTE POWER

With his first Gridlock collection, Philippe Malouin erected white cages that incorporated the functionality of lamps, mobiles and tables, with finishes in smooth black concrete. The desired effect? Small - scale architecture for the home. When it came time to evolve the collection, the Laval, Quebec - born industrial designer sought a bigger theme: he toured the Golden Lane Estate Council housing complex and the Barbican Estate residences, both designed by Chamberlin, Powell and Bon, and both prime examples of London brutalist architecture. To convey the geometry and heft of the architectural movement, the follow - up series pushes the industrial materials even further. His pyramidal Svetko chandelier, towerlike Scarpa desk and caged Powell Bowl, for instance, contrast brass tube lattices against concrete slabs and blocks sandblasted to expose the aggregate. "I chose materials that reflect my references. Sandblasted concrete is extremely symbolic of that period," explains Malouin. "But I decided to use brass to create a sense of refinement, like that seen in Carlo Scarpas work."

PRECISELY RIGHT

Toronto designer Jessica Kelly serves this homeowner a dose of modern garnished with lighthearted colour and texture.

Preparing for a kitchen renovation is definitely a time to dream - to think of how that brand new stainless steel range, show - stopping backsplash or even extra counter space will make life just that much better. But for a Bay Street financier, its also a time for prudence. When Christopher Craib, the chief financial officer of a securities firm in Toronto, decided it was time to overhaul Lhe builder - boring kitchen in his 10 - year - old west - end condo, his plan involved more than just updating the look.

"I had to consider I was renovating in a condo and wanted to spend my money wisely," says Christopher, who has been living in his 1,600 - square - foot condo for eight years. "You have to be careful not to overspend for your building if you want to get your money back in the future, so I was mindful of those constraints." For Christopher, cautious spending meant keeping the reno simple, mixing high and low elements and creating a modern look that lasts. So he enlisted Toronto designer Jessica Kelly to make sure he got it all right the first time.