Design that Reveals
Design that Reveals
Creativity is my love, interior design is my focus. Whether it be full service interior design, re-decoration or even online design through Design in a Box, I am passionate about all things creative. Here, I will share insights into projects, inspirations and what's going on in the world of design from Calgary and beyond. Would love to have you follow along.
my bedroom reveal May 10, 2011
exciting news! Jul 13, 2011
design: arbour lake house final reveal Nov 29, 2010
One of the best parts of Christmas and the Holiday season are the gifts. Let’s face it, when there’s a package waiting on the doorstep or under the tree it’s exciting whether you’re 2 or 92. I received many edible gifts this year, and as a result my jeans are seriously shrinking…but that’s another topic completely. One in particular that I could hardly dive into because they were so gorgeous, were little cakes with an edible chocolate casing of intricate detail and even colour. So pretty I had to photograph, and of course I was inspired by it’s colour combination and pattern.
1. Loving this glossy gumdrop shade in mod pink from Serena & Lily 2. Cherry blossoms would be a perfect center piece, image via Brideorama.com 3. David Stark for West Elm wood slices dinnerware set adds a sophisticated pattern with gold detailing 4. Paint your walls a rich brown, a lovely option is Davenport Tan HC-76, Aura by Benjamin Moore 5. How sweet to enjoy a beverage out of colourful Moroccan tea glasses by Alder & Co. 6. Eat from Vij’s At Home cookbook. If you ever have the chance to visit the restaurant in Vancouver, you must! 7. A handsome dining table with reeded detail on each leg, Algonquin square table by Vanguard 8. A classic upholstered Van Dyke dining chair by Mitchell Gold & Bob Williams, four please.
Enjoy!
Thank you to House of Persian Rugs in Calgary for this beautiful gift!
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.
Deep down at the bottom of the sea exists a magical life and uncharted territory. A few years ago, while in Hawaii we took a submarine journey to 110 ft below sea level. Looking through the porthole of the submarine we discovered the dark and mysterious ocean world full of life and amazing creatures. I managed to capture this image of fish swimming alongside us and simply love the colours and movement that it offers. Come along as we create a dramatic room, I was thinking a small sitting room, in a palette of shades of blue.
1. Looking for more ‘blue’ inspiration? Pick up a copy of BLUE by House Beautiful 2. Accent with shades of celadon and pale green with this stack of storage boxes from Style Hive 3. I adore this French Beauville Textile that was transformed into a pillow found via Etsy 4. The translucency of the ‘Stone accent table’ from Kartell is a perfect play on light and touch of modern via Hive Modern 5. The combination of blues, patchwork wave pattern and traditional frame has me swooning over this stylish Louisa settee, a showstopper for the sitting room 6. Include an area carpet in varying shades of blue and you’ve created an ideal base to offset your other blue elements. 7. Why not create a dramatic back drop by painting the walls Benjamin Moore Starry Night Blue? 8. Additional elements of pale grey/sage offset the blue with these Ceylon lamps from Bungalow Five. 9. The sheen on the Austin ottoman from Mitchell Gold and Bob Williams is lovely, adding a touch of glamour 10. The Gloria Chair, also from Mitchell Gold and Bob Williams adds another touch of femininity but also handsome details with tufting and turned legs. Two of these and you’ve completed your conversation area in the sitting room.
I hope this has inspired you to add a little moody blue to your room!
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.
Each day I stepped outside our condo while on summer vacation in Vernon, British Columbia and saw these rocks. Now, most would walk right past, not giving them a second glance but I was intrigued by the colours that were found within. So simple and subtle. What a beautiful colour story! I imagined taking these natural rocks and transforming them into a sophisticated living room. Such a natural looking colour palette that infuses on trend colours also offering longevity and timeless appeal. What do you think?
1. This painterly pillow of blooms from ABC Carpet & Home dresses a wonderfully curved 2. sofa from Montauk (image via The Design Tilt). Elegant lamp from Mottega that stand tall and proud. 3. Love the introduction of this pierced resin accent table from Oly Studio reflecting a reverse rock pattern. 5. Wall colour in Benjamin Moore Grant Beige HC-83 (image via House Beautiful) 6. Flank the sofa with functional and stylish modern glamour clarkson nesting tables from Ethan Allen 7. The serene colours of Patricia Larson artwork would be striking above the sofa 8. Complete the conversation grouping with two chairs in Designers Guild 100% linen brera lino fabric.
Who knew a pile of rocks could be so pretty?!
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.
If you read yesterday’s post on my inspiring chat with Barbara Barry, you’ll see where the seed was planted for this new series.
Inspired by a beautifully textured wall at ABC Carpet & Home in New York City I fell in love with the soft, warm colour combination. With cooler temperatures around the corner, this is a fresh approach to the shades of fall that we typically see. Wouldn’t it be lovely in a bedroom setting? Pretty and soft, yet rustic and warm.
1. Textured vases Dwell Studio 2. Natural tree-stump side table from West Elm 3. Perfect for drapery or bedding Spa Ikat fabric in orange from Tonic Living 4. Pretty Sakura sheet set from Crate & Barrel 5. Soft & Serene wall colour Fowler Pink #39 Farrow & Ball 6. Why not paint your ceiling Picture Gallery Red #42 Farrow & Ball *images via House Beautiful 7. Add a touch of modern with this Missoni throw from Pillows & Throws 8. The Feye stained ivory crackle porcelain lamp from Arteriors adds a soft, feminine feel. 9. Add warmth and texture with the shutter style Alden Reclaimed Wood Headboard from Pottery Barn.
Tell me, what do you think of this combination? It’s certainly different, but that’s what I’m here for, to show ways of combining unexpected colours and textures in a way that offers ideas to bring the inspiration into your own home.
I hope you enjoy reading this new series as much as I do putting it together.
Nyla
Image: 2nd floor (if my memory serves me correctly) elevator wall at ABC Carpet & Home in New York City.
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.
Whether you’re a cowboy or not, over the next 10 days Calgarians and visitors will put on their cowboy duds to celebrate the Stampede, hitting the streets for free pancake breakfasts, music, beer gardens and of course, the Rodeo. It’s an all out party and working hours are at a minimum as folks jump from event to event. After all, it is considered the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth. The city comes alive and you can’t help but feel the energy.
You’re either one of two people. You put on your boots, kick your heels and crank the country tunes, or you flee the city. As it happens we are not typically in Calgary during Stampede. Not because we make a run for it but it’s just the way our summer vacations have worked out. This year however we are here and I’m not quite sure what do with myself. I don’t own cowboy boots or any stylish country western items so I’m taking some tips from probably the coolest country dude out there, Ralph Lauren. I’m not terribly interested in the red paisley bandanas and cowboy hats so I’m on the hunt for some inspiration. I am loving the colours in these photos which means some shopping may be in order to pull together the right designer duds. Any excuse right?
Happy Stampede to my Calgary friends and a special ‘Howdy’ to those visiting. YeeHAW!
Image sources: Ralph Lauren, Paint colours, Cowboy boots
Inspired by a new pair of shoes and our bright and beautiful Alberta blue skies, I can’t help but be drawn to the intensity of this classic colour showing up in everything from fashion to home accessories. If you’re shy of colour, blue is an easy one to add and most would gravitate towards the lighter shades. This year, take it up a notch by adding cobalt. It’s like a breath of fresh air.
1. Circa Lighting 2. Moma Store 3. BM Paddington Blue 791 via House Beautiful 4. Marimekko via Finn Style 5. Hammocks and High Tea 6. Anthropologie 7. Prada via Polyvore 8. Crate & Barrel 9. Tory Burch
Image Source: House and Home
Yes, there’s still snow on the ground here in Calgary. As a matter of fact we’ve been getting a light dusting of the white stuff over the last few days and yet, somehow I’m ok with it. There’s something comforting in knowing that spring has officially arrived. Snow or not it can only get better from here, right? It’s Spring!
Soon we’ll start to see life again. Trees will bud, flowers will bloom and the grass will turn green. Ahhhh…I’m even excited about the rain that will wash all of winter’s dirt away. Until then, let’s dream about a pretty Spring colour scheme and imagine ourselves sitting at this little bistro table enjoying our morning coffee, shall we?
Image sources: Spring dining, apple blossoms, teal paint colour, rose coloured paint, Graham & Brown wallpaper.
Inspired by a visit to the Viceroy in Santa Monica and a new little number I picked up at Bloomingdales I thought I’d put together a style board on the colour jade. It’s fresh, lively and a perfect infusion of colour after a loooooooong winter.
1. Shine Everyday Drake Table Lamp. No longer available in this colour combination, but with a little creativity you could re-produce this look. 2. Benjamin Moore 2043-20, image via Pinterest, originally from Real Simple. 3. Sliced Shirt Dress in Jade by Diane Von Furstenburg, available at Bloomingdales 4. True Imperial Jadeite. Image source: Gehna Bazaar 5. Jonathan Adler Chevron accent pillow in green and grey 6. Viceroy Santa Monica. Design by Kelly Wearstler. Image via Viceroy website.
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.
First of all let’s start with these sunglasses. They are officially on my wish list. I am also loving the colour scheme. Tortoise never goes out of style and these glasses have a hint of the Tiffany’s blue scattered throughout the frame.
Now take a look at this view! How about those blue skies? Sometimes what you see on the outside can be just as part of the colour scheme as what is on the inside. This image certainly holds true to that. It reminded me so much of what you might see here in Alberta, near Canmore, Banff or Jasper areas. However, I soon realized that this is Chalet Les Anges in Switzerland. The colours and textures are so neutral yet incredibly varied, much like tortoise shell. Add in the brilliant blue skies and you’ve created a gorgeous scheme.
This colour scheme works really well here in Alberta. It’s warm and soothing for our winter months and can easily be updated with the fresh blue/teal hues in the summer. Regardless of your style preference this group of colours an go modern, country, traditional or even a combination of all three!
Sources: Tiffany Keys Rectangular Sunglasses, Chalet Les Anges, Living Room care of Domino Magazine, Paint colours clockwise from top right: Benjamin Moore Gold Rush 2166-10, Benjamin Moore Chocolate Truffle 2096-20, Benjamin Moore Bittersweet Chocolate 2114-10, Benjamin Moore Camel Back 1103, Benjamin Moore Mink 2112-10, Sherwin Williams Oceanside SW6496
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