before and after: library transformation

A current project that I have fallen in love with is coming to life and almost near completion. One of my favorite rooms in the home is the study, a second floor retreat for my client to read, send notes written or digitally and even watch a little TV. Our goal was to surround the room with books creating floor to ceiling, wall to wall bookshelves housing an eclectic collection of inspiring reading material. The transformation is quite dramatic. Here’s where we started.

Palm tree drapery and bright orange walls. Wow! With those elements removed, fabulous windows, blonde maple floors and a large open space we had the perfect base to bring the room to this…..

The view of the study as you enter the room. Inviting and calm, filled with a passion of reading.

Keeping the floor and millwork the same colour the books become the focus, alongside the traditional area carpet adding colour and texture to the room.

Wall sconces and art hanging directly off the millwork add dimensional elements.

This image reminds me that one of my goals this summer is to read a book. Crazy I know but my ‘extra’ time has been so limited lately that reading has been far removed from my schedule. *sigh*

You can see more of this space in the latest issue of Dabble Mag where you’ll find insights and information on Custom Millwork.

Photography: Lori Andrews. Contractor: Foothills Renovations.

Nyla Free Designs is a full service Calgary Interior Design studio. Our goal is to bring your home to life by revealing your style and infusing unexpected elements of design and detail. If we can help with your project please let us know! See the contact page to get in touch.

Nyla Free Designs also offers an online design service through Design in a Box.

before & after: bathroom renovation

You’ve seen the ‘after’ in the March/April issue of Dabble Mag (pg.68-72), and now see where it all began.

After moving into a previously owned home typically there are grand plans to make it your own, however it’s common to settle in and watch years go by before a renovation occurs. In my client’s case it was thirty and high time to bring this bathroom to life by removing wallpaper, carpet and drapery.

Before photos of the ensuite.

Quick sketch of the bathroom layout and floor tile configuration.

The layout of the bathroom remained the same. We took advantage of the large window by adding a glass wall in the shower and opening up the space which involved moving the plumbing to the opposite wall. This was the biggest change in the bathroom and well worth it. Replacing and re-sizing the window was also a worthwhile change as the original window was too low to allow a new tub to fit properly without compromising the window frame.

As you know tile was a large part of our design scheme. Natural materials were also important in our decision making using marble, granite, glass and walnut wood to name a few. I originally blogged about creating interest with neutral tile at the start of this renovation.

A photo during the renovation. Floor is complete and counter has been installed. Next the tub deck is to be tiled so the glass can be measured for the new shower wall.

After…a world of difference. Bright, warm and inviting. A perfect place to wake up to and finish off the day.

Renovations can seem daunting and overwhelming at times. There are many decisions to be made during the process, but having the right team working with you will smooth the process and ensure a fabulous end result.

You can learn more about choosing tile from my Reality Check video on the Dabble website.

Sources:

Accent table and chair: Maria Tomas, Painting: Kate Schutz through Domaine, Accessories: Crate & Barrel, Restoration Hardware, Homesense

before & after: blynda’s chair

During a recent family trip to Toronto we stayed with my brother and sister-in-law. Blynda is a wonderful photographer and also has a keen eye for fashion and design. Upon entering their new home, I couldn’t help but be instantly drawn to these chairs. When I learned that she bought them at a flea market for $10.00 each – YES! I said $10.00, I fell in love with them even more. Blynda stripped and re-stained the wood to a rich chocolate brown and re-upholstered the seat in a natural linen fabric. Voila! A chair completely re-invented!

The before:

The after: A fabulous flea market find, turned beautiful chair with a modern elegance.                           Isn’t it just lovely?