24- Sunday, March 21, 1993 - North Shore News NV's Living Space thrives in up-market furniture trade @ Name: Ross Bonetti @ Age: 34 @ Occupation: President, Space Interiors © Residence: West Vancouver © Born: North Vancouver Living ROSS BONETTI is proba- bly one of the hippest guys on Marine Drive in North Vancouver. By Surj Rattan News Reporter If you don’t believe that, then just pick up a copy of Diane Patrick O’Connor's The Hip List, which is billed as ‘“an-inside guide to the city, from funky to fabu- lous.’' The Hip List focuses on the “elements that give the city its cosmopolitan flair’? and contains NEWS photos Mike Wakefield LIVING SPACE Interiors president Ross Bonetti says North Vancouver is an ideal location for his up-market European furniture store. Ross Bonetti: In his own words Where did you learn about the design industry?: ‘‘l took basic in- terior design courses and the his- tory of design at BCIT, After high school, [| worked in the family business and took business courses at Stanford University.” What was your very first. jo?: “My very first job was delivering the North Shore Nows. That was when it’ was called the North Shore Shopper. It used to take me three days to deliver all of the Papers.” How do you like living on the North Shore?: ‘‘Great. [t would be hard to get me to leave the North Shore.” What do you like to da to relax when you're not working?: ‘‘Ten- nis is a big passion of mine. | also like boating and skiing.” What is an average day like for yeu?: “Usually in the mornings I'll go for a workout at the Hollyburn Country Club where I am a member. Join us every Tuesda Wednesday for our thick an juicy Prime Rib! STARTS TUESDAY, MARCH 23. Available ‘Nw only at HORSESHOE BAY 6695 NELSON ST. 921-8188 “IT get to work at 8 a.m. and get as much paperwork done as | can before the store opens at {0 a.m. “This is a funny business. You could sit here all day and only three people will come in, but they'll make your day. You don’t have to do a lot of volume.” a list of the hippest restaurants, night spots, stores and art galleries and museums. Bonetti made the Hip List with his Living Space Interiors fur- niture store, O'Connor described the 1550 Marine Dr. location as offering “beautiful, high-end Italian fur- niture.’* “We were quite happy to make the Hip List. | think we're dif- ferent enough. We're more fash- ion-forward,"’ says Bonetti, as he relaxes on a sofa in his showroom. He opened Living Space [nteri- ors in 1988 and also owns the Liv- ing Space Plaza, which rents space to three other businesses. Prior to opening his own store, Bonetti worked with his father Barry at Combined Services, an appliance store Barry opened on the North Shore in 1957. Bonetti said he learned the retail trade at Combined Services, which used to be located where Living Space Interiors now is. He worked his way from delivery boy to manager during the 10 years he spent at Combined Services. But Bonetti said he wanted , Nc ROSS BONETTI 4& The design industry has always been a passion of mine. I wanted to open a store on the cutting edge of design. #7 - Ross Bonettl something more out of iife. “The design industry has always been a passion of mine. | wanted to open a store on the cutting edge of design,” says Bonetti. Most of his furniture is im- ported from Italy and France, while some comes from Canada and the United States. The higher-end European fur- niture store caters to customers from all over, and Bonetti says 70% of his clientele ‘‘come from the other side of the bridges.” ‘People will travel to get this sort of thing. I like to be in North Vancouver because it separates us and we can stand alone. | would not want to be in Richmond,” says Bonetti. Living Space Interiors celebrat- ed its fifth anniversary in Febru- ary. Bonetti says he world’s furniture, markets in. places such as Italy, France, New York, North Carolina and Mon- treal to ensure his collection of home furnishings continues to of- fer the latest in material and design. ‘ He adds that there is an em- phasis on comfort, warmth and richness in today’s furnishings. ‘‘We. carry unique pieces that you don’t see in other stores,”’ says Bonetti. ‘“Customer service is what Living Space is all. about. Unlike the huge furniture stores, at Living Space, there is a_per- sonal involvement with the staff, “We do in-home consultations, pick colors and fabrics,” says Bonetti. shops the Prepare for an Office Administration Career The Office Administration Department at Capilano College offers you: * professional instructors * work practicums -e a College certificate. The Office Technology Pregrams Learn accounting, computer, administrative and organizational skills. Students specialize in Administrative Assistant, Financial and Secretarial programs. Some part- time courses may be available. Telephone now to arrange for your personal interview. The Legal Secretarial Program Learn procedural law with an emphasis on litigation, corporate law, conveyancing, family law and probate procedures. Acquire technological skills through hands-on computer information processing. Information mectings are scheduled for April 14 and May 12 at 6 p.m. Please phone to confirm. 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