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
publications: my home in avenue magazine Jun 14, 2012
exciting news! Jul 13, 2011
When I walked by the Ceragres booth I couldn’t help but take notice. It felt like a candy shop, beautifully designed, full of light, colour and creative ways to display their tile. Ceragres is a leader in the import/distribution of ceramic tile, porcelain tile, slate, stone, glass tile, mosaic and resilient flooring. Wow! So much to look at and so little time. I took in as much of the eye candy as possible and will definitely be keeping them in mind for any upcoming kitchen and bathroom projects.
All images taken by moi!
Nyla Free Designs Inc. 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 Inc. also offers an online design service through Design in a Box.
© 2013 Nyla Free Designs Inc.
It’s been almost two months since I attended IDS13 in Toronto and I’m happy to finally be showing off some of the fabulous finds I saw walking the show.
In the past few years I’ve attended, IKEA has not failed to impress visitors with their creativity and ‘outside the box’ thinking for the design of their booth. This year the concept had a warm warehouse/industrial feel and literally had you asking, “that’s IKEA??”. Very smart indeed.
The cabinets are a new line called SOFIELUND, a light grey walnut set in an environment of vast ceilings and space which gave the feeling of walking into someone’s loft space. They combine easily with other cabinets such as ABSTRAKT a high gloss cream or the RUBRIK white glass. Either way it goes to show you can dream big when it comes to kitchens from IKEA.
Even a budget considered project can be realized into a fabulous space with creative thinking and the use of elements and materials in an unexpected way.
What do you think of this space? Would you have thought IKEA?
Click here to see the online kitchen flyer with more inspiration.
All photos taken by moi!
Nyla Free Designs Inc. 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 Inc. also offers an online design service through Design in a Box.
© 2013 Nyla Free Designs Inc.
If you’ve ever attended a trade show, you know the overwhelming desire to take it all in and absorb as much as you possibly can in the short time you’re there. Every turn is an encounter with a new product or inspiring idea. My hope when walking a show is to not only find new products or inspirations for a client or project, but to also keep an eye out for emerging trends or a common thread from booth to booth.
Line: a straight or curved continuous extent of length without breadth, a contour or outline considered as a feature of design or composition.
During our BlogTour trip to the London Design Festival, I found a common linear theme among several products and displays at design junction, including lighting, furniture and accessories. These specific items stood out for me because of their line and composition but the brands themselves are absolutely worth checking out.
Secto Design company’s Octo 4240 pendant
Modern Windsor Chairs by Sitting Firm
‘when objects work‘ Vincent Van Duysen collection of pottery
Autoban: Nest lounge chair and Tulip family lamps.
Benjamin Hubert furniture and linear wall display.
Montis small side tables and floor poufs and pillows.
EOQ‘s Brahma pendant
design junction is committed to design excellence and strives to find a balance between creativity and the commercial world. Now in it’s second year, the show has grown so exponentially since their launch they required a new venue. Located in the Sorting Office, a raw warehouse/studio style site which embraces a casual and friendly atmosphere to engage with suppliers and product designers. Over three floors and 12,000 + sq.ft of space, design junction features over 100 international brands both large and small and creates a sense of ‘design culture’ among its participants.
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.
Admittedly I wander trade shows like a kid in a candy store. Bright eyes, head on a swivel, anxious to see something new and inspiring. To be honest, it’s hard to impress us designer types. We are constantly looking for what’s new, what’s next as we see so much during our daily travels of client work and internet surfing. One booth in particular did not disappoint.
My favourite, favourite (did I mention favourite?!) item introduced at the Interior Design Show in Toronto was the Silk Orchid Collection from Elte. These area carpets blew me away.
“The secret to these rugs is the recycled sari silk that goes into them. Vintage Sari Silk dresses are collected, unravelled and then hand knotted into these exceptional, one of a kind masterpieces. The patterns are inspired by antique ikat fabrics that emphasize the transition from one magnificent colour to the next.” Jamie Metrick
Once the silk is gathered, each piece is created by hand taking roughly 4-5 months to complete, not dissimilar to other custom area carpets. The colour saturation and combinations from the saris and sheen of the silk, as you can see above, are what make these carpets truly special. An incredible 80 – 100 sari’s are used to make one 8′x10′ area carpet.
Each carpet is one of a kind and totally dependent on the saris they are able to collect. They are works of art, a classic investment and could even be considered a family heirloom. Ever have a ‘take your breath away emotional kind of feeling’ where you’ll miss out if you don’t take it home today. Yes, that. Which is precisely why I have one on hold for myself :)
Third image via: Elte
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.
I’m off to Toronto this morning, along with a few of my Calgary design buddies for a fabulous few days of inspiration on so many levels. I won’t go into much detail here as there will be so much to share upon my return. Can’t wait! Already anticipating the new products, design details and people I’m going to see. Here is a list of places I’m going, or hope to get to during my visit, to name a few… Do you have a favorite spot in Toronto you’d highly recommend? Please let me know!
Interior Design Show, Business of Design, Blog Podium, Au Lit Fine Linens, Elte, Ruby Watchco, West Elm, Hollace Cluny
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.
During our visit to the New York Design Center we were given the challenge of completing a scavenger hunt to help familiarize ourselves with the showrooms and give us an opportunity to use our creativity while we came up with our answers.
I wish I had more time to visit all the showrooms. So much eye candy and an incredible resource for Interior Designers. I know I’ll be back to explore and take in all 16 floors of the building. Until then I will investigate more online.
Here are my answers to the scavenger hunt. Enjoy!
Find an item reminiscent of this famous New York City landmark.
The iconic Chrysler Building with art I found in the Atelier showroom representing the architecture of this magnificent building. Chrysler image via: Wikipedia
Central Park serves as a backyard to all New Yorkers and is the most visited urban park in the U.S. Find an item that would fit into the one of the parks 250 acres of lush green lawns.
In a grassy area of Central Park, I would love to see some of these sculptural elements and urns filled with colourful flowers. Both from 1st Dibs.
They say “If you can make it here, you can make it anywhere!” Find an item that represents the glittering lights of Times Square.
Representing the lights of Times Square on the left and what can be somewhat of a mesmerizing experience represented in the art on the right. Both 1st Dibs.
This line of custom lamps “Petal Pink” Collection benefits Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Visit this 5th floor showroom and take a shot of the colour you would choose for your creation.
New Mottega lamps from Arteriors and my choice, if I could choose just one :)
Sometimes when visiting NYC, you need a little assistance getting around, information on what’s happening and insights into all the city has to offer. The NYDC’s new Access to Design program allows both designers and consumers to navigate the NYDC and learn about design. Stop by our brand new office on the 4th floor and take a shot.
My favorite part of Access to Design is the fact that it’s a resource centre that connects consumers to designers and offers a helping hand that is much needed in what can be an overwhelming building to navigate your way through.
The BLOGFEST hosts showroom is always a destination for the NYDC. Currently decked out in colours that will make you smile, find your favorite texture and hue from Kravet‘s new Modern Colors Collection.
It was hard to choose just one. I’m a little obsessed with all shades of orange right now so this seemed like the perfect choice. I love the geometric prints that can be used in traditional or modern settings.
The New York Design Center was built in 1926. Find an item that represents the 1920′s glamour that could have been shown when we first opened 85 years ago.
Here are some items I found from that era representing a time of breakthrough design and timeless elegance.
The Brooklyn Bridge is the oldest suspension bridge that connects NYC to uber stylish Brooklyn. Find an item that reflects it’s architectural splendor.
I found this mirror at 1st Dibs that I thought was a perfect match to the architecture of this striking bridge. Brooklyn Bridge image source.
While this bird is not native to New York City, we love seeing its colours and motif explored through this 6th floor showroom. With over 4,000 pieces introduced each year, Global Views is full of incredible treasures. Take a shot of your favorite item.
Many fabulous accessories to be found at Global Views and my favorite being the area rug and mirror.
Strike a pose in front of the BLOGFEST Step and Repeat backdrop. Take a shot of the “Sweet Endings Event” special A-list guest. Peacock image source.
Me, striking a pose and A-list designer Thom Felicia on the right.
Find something that represents your experience at BLOGFEST 2011.
Finally, to sum up my experience at Blogfest 2011, it was an incredible few days of the most inspiring experiences, people and places. Thank you Kravet for all your efforts. Please know they are appreciated and I’m sure I speak for those who attended and the many who were on the wait list….we can’t wait until next year!
Nyla
Special thanks to Michelle from Holley & Gill for helping me!
I feel like this acronym is a little cliche, HOWEVER it happens to be my name. Several years ago I went on a weekend trip to Los Angeles. Later that year I visited New York. While chatting with a girlfriend about my trips she said, ‘Hey! New York Los Angeles…it’s your name, NYLA!” Two of my favorite cities end up creating my name when you put them all together, which I think is quite possibly the reason why my bags are always packed and waiting at the door, ready to take on any new adventure.
This year has definitely been a year of travel and I couldn’t be more thrilled to add New York to the list of cities I’ve visited.
I’ll be attending the ICFF (International Contemporary Furniture Fair) and Blogfest, a three day conference sponsored by Kravet Fabrics that will be filled with the most amazing line up of events, speakers, home tours and inspiring people. I can hardly contain myself and can’t wait to tell you all about it. If it’s anything like the Design Bloggers Conference I attended in Los Angeles it will be nothing short of fabulous.
If that isn’t enough, on Thursday I’m getting together with someone I met at the Traditional Home party in LA to have a tour of their workplace, but I’m keeping this one a secret for now :)
And let’s not forget about the people. There are so many that I can’t wait to meet and see again that inspire and encourage me everyday. Rooms full of creative minds, bursting with energy, ideas and insights…yes please!
Watch for highlights from my trip in the coming weeks!
Nyla xo
Image sources: New York, Los Angeles
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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