May
24
What Would You Ask Vern Yip?
The design process has begun! HGTV Urban Oasis 2011, located in Trump International Hotel and Tower Chicago, is in the early stages of construction (i.e., it’s an empty canvas awaiting HGTV designer Vern Yip’s artistic touch ). Vern plans to decorate the space with an eclectic mix of antiques, architectural artifacts and contemporary decor that reflects Chicago’s heart and soul.
If you and Vern were chatting about Urban Oasis over a cup of coffee right at this moment, what would you ask him? Post your questions below. We’ll select the very best and pose them to HGTV’s famed designer. Look for a Q&A slideshow in the days to come!
What's your inspiration for the design ?
I've never been to Chicago so what's the one decor item that you'll use that will say to me…."you're in Chicago"!
What colors scream, "Chicago!" ? Or better yet, which hues reverberate life in this famous city?
What Chicago icons will you use in decorating the Urban Oasis? Will we have a miniature ferris
wheel, lake pictures, and architectural photos? We've know you've been shopping in Chicago.
What kind of antiques are you using for the furnishings? I've been a long time fan of your
decorating style and know whatever you decide will be great!!
With this being a condo and there being so many options for what to put into this space, what is your method for deciding what goes in and what is out?
Do you finish the inside of the condo and then look for things to compliment what has been done or do you base what you are going to do to the inside around certain pieces that represent the overall design you are shooting for?
Thank you!!!! I can't wait to see what the finished condo looks like!!
Michelle
I'd ask him whether he would consider a minimalist approach. The view has to be great from the 35th floor. I would think you would not want to take away from that. Less is more.
I too would ask what items you would put in that said here I am. Chicago!
I would ask Vern what first struck him about this particular apartment. Was it the view? The layout? The location? What makes this apartment special? Also, what was the biggest challenge when designing the interior of this space, other than the size (since most apartments are not that spacious anyway)?
Vern- I loved the foyer from the New York apartment! You have a great designer eye! My question would be: " Since this is "The Trump Tower" what comes to your mind in over the top elegance? Rich and elegant, but old world elegance? Burgandy's perhaps? Winter Green?
In the picture above it looks like the cabinets and appliances for the kitchen were taken out. I was wondering why these were taken out? If so, what will go in their place?
For the giveaways, HGTV often replaces "builder stock items" with items selected to highlight products from the specific sponsors of the promotion when they do the design. If they have a cabinet brand sponsor, like they did last year, they wouldn't want a competitors product in view… Same thing with the appliances.
Are you planning any space for guests or a home office?
I thought the kitchen as it was – was beautiful- Why did you remove it?
Hi Nebraska,
Just wondering…where did you go to see the kitchen in the condo before it was removed? Were there other pictures of what the condo looked like before they started on it?
Thanks!!
I was thinking the same thing Michelle until I realized Nebraska may have viewed photos of other Trump Tower condos. That's what I'm going to do now.
ooooh ok. I tried to do that but somehow I don't think I was looking at the right pictures because I couldn't figure out if I was looking at a condo unit for sale or one of the hotel rooms because I think that there is a mix of the two in this building.
Thanks!
Michelle
If you go to the Trump Tower website you can view the various design layouts for the apartments.
Yes I went to the condo views on the Trump Tower site. They advertise ALL units as having those features.
Thanks everybody!!!
It could be that most of the empty units are unfinished. That would be a big expense to finish all of the condo units with the high end kitchen appliances and bathroom fixtures. When they sell maybe they finish them then. Some could stay empty for a year or more. Maybe you get a better price if you finish it yourself? Just thinking out loud.
Agree, this is usually how they do it in high rise apartments for sale. It is better to show a completed unit with the top of the line appliances, but the buyer ultimately has the choice of how they will finish their particular unit.
@ Nebraska – They are probably going to customize everything to fit the expectations of the HGTV viewers!
If they had to rip anything out I'll take it!
I don't think the video of Jack was filmed in the same unit as the layout was different than this floor plan. If they have a flooring product sponsor, a cabinet sponsor and an appliance sponsor like they did last year, its only appropriate to use their products.
I'm sure you're right. The walls didn't match the floor plan.
Wow, a blank slate, taking the interior back to square one, and reworking a completely custom look. Bravo!
MY QUESTIONS for Vern Yip, as we chat over his cup of coffee and my cup of tea, would be:
What's your favorite "quirky" piece? What was the inspiration, or was it a "one glance and I knew it was perfect" affair?
I know you work with non-profits like UNICEF. Did you include a special piece of decor that's very meaningful to you in this year's Urban Oasis as well?
What most influenced your design style choice, the city's historical and art deco architecture, the Chicago River view, or the ultra-contemporary look and high-end luxury reputation of Trump Tower itself?
Is there a particular sense of character, attitude, or a mental picture of Chicago in your mind or rather a well-known landmark that gave inspiration to your choices of artwork?
And one last quick question — how's the coffee here … and where would you like to go for next year's Urban Oasis? No harm in trying, is there? ^_^
Oh my gosh, I would be a miniature Janzee and sit on the kitchen table, just to hear this interview.
Vern, what impresses you most about the Urban Oasis and how will you draw attention to your most favorite spot?
Dear Vern,
Which age bracket are you designing for? I heard that people are migrating back to the city for retirement.
would they be able to invite grandkids over for a weekend?
Did the Chicago River and/or Lake Michigan play part of your inspiration, too?B)
Can't wait to see who wins this formidable place.
thank you,
This is my area of concern. What is there in this building that would make it a good home
for senior citizens and for handicapabile people? Could a wheelchair present problems?
Could kitchen cupboards be easily switched to lower the cupboards and even the sink?
I'll stop here becasue the questions are so specific. Ulali60 are any of these questions of
any concern to you as well?
Great question! If it is designed for a certain age bracket, could it easily be transformed to another?
I asked a question (actually two) yesterday, but Mary left a comment on the DH blog requesting that we leave more questions for Vern, so I am back with another one! Vern, of all the furniture and accessories that you chose for this apartment, do you have a favorite? Can you tell us what it is and why it is your favorite? Perhaps you could show a picture as well!
Since this is similar to one of Coop's questions, here is another — what did you enjoy most about this part of Chicago? Was it a restaurant, a museum, perhaps the waterfront — as someone who has not spent any time in Chicago I am curious to know more about this city and would love to have your perspective!
You should take a break and go visit the Art Museum, and give the guy walking around with fliers a dollar to tell you about route 66. he always tells the same jokes about poo and tigger it's rather funny.
Which natural or architectural features in the City of Chicago will be your biggest inspiration for the design of this Urban Oasis? Which color scheme are you considering?
Speaking of Route 66… I wonder if you can get some old glass– electrical insulators from route 66 to add to your design. I have a beautiful blue-green one that hangs perfectly in a wrought iron stand. My mother brought them home from her stay in Illinois. A trio of those would be perfect. How big are the windows? That's all I can think of right now.
Great fantastic genius question, miss Cams, I was thinking the same thing on the way down town the other day
Hi Vern, I'd love to know if the washer/dryer area would accommodate a full sized set, or if it would be apartment sized appliances? Also, if the winner happens to have a piano, would there be a way to get it up there?
Ahhhhh Debra, were thinking of me? LOL Or did you take up piano? Or maybe your daughters play. Are you hiding musical talents within your family. Or possibly you've run out of things to ask. You got my attention anyway.. ^_^
I think I was born playing the piano. My music teacher in fourth grade didn't share that opinion and I have since reluctantly gone to listening to others play my favorite pieces. My son-in-law is a classic pianist and my granddaughter has her three year old's version of a little piano. It runs in the blood:)
Possibly you were thinking of a dramatic grand piano crane lift to a very high floor. Quick grab the glad force flex trash bags.
Perhaps you haven't seen that commercial. With the way tv shows those scenes, it has me believing that pianos never do make it up to the top floors.
Haha! I forgot about that one! But, in all seriousness, the grand view from the living room would make the perfect palce for a baby grand, don't you think?
Do you think you could buy one of those "do-it-yourself" piano kits? Just take the boxes up the elevator, cart them through the Urban Oasis front door, spread the pieces out on the floor, and get started.
Of course, you'll have to count all of the hundreds of pieces first to make sure they're all there. Then you'll have to read the directions carefully, since usually the translations from Chinese into English leave something to be desired.
Let us know how it goes…. ^_^
Ya know Kawai brand makes a pretty good digital brand. I've had to play on those quite a bit lately… It must be a sign.
Have you chosen the special piece of artwork, furniture, colors for your design inspiration??? Would love to see it!
Are you planning to incorporate a desk and computer space into the design?
What type of color scheme are you going with?
With its proximity to the river and Navy Pier do you plan to include any nautical influences in the design concepts?
A few more questions for my Vern Yip interview:
Do you shop first for a primary focal piece of furnishing, let's say for the living room? Or, with a mental picture of the design theme in mind, does the "right" piece start the process, regardless of whether it's for the entry, bedroom or living/dining areas?
What was the very first piece of furniture, artwork or accessory that started the design process for you with the Chicago Urban Oasis?
Is it more difficult to diversify design styles and the overall finished look when you're working within 1,000 square feet of contemporary building space, for example, between Urban Oasis 2010 and 2011? Or do you think that each major urban city has its own special defining characteristics that take you in different design directions?
Was there any furniture item, accessory or great piece of artwork that really caught your attention, but in the end, just wouldn't work after all, and had to go back? Which brings up the question, do you always know, absolutely, when the design process is 100% complete?
Last but not least, for now, where's the best place in downtown Chicago to go for a cup of coffee or tea and chat about Urban Oasis 2011?
And while it's on my mind, Vern Yip, will the existing hardwood flooring stay in place throughout the living/dining areas, kitchen and master bedroom? What are your plans for the flooring and tile materials and colors for the powder room/laundry area and the master bathroom?
At this point, can you show me some of your design sketches or current photos of the space — off the record of course? (What Mary doesn't know can't hurt…right!)
You gotta come out here at some point when the weather gets nice, and take a tour of the tower. You will have a have a super good time, and this city will love you.
So the space and view look beautiful! but can you tell us how do you plain on makeing a small space with wide views feel open and big. what is your idea for having lots of storgae in a small space.
Great question wizared
SUPER question!
I would ask Mr. Yip, cream or sugar?? Just kidding. Chicago is a big sports town and I would ask him if he would put a touch of a sports theme in possibly the bed room or the living room with something like a picture of one of the local stadiums in black and white. Wrigley field??? Lot's of history but I'm a White Sox fan! Don't do it Vern! In actuality I would probably be doing more listening than talking. Vern's the man and in the presence of someone as talented as he is it's better to just listen and learn!! I know you'll do the UO justice! ^_^
Ok I will say again. I have never been to Chicago before, so please, Vern, tell me what is going to make this apartment shout I am in Chicago!
Also is there going to be a laudry area? I don't want to live anywhere I can't do my laudry in my own home.
Where are you going to locate the home office?
No question for Vern. He did such a great job with the UO in New York that I have no doubt that this one will reflect the wonderful city of Chicago just as brilliantly.
As one who loves Chicago I have some new thoughts:
Chicago means a great deal to me for numerous Lions Clubs International (the #1 service organization in the world) was started there and is currently headquartered in Oak Brook IL. They have a beautiful oriental garden at the headquarters a gift from the Lions of Japan I beleive. If you need some inspiration please check out the garden- I assure you the staff will be willing to give you a tour.
One of my favorite spots in Chicago is the Art Institute. http://chicagouncommon.com/photography/gallery/12…
And this a a beautiful view: http://chicagouncommon.com/photography/gallery/57… I can imagine using this photo for color inspiration.
Are you going to have a more minimal style of furnishing this apartment? I know it has several built-in areas for storage – are you going to provide organization products to maximize a small units storage.
And lastly: Do you need any help?
I am also curious about laundry facilities inside the unit. I imagine they will be stackable…Also, love the idea of using maroons, golds, and darker woods. Does this color scheme fit into your ideas for UO Chicago? May we see detailed floor plans? I am assuming, as so many others are, the floor plan is L. Is this correct? Thanks so much!
One all-important question has to be what candies will you put on the foyer table (hopefully there will be a foyer table)? Tootsie Rolls and Lemonheads seem to be obvious choices, but maybe you've found something even more unique! Can you tell us? In case you don't know, there are quite a few serious chocoholics out here in bloggerland, and Mary did use candy (or was it gum?) for one of her Urban Oasis clues, so we are expecting some sort of treat! ^_^
Why don't we just throw out some suggestions…
My suggestion: Doing a combination of some of the different varieties of Hershey Kisses.
Also, Lemonheads are a good choice, but maybe have a container of the Fruithead candies alongside?
Or gummy bears…you get the idea…something colorful and fruity and then maybe something chocolate and then gumballs…can you tell that I LOVE sugar? LOL
Well, now that DBCoop has asked all the good questions, I'll just say how much I like your work. And, I would love to see what you'd do with a high-rise in Hawaii.
My Question is will you be buying art pieces from local artist to use as part of the decoration?
And also will you be using Green products?
you always do a beautiful job so i know its going to be good what are you doing in the master bath or bedroom
I would ask Vern….
When you approach a new space like the urban oasis, how do you choose the right balance between style, form, and function in your design?
how are you choosing the color scheme. I moved into mycondo over the winter and wanted shades of white, now that we are approaching summer, I want bold colors. How do you look at color with the different seasons?
Hi Vern, when you first walk in to your space, what do you think about that creates the vision for your work? Is it the art and design that comes into play, the shape of the room, the historic quality of the neighborhood, the usability of the space. I sense that the colors and design may go in an exciting slightly different direction–any hints about style, shape, art, color. Like many artists who come with a good luck charm in their pocket, a piece of art they are attached to, and or a swatch of unusual fabrics. What did you come to the UO with. The children of the world will certainly benefit from your work, and are natural artists.I wonder if you will incorporate any of their work? Good luck Vern with your great venture. P.S. I just came across a convection oven- much better than a microwave, heats just as fast, and the baked potatos are just that.
This is the first time I've visited Chicago the city, and you feel that all that jazz has a big play in this city.
WHAT FLOOR IS IT ON??? HOW MANY BEDROOMS/BATHROOMS?????
Hi Dani,
I believe that it said that it would be on the 35th floor with 1 bedroom and 1 and a half baths. I know it is a one bedroom, but I think that it is one and a half bath.
Yes. UO is on floor 35, is a 1 bedroom, 1 1/2 bath, and around 1000 square feet.
THANKS! I almost wish I had asked a more intelligent question!
DITTO:)
Vern..Hi…Tammy here. What mood is your design trying to set?? What is YOUR inspiration for the each room and how are you going to choose the color theme?? I have always loved your designs. If you had to choose a theme that you are going to introduce in this space, how are you hoping it reflects you as the designer?? Another words what part represents or will represent you and your own tastes?? After all we as designers always leave our own imprint behind because each creation is a refection unto and of ourselves. No matter what you decide I am almost positive it will be as lovely as you are. Have fun and creations away..lol.
Everyone else has covered the questions already. Vern, I just want to thank you, and let you know how much I loved the design you did for the NYC U O. So much efficiency in that small space, and such soul in the design. The elements of the city that you brought into the UO were the essence of NYC that spoke to me also.
The Trump Towers brochure mentions that only 2- and 3-bedroom condominiums have fireplaces. Any chance that the one-bedroom Urban Oasis will have one as well? I can't imagine getting through a long, cold Chicago winter without the cozy ambience of a fireplace. If there is not a real one in the space, there are some really nice faux fireplaces out there — failing that, could you please at least make sure to leave one of those Yule log DVDs for the holiday season?
I really can't think of any questions that have not been mentioned. However, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE make sure the bathroom has both shower and tub. It always makes me so sad when there is no tub in an apartment/house/etc.
I agree. A tub is a must have!!!!
If Vern sticks to the floor plan for Trump Towers as originally planned, there will be a tub and shower AND double sinks. Hope he does! Here's the link to the floor plan that has been announced as the one:
http://www.trumpchicago.com/Floorplans/floorplans…
Go to floor 35 and click on plan L
Hi Vern!
Whats the hardest part about being given a complete blank space for you to design in?
Is there a Chicago institution that you plan on incorporating in your design?
Vern – Where is your favorite place to shop? Have you found that perfect little place that you return to for just the right accessory? Is there a flea market that is a "must visit?" Tell us your shopping secrets!
Good morning Vern, that cup of coffee that you're sharing with the bloggers sounds like dessert. This is soo much fun— I think I'll have a cup with whipped cream and possibly chocolate sprinkles as long as we're on a roll with requests. With the new fascination for the Urban Oasis in Chicago, and looking at the floor plan, I have a Vern question moment every day. This last year, I've been on a green furniture kick, and found some great pieces in LA- are you planning to incorporate any "green" or recyled couches in any of the living areas? The other question I have is about storage space and closets, and wondered if there is plenty of room to hang lots of hats, and store the neat clothing everyone is wearing now.
I loved all the hats at Kate and Will's wedding. So fun.
What's the square footage, how many bedrooms, and do you have a view of Lake Michigan?
Most of that info has been released in prior blogs, videos, and press releases.
I was asked to pose a question. In a city as cold as chicago and as known for hot food and music, Do you plan on designing the kitchen to reflect those hot and cold aspects of the city?, What are you doing to make it a foodie paradise?
Love your puppy avatar! Cute.
With space at a premium, smart use of it becomes a necessity. What are some of your favorite uses for all those nooks and crannies people tend to look over. (I tell friends– with a small home, we need to pretend we are living on a yacht, but I need more ideas…).
Thanks.
Please provide tips on managing storage space in a 1000 sqft environment, without all of my stuff clogging up the place.
Also, is the decor pet(dog) friendly?
Great questions, KD!