design notes: 5.14.12

It’s always nice to start off the week with pretty pictures, no? Especially when they are fabulous interiors like the one below. From the accessories to the architecture, once again the attention to detail has won my heart. A soft colour scheme and subtle textures are also assisting in making this room so spectacular. It’s a formal space yet still feels comfortable and approachable. What do you think?

Happy Monday everyone and cheers to the start of a great week!

Image credits: Interior Design Steven Gambrel, Photography Eric Piasecki, as seen in Elle Decor

design notes: 4.30.12

One of the most popular concerns I address with my clients is the fear of commitment. A neutral palette is often the safest option with hits of colour tossed in with the intent on changing pillows, paint colours and accessories. Yet, at the same time people are drawn to the WOW factor of images they see in magazines. Those rooms did not get there because they are safe. They have an outside the box approach to design and fearless installation of bold colour and pattern, often in items not easily changed. This is where designs gets interesting. Take for instance the entry way below. This small space is a mighty force to walk into. I love it from top to bottom and guess what? It’s neutral. You can’t get much more neutral than black and white. The impact comes from the play on pattern and textures, from glossy to fine line sketches on the wallpaper. Is it too bold for you? How is your level of commitment when it comes to design?

Image credits: Interior Design by Phillip Gorrivan, Photographed by Michael Graydon, Image via House and Home

 

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.

design notes: 4•22•12

Although warm, at first glance this space may appear sparse. Take a closer look and you’ll see the selections, thoughtful placement and design details have made this area so much more interesting.

I simply adore it on so many levels. What do you think?

Interior Design by: Thom Filicia

design notes: 4.16.12

On Friday I heard some pretty great news via AphroChic. Domino is back with a special edition of best makeovers, decorating tips and an insiders source guide. (Even us insiders love the source guides!) I can not wait to get my hands on a copy.

I admit my print magazine consumption has gone down. With blogs, online magazines and quite frankly not enough time in the day (sadly) to sit down and read through them all. IF however, Domino was still in print I’m pretty sure it would continue to grace the inside of my mailbox each month.

I’m on the hunt for this issue. If you see it around Calgary let me know! I haven’t seen it anywhere yet.

I also discovered a photo stream of Domino images on flickr that Cassandra from Coco & Kelly put together. I was so delighted to find this and honestly came across so many images I love and didn’t even realize were from Domino. There are far too many loves I couldn’t single out just one as my absolute favorite but this particular room is high on the list for sure.
• for me this is white done right. It’s warm and soft, not cold and stark.

• there is a feminine feel to the room but the clean lines and simplicity says a guy could hang out here too.

• love the combination of creams, white, soft pinks and caramel.

• the volume of this room is stunning, not to mention the Victorian details in the architecture on the ceiling and fireplace.

On a side note: I am madly in love with peonies right now. I bought two stems for a recent photo shoot and wish I’d bought an entire mound of them, and this weekend we purchased a (now empty!) tub of sweet and salty caramel ice cream that was to die for! Two images that felt right at home in the above room :)

Now, if only Metropolitan Home would resurface with a special edition…. who’s with me here?

Image credits: Warm modern living room via Domino flickr gallery Marielle 23′s photostream, Peonies via Paper Doll Romance, fireplace via flossy and me, sweet and salty caramel ice cream image via butter sugar flour

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.

design notes: 2.20.12

It’s Family Day here in Alberta so I’m enjoying an extra long weekend. I’ve got a long list of things I’d like to get done but I do plan to leave time to cuddle up and relax with my girls today.

Loving this image of a cozy and chic, family friendly living space.

• collage of illustrated artwork, frames are mismatched, sizes are different yet all are cohesive

• wall sconces add functional dimension to the wall

• space feels intimate and welcoming

Image: via Rue

ps. There’s a contest coming down the pipe that I’m hoping you’ll help me with. Stay tuned for more details!

design notes: 2.13.12

We don’t get too carried away with Valentines Day but it is a good excuse to score some chocolate, no? Instead of red and pink I thought I’d dive into the ice cream colours today for my notes.

Let’s kick it off with a little fashion love. How about this dress? It’s the colour I love the most. A muted terracotta, warm walnut, cherry wood kind of flavour, much like the sideboard and chairs in the interior below. So pretty.

But really, let’s talk about this room. Recently featured on desire to inspire, you will see the rest of this fabulous space here.

• it offers a subtle richness and soothing colour palette, much like ice cream!

• who can pass up a chevron area carpet ~ love!

• love the two tone mocha/ivory wall colours, a traditional approach to a modern space

• would love to see more homes with architectural details like coved ceilings.

This week is going to be sweet! Hope it’s off to a great start. Happy Monday!

Images: Vince dress via Saks, ice cream, interior renovation by four walls and a roof via desire to inspire

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.

design notes: 1.23.12

Last week I talked about my powder room that is in dire need of an overhaul. Admittedly we have several areas in our home that are needing attention.

Our fireplace is the kind that looks like its plopped on the wall. No mantle, hearth, pretty tile or stone. You know the one, right? I expect the intention was a modern approach but I would like our fireplace to make a statement. I’m looking for something special. What happened to the finely detailed fireplaces? The ones with an old world feel and stand alone presence.

I’m longing for a European approach with marble, carved details and strength.

The photo below shows just this.

I’m on a mission!

Image via: yatzer.com

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.

design notes 1.16.12

Lately, I’ve been keeping an eye out for inspiration and ideas for my own home. As I’ve mentioned before, there are several areas in our home that I’d like to either upgrade or completely re-invent. Under the overhaul category is the powder room. It is so basic and boring I can hardly stand it. With a blank canvas sometimes it’s hard to know where to begin but at the same time it is just that, a clean slate.

I came across this image on the weekend and was attracted to several elements.

• love the wallpaper, but would maybe consider something larger scale

• the shape of the ‘shield’ style mirror is unique and a statement piece for a space that guests will see

• simple, classic and very practical subway tile

• LOVE the vanity, especially the detail on the cabinet doors. Would be thrilled to find a piece like this for our bathroom.

I would like to point out the combination of white and off-white. Often people shy away from mixing the two but done in the proper way, adds dimension and warmth to the space.

What do you think? Do you have a space that needs an overhaul? Where are you finding your inspiration?

Image source: Traditional Home

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.

*free* design notes: 10.31.11

Last weeks *free* design notes was really fun. Many of you chimed in and shared what you liked and didn’t like about this bathroom. I loved hearing all the opinions and comfort levels and I even learned a few things! So I’m doing it again this week and would really love my ‘notes’ blog to become interactive and a place for you to share your thoughts and comments as well, so don’t be shy!

Since it’s Halloween today, I thought I’d share a dark and beautiful space. Walls, ceiling and floor are all black, yet so striking and gorgeous with pretty floral chairs overlooking a lovely yard.

I’ve got to know, does this scare you? Designer friends, have you ever done or had requests for a kitchen or space as dark as this? Non-designer friends, would you even consider doing something this dramatic in your own home? Correct me if I’m wrong but most of us look at this and admire the confidence and wow factor this room has. The question is, does it stop there? Could you…or would you dare to do something as dramatic and this? I must know!

Comment below and share your thoughts! Always love hearing from you.

 Image via: Apartment Therapy

 

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.

*free* design notes 10.24.11

For today’s design notes I need audience participation. I want to hear from you!

I truly love the bathroom below from Martha Stewart Living, however there are aspects of it I’m questioning and would love your thoughts too.

Are you brave enough to put an orange vanity in your bathroom? How practical is not having a mirror above the vanity? What are your thoughts on the open shelf and the glass counter?

Chime in!

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.