happy halloween!

I don’t typically decorate for Halloween but this year I decided to step out. So this is it. Scary huh?

Wishing you all a great weekend and Happy Halloween!

design: river view with a rustic french twist

I recently completed an installation at a clients home. I’ve been working on this home for over a year with renovations to the kitchen, bathrooms and installing hardwood throughout most of the main floor. This couple, recently retired, decided to upgrade their existing home rather than move or build new. They love their location and with some clever suggestions from the contractor, they were able to make some valuable changes.

I took a few shots of the kitchen, nook and great room during the styling process. Again, amateur, but at least it gives you a sense of the space and colour scheme. Our approach was a rustic-french feel, with a textured stone back splash, glazed finish on the cabinetry and warm colours.

The day of the installation was positively gorgeous. Their home backs on to the Bow River and the photos of the trees below is the picturesque view I had that day. Can you believe how well it works with the interior colour scheme? That was not planned at all!

Thanks for coming along on this mini home tour!

vancouver visit fall 2010: the people

My recent trip to Vancouver for IDSwest went beyond what I could have imagined. Thinking I would be attending only the show and most likely alone, I was pleased to find out that there were many Calgary designers planning to attend. With so many coming, Layers and Layers decided to plan a Designer Day field trip where we were driven around town to fabulous design stores. Finally a tweet-up at Chambar Restaurant where we met many more new friends. Here is a photo gallery of the people and events that made this weekend so incredible.

It all started here. Sarah, LeAnne, Siobhan and myself all traveled together to Vancouver. Our flight was delayed so here we sat for a quick bite to eat. Let the laughter begin…….

Listening attentively about the concept of Homewerx.

Left: LeAnne models for the new 18Karat catalogue. Right: Me, Lesley and LeAnne try out the leather dining chairs at 18 Karat.

Lunch time at Cardero’s. Here’s the whole Designer Day gang! Front row left to right: Sarah, Lesley, Wendy, Jacqueline, Yvonne, Siobhan, Me. Back row left to right: Andrea, LeAnne, Michelle, Sonja

From closest head of the table to the right ~ Yvonne, Siobhan, LeAnne, Michelle, Sonja, Sarah

Cardero’s: From far head of the table to the right ~ Sarah, Jacqueline, Me, Lesley, Andrea

It’s hard being a designer some days. Champagne while we shopped at Provide. *Cheers*

Jacqueline and Sarah. Do you think they’re tweeting?

Lucky LeAnne! She got her picture taken with Martha Sturdy during IDSwest.

Dinner at Chambar: From left to right ~ Yvonne’s charming husband Peter, Yvonne and Jennifer.

Dinner at Chambar: Darrell along with his Dad!

Sarah, Me, Leanne and Siobhan. We all stayed together and had such a great time. We laughed a lot, and many memories were made between the four of us. Here we are at the Loden Hotel, which seemed to be our evening hangout ;)

At the end of the weekend my sides, chest and throat hurt from laughing so hard. The trip went beyond a business trip. Friendships were made and relationships were built. I was blown away by the connections and chemistry that came together between so many people. Whether we shared the same career or not, a bond was formed.

Thank you to everyone! I thoroughly enjoyed meeting and spending time with each and every one of you.

Until next time….

Nyla

Note: missing from our photo gallery was Jason and Wendy and Jennifer’s husband who joined us for dinner at Chambar. Sorry we missed capturing you on film!

And to the lovely Sharon ~ I know you chose Palm Springs over us for good reason, but you must know that you were truly missed! xo

IDSwest fall 2010

My first visit to IDSwest was fabulous is so many ways that I thought I would share my findings with you!

Trades shows can be overwhelming with so much product and inspiration all around. One thing I really focus on when looking at each booth is not only the inspiration factor, but also the relativity to my own design style and if I could see using it in a client’s home. It’s easy to be mesmerized by many of the fabulous booths, however I try to focus my time and attention on lines that I see value in for my business.

Here are my favorites from the show.

Salari

Salari Fine Carpet Collections specializes in hand knotted carpets. They are a family run business established over 35 years ago. Carrying carpets that fall under the categories of traditional, modern and tribal, you’re sure to find something that inspires you. I was particularly drawn to the Nought Collective series by New York-based Canadian designer Tracey Sawyer, where her attention to fine line and detail as well as subtle colour palettes create art work for your floor.

A new introduction from Salari for IDSwest were these Salsa Lounge poufs from supplier Paulig. They can be used as ottomans, extra seating or even an organic sculptural addition to your room. They fit right into the ‘chunky knits’ trend you’re seeing now.

Brent Comber

I have known of Brent Comber for many years and am lucky enough to own one of his pieces. His work is pure genius, combining natural elements with organic style. Each item Brent creates is a piece of sculptural art. His booth was simple and essentially let each beautiful piece speak for itself.

Calligaris

Years ago I worked in a retail store and Calligaris was one of the lines we carried. I always thought that the scale of the chairs were off, and ended up not being comfortable, which was too bad because they have a great style to them. As I passed their booth and admired the chairs I decided to take a seat. I was thrilled to find that they were extremely comfortable. I love the acrylic colours and the upholstered chairs were fantastic. A great option for kitchen, dining, accent or even office.

Once a Tree Furniture

Another family run business for over 30 years, Once a Tree Furniture offers Canadian made pieces combining age-old techniques with innovative technology. The result is well crafted, timeless furniture that can be passed down to generations.

2nd Century Rug Company

I am always on the hunt for new area rugs, especially those that fall under a reasonable price bracket so I was thrilled to find 2nd Century Rugs. A retail store in Vancouver and also available to the trade, they can build anything your heart desires. Be as creative as you’d like with colour, size and pattern all customizable.

maai living

Scandinavian design paired with materials such as rattan, teak, oak and rice husk create furniture with clean lines and interesting textures . I thought these chairs were lovely, so modern and simple. I can see them working with many different styles.

The Cross Decor & Design

Not one product but a whole store of them. The Cross’s booth at IDSwest was had my vote for most creative. There was inspiration in every corner showcasing not only product that they carry but the incredibly talented eye they have in creative display.

It was great to meet new suppliers and see new (and new to me) product so that I can bring ideas and inspirations home to share with my clients. I hope to attend IDS2011 in Toronto for more fabulous finds!

and the winner is…..

First of all, thank you to all of you who entered. Your birthday greetings, comments and compliments towards myself and Design in a Box truly mean a lot!

Sadly there can only be one winner, however I would still love to give you a gift as a thank you for entering. Should you choose to purchase a Design in a Box between now and December 31st, 2010, I am offering all those who entered the contest a complimentary 1 hr consultation* with your purchase.

You can see a few past projects here and here and if you would like any further information, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me!

The winner of a room makeover with their very own Design in a Box is ~

JENNIFER FINDLAY!!

Here is Jennifer’s dilemma ~

Hi Nyla…If you saw my living room, you would gasp in horror! It’s a long rectangle room running east to west, with a large turret/bay of 5 windows on the east end. The fireplace is on the south wall facing the front entryway. The room is only wide enough to comfortably fit a large couch with side tables. I have no idea how to make this room work. It’s also stuck in the 90’s with deep port-coloured walls that give it Ralph Lauren vibe. The furniture is a crazy mix of styles. I’ve lived with it this way for 10 years because I can’t figure it out. Help!

Well Jennifer I am excited to get you out of the 90′s and into something fabulous! I’ll be emailing you with the next step.

Again, a BIG thank you to everyone who entered.

(*this is a $95.00 value via phone to review and discuss further your room of choice and any questions you might have. If you wish, an in-home consultation can be scheduled within the Calgary area where this amount will be applied to the hourly rate of Nyla Free Designs.)

design in a box: eclectic l european l full of spunk

I had so much fun designing a bedroom for this young girl! Her English roots, quirky attitude and a sense of style really helped to drive the creative forces behind many of my decisions.

The jumping off point for me was the bedding. I immediately went to Designers Guild and found a lovely wide stripe with soft, yet crisp colours. I was thrilled to find out that Layers and Layers carries the full Designers Guild line of bedding which means it is easily purchased here in Canada.

Here’s a sneak peak at what’s inside!

My goal in this vibrant young girls bedroom was to combine, patterns and colours in a way that was not matched or coordinated. I wanted a room that felt European and eclectic in style, while at the same time warm and comfortable for a growing girl.

I was thrilled to hear that she loves it and is eager to get going with her new project. Hopefully I will be able to show you a before and after!

You can see other Design in a Box samples here and be sure to enter the contest where you could win your very own room makeover!

future classics: adler

We are all familiar with what we refer to today as classics. Eames, Mies, Noguchi, are a few names that come to mind when we design and decorate the homes we work on, whether it be for ourselves or clients. These will always and forever be loved and sought after pieces in the world of design.

They won’t however be the only ones. Today, there are many brilliant designers creating and inspiring us the world over. I started thinking about those that would leave their mark. The ones that would be sought after and coveted in years to come. Those that people would rummage flea markets and estate sales for, all for the potential of owning a fabulous piece.

So with this, I decided to start a series titled: future classics, where I would speak of those who are driving forces in the world of product and furniture design.

First up: Jonathan Adler

The first time I was introduced to Jonathan Adler was many years ago in New York City. Wandering the streets of Soho I happened upon his storefront. I was amazed. The details, the textures, the quirky cool factor and the colours all combined into one happy place.

Jonathan designs everything from vases to pillows, lighting to interiors. His sense of style is witty and and can also be comical, yet at the same time classic. His pieces work in traditional homes as easily as they do in modern, a sign of a great designer! You can have one piece on its own or several as a collection. That’s the beauty of Jonathan’s work, it works together harmoniously or can make a single, stand out statement. Combining rich textures, beautiful shapes and an interesting mix of colours, these are truly pieces of art.

Jonathan is a potter, interior designer, author and is regularly sought after for news and information programs. With all this he remains true to his motto, “If your heirs won’t fight over it, we won’t make it”.   I love that!

Clockwise from top left: pattern from the Versailles Collection, a series of vases from the Relief Collection, Utopia Stillwalkers Vase, living room with Jonathan Adler Nelson Table Lamp.

Palm Beach Living Room. Source: Elle Decor

Living Room designed by Jonathan Adler. Source: Simplified Bee

A single platinum tamarind vase holds a dramatic branch in this salon style living room. Source: Elle Decor

Menagerie pieces in the background with ‘Peter’ pillows in front. Source: Colour Me Happy

Now, these are my thoughts of course. I in no way am predicting any future profits or riches by owning any of the mentioned designers pieces. I would however suggest you run out and purchase at least one item of your choice. You will love it forever and more than likely your grandchildren will too.