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!
Vern, are you going to incorporate any of the products/features seen in the green home(s) in order to make the unit more energy/cost efficient? Such as the recycled carpets/floors, energy star appliances, and etc.?
Thanks again!!!
Michelle
Michellek126– I am sooo supportive of this, and feel that the Green Home stature is creating a standard for other building opportunities for HGTV.
Me too, Janzee…I think that the Green Home stature should be seen as a standard for all other builders. Can you imagine how this would change people's lives and benefit the environment if all homes were built on this concept?
If you go back into the archives michellekl26 you'll see that the HGTV Green Home has won a Gold Standard- I think it was last year. Vern Yip in his design of the UO in NY last year, used many antiques which is a fantastic way of recycling and utilizing less furniture made with formaldehyde and deleterious glues. Let's wqtch across the board in the next few years, I am sure this will happen.
Vern, I love the look of the Art Institute of Chicago building, especially the lions outside. Do you plan to use this iconic building as an inspiration for the Urban Oasis?
Is there an exercise room in the building? A coffee shop? Where is the nearest bookstore? Just wondering… these are some things that make it "perfect" for us. High-rise living sounds way cool!
It looks like you are mapping out your day in the neighborhood beehive That sounds like so much fun !!
Definitely planning ahead! Where I live, it is quite rural. We've got a great coffee shop 5 miles away, an excellent gym within 5 miles, but it is a half-hour drive to the nearest bookstore. To have everything within walking distance would be incredible.
I lived in the country in Columbia South Carolilna, and I used to do the day planning every day. Everything was sooo much fun to look forward to and after work, or on the weekends it became an outing to plan to buy "supplies" for the week. In today's day and time, I find myself going out like they do in Europe with a canvas bag to buy groceries.
Check out the trump tower Chicago website for everything they have….It is FABULOUS!…..Pool, spa, exercise facilities, 24 hour concierge service…..FAB!
What a a great idea to check the website. No duh! I never even thought of that. I must be in a coffee deficit state!
There is a full Spa at Trump located on the 14th floor. It is complete with a 75 foot heated pool, sauna, steam room, and expansive workout area. As for the coffee shop, there are plenty of in walking distance because of the great location of Trump.
Awesome! Thank you. By the way, I am a Colorado Rockies fan but the Cubs would also be a fun team to watch. Never say die!
Chicago History Inspiratiom: Thinking of speakeasy's & gangsta / St Valentine's Day art inspiration http://profile.ak.fbcdn.net/hprofile-ak-snc4/1619…
I have already asked my question so I am taking this opportunity to thank Mr. Vern Yip for all
of the great designs he has given to us. I also want to thank him for all the "CLASS" he provides
on other shows he has been a part of. The last thank you I would like to give is for giving us
David Bromstad. He is just a kick!! Thank You very much for all that you do Mr. Vern Yip.
Elegant!!
I was just thinking the same SandyLA, he sparkles like diamonds.
Thanks Vern, for this second year of designing the UO, we are all very happy to see your sparkle and will revel in your surprises this year. A couple of arsty questions for the hopper. Do you "feel" the city when you start to work,and does the city feel you? Who are well known or obscure designers, artists, and architects that have inspired your work? Do you work with a team around a corporate table, talk the city with colleagues on a busy city street, work alone in the quiet of the "space"? Do you have any ideas about artwork that might be considered installations reflecting a theme that inspires you? And last but not least, have you ever considered a multi-use for the master bedroom, where the bed folds up and the space is then used for example as a relaxation or meditation room.
It would be nice to be able to have a picture of the "L" or "El"in the apartment. The elevated train is an important part of Chicago. I had fun riding on it when I was there for a conference and sure enjoyed getting the view from it as I rode from from the hotel area to the airport.
When I think of Chicago, I think of the skyline, the culture, the sports, and of course the great Chicago fire. I love the idea of using antiques and architectural artifacts to help the new resident feel at home in the city. With all the history in Chicago, how did you decide which items from which era to embrace in this Urban Oasis?
Will my side-kick (the four legged furry kind) be allowed to live in this wonderful building?
Yes, Trump allows 2 dogs (or cats) up to 35 pounds each.
Thanks Cubsfan. Having never lived in a big city I've always wondered where people walk their dogs?!
Trump Chicago actually has a dog park right next to the building that has a great view of the building and the river. Walking your dog can only be a few steps outside your front door.
If they allow two @ 35 lbs each, they should allow one @ 70 lbs. I'm a big dog person! You don't have to bend over to pet them.
Many thanks to bloggers who have served in the military! Have a great Memorial Day everyone.
Lessie, I stand with you on this day in support of all of our bloggers who have served. I love the picture you are using now with a very special light that illuminates the sky. Bless you and your prayer walks.
Thanks Janzee! May your prayer walks also be a blessing to you and all those you're praying for.
I am finding that the prayers are going out to more and more folks. Sometimes a good tea party chat with the one upstairs could take— whose counting time???
The UO is on the 35th floor, has 1 bedroom, 1 1/2 baths, and around 1000 square feet. Many bloggers believe the floor plan is L….If you go to Trump Towers Chicago and click on floor plans, you will be able to see the floor plan we believe will be the UO….We are still waiting for confirmation it is L.
Another question…I have never been to Chicago or lived in a high rise…do any of the windows open or would that not be possible in a building this size?
The windows at Trump do open, but they push out at the bottom so they will only open 3-4 inches. After you move in, Trump installs a screen so nothing falls out of the window.
Yes they open, but only a few inches at the bottom. After you move in Trump installs a screen to prevent anything from falling out of the window.
Thank you!!!
I'm very interested in learning where you will find architectural artifacts. Are there places in Chicago that sell them, or will you acquire them right from the source? Will you be looking for specific items, or will you make your decisions on what you will use based on what you will find? I think that everyone will be quite surprised at what you will find.
Hi Vern,
Will the flooring be the same throughout the apartment. Excluding the bathroom! ^_^
I just have one question and sadly it seems overlooked in so many of the designs and dream properties. Will there be any "family friendly" homes designed. Something that takes into account families with small children and the need for a place to play safely. The most recent dream homes and last years Urban Oasis seem to have been designed for adults, not families. Is HGTV moving away from families? They are moving the childrens rooms further and further away making them more "guest" areas than places to keep an eye on or hear little ones during the night. I am just curious. They have all been very lovely but, they haven't felt warm and cozy, like family fun more like modern art museums. Though my 9 year old loved you NY urban Oasis last year, she thinks you are brilliant and I agree. We love many of your designs.
Hey RoseandJill have you checked out the HGTV Green Home? I think it's wonderfully designed for a family, but hurry the drawing only lasts for three more days. Your sweet girls would love the "pink bedroom".
Since Vern now has an infant and a toddler at his house- I am sure his experience with young families would be an asset. But this is a 1 bedroom unit and definitely not for a family. And that surprised me – Chicago is really a family town.
What about some "Home" comfort to escape the hustle and bustle outside.
Hiiii Vern!!!! ~~ There are soooo many things to love about Illinois/Chicago so I'm sure the inspiration did not take long to come to you. The architechture of a city that has lived and been born again admist devastion yet manages to keep thriving. The outdoor environment and the culture of the people that live and visit on a daily basis. These are all great stimulators to the senses and for inspiration. However, I hope you are not forgetting one other area that Chicago is renowned for. Will you be incorporating a pizza oven to represent the auroa of Chicago's array of culinary experiences?? Perhaps a wine room to represent the many vineyards just to the north and northwest of the city?? I am truly excited and can't wait for the unveiling of this masterpiece.
~~ SMILE and have a GREAT day !!! ~~
Blues….will there be a sound system that will deliver music to all of the areas of the apartment? We wouldn't want to annoy our neighbors turning up the sound so we can hear the music from the living area in the bedroom.
Excellent thought! Yes do this Vern. (please)
I go to a florist that has a corgi in the shop.
VERN, I'm raising my hand with another question for you: With the Green Home appealing to a wide range of people, but particularly families (considering the boys and girls bedrooms that Linda Woodrum designed), do you see the Urban Oasis as naturally being of greatest interest to young professionals, either single or a couple, or empty-nesters or even retired folks? Do you consciously strive to create a design style with a yin and yang, or comfortable male/female balance? Or does the building's "feel" and city's character drive the design of the finished look?
Vern……what type of wood will you be using for the floors and cabinets? A dark shade of wood like mahoghany? Or something lighter like cherry or maple?
Also…….granite, marble, quartz?
Vern is amazing and has such and eclectic and inclusive eye. It would be really cool to see some large scale period Chicago art from the time of the great fire incorporated into the space as an omage to the city. Just a thought and if anyone can do it Vern can.
Hi Vern, When can my family and I move in? Can't wait to see it!
PSST Its a 1 bedroom- not family size.
Hi Vern- Where is the 2012 dreamhouse located?
Utah!
Ha! Nice try, Topazmoon11 although from what I've seen of Vern,he's much too alert to fall for it.
Vern, I watched you way back when on Trading Spaces. You were one of my favs! My question is, How are you going to keep from duplicating the design of this space when it is so similar to the New York Urban Oasis? I can't wait to see how you handle it.
Hello Vern:
Born in Suburbs around Chicago. GREAT city. My question…Living in an Urban setting can be challenging when there is a limited amount of space. How do you use space to your advantage here? Storage is always a huge issue. How do you tackle these things? Do you use less items or more multipurpose items? I think many people could use this advice. How to make the most out of the square footage we have–without making it look crammed.
Thank you!
Let's see — what other cities have you traveled to recently, Vern, that might have provided inspiration or even a furnishing or two for the Chicago Urban Oasis? Perhaps Jack T has brought back design ideas from cities he's been in lately? Can you share a few of those with us? ^_^
Clever Coop! ^_^
Hi VERN! Where do you get the ideas for designing furniture which can perform multiple functions in a small space? Have you considered patenting your designs? Who helps you make your ideas become a reality? How do you communicate your ideas? CAD drawings, quick pencil sketch? Do you draw out detailed plans for others to create into a piece of furniture? Do you actually get down and dirty in the carpentry workshop? Example: Storage for printer UO-NYC dinning table. Brilliant solution! How will you be able keep this space fresh without reusing the same ideas from NYC UO? It seems there is only so much you can do to utilize the limited space provided and you would be forced to repeat many of the same solutions which have been proven to work efficiently! Only the colors will change?? How do you keep it fresh? You must have a plethora of tricks up your sleeve.
Vern you did such an outstanding job in the New York apartment, I am wondering about the color scheme you will chose and whether you will use more subtle colors this time? The New York apt. was so classic; however, seemed to be rather masculine in most of its touches. Is this one perhaps a little more pastel and neutral? Could it be said to follow a particular theme?
Vern you did a great job on the UO in NYC. I know you will do this one spectacularly, too.
Could you please tell Mary to put a new blog on here lol.
I'm glad to see you're able to take some time to enjoy what Chicago has to offer in fine dining at
Blackbird's. My question is "What's a banana pain perdu?".
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Vern-Yip/1208921279…
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Vern-Yip/1208921279…
Are you incorporating any Green elements into the design and/or construction? When will the sweepstakes start?
As of last year (2010), the assessments were $482 per month for this type of unit (35-I). Will the winner be responsible for paying these or will they be paid off already by HGTV?
I wish I had questions…I lurk more on the Urban Oasis than get passionate for it since they are always 1 bedroom. If it was at least 2 bedroom (for those of us with families) then I would be all over it because it is always fun to get in the dreaming of "what if…" but I can't get into something that I know would never work for me. Awesome location though. A Seattle Urban Oasis would look beautiful for next year though.
Just watched you Vern, giving a tour of your beautiful home… loved it! When you pointed out that large artpiece (painting) somewhat abstract (great), I though you said the artist's name was Vick Lunus but I did a search and came up empty. Can you please give me the correct name/spelling of this artist, I'd like to see if I could purchase a print of his, if he even sells prints. And where is this artist from?
Chicago is a great beautiful city. It's my favorite US large city but most of the year is cold. What would you incorporate in the apartment to give it a warm feeling? To me an oaisis in Chicago will be getting home and find peace and warmth
Have you thought about incorporating smart emergency type things such as a generator, gas stove etc. so that if power was lost you'd still have refrigeration, ability to cook etc.
I'm excited about this build, never being to Chicago, What will your inspiration be? Trump towers in it's self is great. What are you looking forward to the most with this build?
I would like to know when will HGTV start doing shows about small house living. With the economy tanking the average person can no longer buy $200K+ homes. Could you start focusing on creating & buying housing that is less than $100K if not less than $50K? Start in Detroit where housing is cheap & maybe work with Habitat for Humanity to do cheaper housing like the $300 housing contest recently held. You only focus on high end & expensive. Here is a challenge 1000 square ft or less house & build it for less than $50K. I will give you a hint too. Caltech's Earth building project. Millions of people around the world, including America, cannot afford the houses you show. Look into the tiny house blog & the $300 housing contest. I think you will be surprised at the beauty & accessibility of these homes.
I would ask "when is my apartment going to be ready?" "when may I move in?" hehehe…
How do you maximize on the limited square footage? What is your design process for small places? What is the orientation of the windows (N, S, E or W)? What is the final take on the design? Modern, relaxed, elegant, funky, eclectic, etc.? Colors to expect? Did you have more than one design in mind or was your mind made up from the beginning?
When does the sweepstakes open? Are mail entries an option as well?
Okay- I just looked back at the floor plans and I do have questions…hoping it is not too late.
(1) What are the square footages for the bedroom and the living room areas?
(2) In a home where space is at a minimum (although you do an awesome job with it), what made you decide to add a half bath this year?
(3) The kitchen lists as gourmet…can you give us a hint as to any gourmet features we have to look forward too?
(4)Speaking of looking forward…any dates decided for the online tour? We'd love to see what you have been working on.
Thanks.
OAF
2. I think it it great they are adding 1/2 bath
4. Totally… I would like to take a peak
OAR,
2. I think it is great they are adding 1/2 bath
4. Totally… I would like to take a peak
Vern: I am shocked to see the new Urban Oasis will be at Trump Towers Chicago! I am relocating to Chicago and viewed these condos online just yesterday! Would love to win and have your design. My undergrad is in Human Environmental Science (interior design) however, I have never used this degree professionally. What and who are you using as inspiration for the Chicago design? If needed, I can send you a dossier of myself!
Another Q for Vern. Would you do a mural in small spaces? Not necessarily in the current UO with the tall floor to ceiling windows, but in a small place with more modest windows… Thanks.
Hi Vern..I was wondering..when you are in a foreign place..and you go to the local shops..what do you look up say..chicago..as far as shops on the internet…. like antique furniture.. search words like unique shops..you find the coolest stuff..and i just love decorating and architecture.. well, i would like to know the shops..just so i can do a search for when i get a new place and want to decorate..i want to move somewhere not knowing where in the U.S yet.. But when I do..i want to be able to find the special places that have creativity in their shops for decorating
the questions were answered… go look
http://www.hgtv.com/urban-oasis/question-and-answ…
thank you..very interesting..i will use that information when i decorate too…
Now that questions were answered, when does the sweepstakes begin? http://www.hgtv.com/urban-oasis/question-and-answ…
Vern…with your eye for detail in a chef's kitchen, why did you choose an electric range?
I'm a new Chicago resident, and it was GREAT to see all the cool antique and specialty shops you came across!
My question would have to be; If you were to choose which store do you remember most, or had the most character?
And what was your FAVORITE piece you picked for the apartment?
Vern-I am wondering if there are any well known designers that inspired you when you were up and coming in your field. I have followed your tv career and love your work. Also I was so inspired by your series Deserving Design. It was so nice to see your passion in helping people in their different situations that "deserved" the attention and aid that they got, will anything like that be coming back?