how blogging changed my life

I’m off to LA today! I’ll be attending the Design Bloggers Conference and I am thrilled to learn and be inspired over the next few days. In preparation, the DBC has asked us to describe in 50 words or less with an inspirational photo, “how has blogging changed your life?”. I decided to share more of my feeling around blogging rather than one particular moment. Here is what I wrote:

“I opened the door and walked right into a world of inspirations, new friends and a way to find my voice within the design community. Opportunities have knocked that I would never have dreamed of. I am embracing it all. There is no limit to what lies ahead.”

Can’t wait to share it all with you! And thank you to those who visit my blog, comment and encourage. It means the world to me every time you stop by.

ids11: what I learned and loved part 2

One thing’s for sure when I look around the world of interior design these days, I see colour, and that was also evident at IDS. It was so refreshing to see the vibrance and energy in these booths. Here’s to rising out of the gloom and into some positivity!

The Style at Home booth was cheerful and fresh, combining bold colour with pattern and illustrated details.

Bring colour to the dinner table with these festive dishes and tableware from John Paul & Co.

Take your floor to a new level adding colour and pattern with a beautiful area rug from Modern Weave.

The idea of using colour in areas other than walls was refreshing to see in Sarah Richardson’s ‘Sibling Revelry’ rooms. Dining, Bedroom and Home Office incorporated the primary colours that provide interest in unpredictable ways.

I really hope you’ll join in the colour revolution and perhaps step outside the world of beige and greige. A little dose of colour in your room can be a beautiful thing.

As always, thanks for stopping by!

Nyla

Looking for and Interior Designer in Calgary? I would love to chat with you about your project. Don’t live in the Calgary area? No worries! I offer online design services as well.

ids11: what I learned and loved part 1

It’s been a crazy few weeks and I’ve really fallen behind in my blogs. I know IDS was *ages* ago now, however I’m on the ‘better late than never’ band wagon so forgive me for my tardiness in sharing this info with you!

I decided to separate my IDS blogs. There was so much goodness there, but I really wanted to hone in on what I learned with respect to what I saw. So without further ado, here is my part 1….

Studio North is by far one of my favorite stops at IDS. 35 unique Canadian Studios are celebrated, all designer-makers of furniture, lighting and accessories in various media such as wood, metal, glass and ceramics. Below a few of the booths that really stood out for me.

Open Studio is a Toronto gallery focused on print making and dedicated to the production, preservation and promotion of contemporary original fine art prints. If you see something you like on their site and don’t live in the Toronto area, don’t be shy, they ship all over and can help you find that perfect piece. This is a great option if you’re new to purchasing art or your budget is a consideration.

Heidi Earnshaw Design was tucked in a corner and all I can say is I wanted to see more. With a keen eye for design and detail, this studio specializes in the design and production of responsibly made, hand crafted, solid wood furniture.

Left: Graphic Canadiana pillows by Nicole Tarasick bring pride of location to your home or a souvenier of favorite places. Right: A small, ethically run Norwiegian company called Oleana, provide stylish and colourful warmth in these must have blankets.

Looking for something different? Look no further than Edgewater Studio. I fell in love with these artistic glass mosaic tile patterns. This is a ‘made to order’ service so you can choose the colours to suit your decor. The pattern and details had me dreaming of a bathroom renovation! Vancouver based, ships throughout North America.

So…you’re wondering what I learned? With all the many suppliers, stores and industry leaders out there, don’t forget about the little guys. They are passionate and these companies showcase talent that is individual and inspiring. I’m sure you’ll find products that you won’t see everywhere else which will ensure something *special* just went into your home.

countdown to dabble magazine

Have you heard the news? There’s a new online magazine coming to your inbox on February 28th. All you need to do is subscribe and the best part is, it’s FREE.

Dabble is a bi-monthly design. travel. food. magazine all wrapped up into one style savvy place with original content and photography from around the world.

We are on the countdown to the launch and you can see the sneak peaks we are sharing everyday on facebook by ‘liking’ Dabblemag. Stop by and say hello. You can also follow on twitter @dabblemag.

Just to wet your taste buds and intrigue the designer in you, here’s a few close up shots that will be further revealed in the premiere issue.

Enjoy, and don’t forget to pass this along to family, friends, your neighbors, your hair stylist, the grocer, mail carrier…well, you get the point. We are so excited to share the first issue with you!

Photo credits: Nyla Free :)

colour story: raspberry I star fruit I cinnamon I coffee

It’s easy for me to get excited about colour schemes and this image has me dreaming of far off places. The textures alone are enough to get my heart beating faster, not to mention the architecture. Oh, and then there’s this outfit. I love the patterned strapless top with the raspberry skirt, joined together by a lovely belt. It feels cheery, moody and somewhat mysterious. Starfruit came to mind when I saw the petals or leaves on the ground, the perfect combination of yellow and green. Cinnamon with it’s wooden hues and coffee to add the dark flavour. I am loving it!

Ok I think I’m dying over this sofa. All I need is the strapless top from the top image and I could hide away in it for an hour or two, no?

Images: Anthropologie, unknown (if you might know where this image comes from I would be so grateful if you could let me know. I closed the window where it was located and have never been able to find it again!), Raspberries, Star Fruit, Cinnamon, Coffee, Sofa.