fall decorating: what’s new?

Fall is approaching fast and now that kids are back in school it’s a great time to think about giving your home a lift with new decor. Today on BT Calgary I’m sharing what’s new for fall with ideas that are easily incorporated into your existing rooms. Items that are beautiful, useful and even dual purpose bring style and function to any space.

Below are the items I brought to the show in case you’re interested in taking any home :)

Natural element and textures:1. Samar Ottoman $139.95 3. Mackenzie area carpet (various sizes) 7. Gryfino tray $59.95 all from Crate & Barrel, 2. Salad bowl $20.00 8. Basket $7.00 from Superstore/Loblaws 4. Petrified wood trivet/hot plate $48.00 5. Umbellifers herb pot $8.00 from Anthropologie 6. Grasscloth through Interior Designers.

Colour ~ blues & purples:1. Skype C-table in Indigo $249.00 2. Blue ombre round vase $99.95 4. Holden pillow cover & insert $169.00 5. Calluna vase $49.95 all from Crate & Barrel, 3. Bloomsbury pillow $148.00 from Anthropologie, 6. Purple/pink throw $125.00 from Maria Tomas.

Graphic patterns:1. Suzani throw $525.00 2. Orange storage table $275.00 3. Flirt vase $155.00 5. Farrow & Ball wallpapers 6. Pompom throw $135.00 all from Maria Tomas, 4. Abstract idea pillow $88.00 from Anthropolgie.

Note: Nyla Free Designs is not responsible for discrepancies in prices or descriptions. The above details are for information purposes. Please call the respective stores for more information on stock or purchasing.

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.

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.

design: a new bedroom

Is it just me or is your bedroom the most neglected room in your home? We certainly have other rooms to work on, however my husband and I are feeling like our bedroom has been set aside on the priority list long enough. It’s time to make our room an official ‘grown up’ space. I’ve been scouring the internet looking for some inspirations and I’ve got a pretty good idea of what I like and how I want the end result to look and feel. Elegant, sophisticated, warm, comfortable, not too fussy, a mix of textures and neutral colours is essentially what I’m after. Is that too much to ask?

Although there are a number of things I don’t care for in this room, I do like the wallpaper. We also have similar coloured carpet (although hubs is wanting to rip it out and replace with hardwood) so this room has a relative feel to ours.

I like the bold linear stripes of the drapery and the simple, overall natural feeling of the room.

I really like the patterned, suzani coverlet at the end of the bed. Opposite of the previous image, I like the lush, elegant feel of the silk drapery. This room also reminds me of the sunlight that pours into our west facing bedroom.

This bedroom has a casual elegance to it. I really like the way the artwork is displayed layered against each other on the bedside tables. I also love the striped wallpaper adding a subtle pattern and interest to the room.

The simple mix of patterns in the area rug and blanket really appeal to me. I would however, prefer more substantial nightstands and something with storage.

I love the layers in this room with the nightstands in front of the bookshelves.  Also loving the subtle geometric natural wallpaper.

The one image my husband has pulled to represent how he would like the bedroom to feel. Yes, I believe it’s important to collaborate on such decisions, so I’ve included this image into the mix. To be honest I think we are on the same page. Imagine that! Although financially we are not :)

I’ve given myself a deadline to finish this project. If I don’t, I know it will linger in the ‘things we would like to do’ pile for a very long time. I’m excited to get started!

Sources: 1. 1interiordesign.com 2. Luxury Home Interiors 3. 4. 5. 6. Elle Decor 7. House Beautiful

design: arbour lake house final reveal

If you’ve been following my blog you may be familiar with this project. I began working with this couple at the beginning of June. The scope of the project was primarily the great room where my clients wanted to replace all of the furniture. The room elements that remained the same were the fireplace and mantle, ceiling fan and hardwood floor. We changed the paint colour from a medium olive green to Benjamin Moore Manchester Tan HC-81 and the rest of the impact came from the furniture and accessories. Presentation was done at the end of July and orders placed right after. Our installation day was at the beginning of November. You can read a little more about that day here. This one room was a five month process from initial meeting to final reveal. Six weeks of consultation, planning, sourcing, and preparation for presentation with the remaining three months for order times, accessory shopping and organizing the installation . There were a few delays that postponed the install by two weeks and we are still waiting for a light fixture ordered for the dining area. It seems like I am always waiting for lighting, but that’s a whole other story….

Above the colour palette of warm teal, burnt orange and a bold black and white stripe pattern. You can see the post with more information here.

A quick study of the furniture layout in plan view.

An overall classic, yet family friendly space created with mirrored sofas, a warm grey leather coffee table/ ottoman and one of my favorite pieces in the room, an Ikat patterned upholstered chair.

I had originally selected this Ikat fabric for the kitchen bar stools, however my clients liked it so much we decided to use it for this chair. Even though this change increased the budget, it was worth it in the end. This chair is stunning and you can see it right as you enter the front door so the visual impact of it is huge.

A close up of the striped chest vignette. One of my favorite accessories in the room is the tall, coral patterned vase on the right. I would just like to point out that I found this piece at Homesense. I have found some fabulous treasures there over the years. I think this vase is truly stunning and looks far more expensive that it actually was. If it didn’t end up working in this space I would have gladly brought it home with me ;)

For me, as a designer my vision begins with the first inspiring piece of fabric or furniture item that in turn builds the momentum for the rest of the room. Seeing this room come together exactly as I envisioned it is really rewarding. Thank you to my wonderful clients who trusted that vision and were thrilled with the outcome. As was I!

Sources: Sofas, area rug and ginger accent table, all Crate and Barrel. Leather ottoman: Elte. Ikat fabric, Kravet. Upholstered chair, Maria Tomas. Round pedestal end table, Ethan Allen. Drapery, Layers and Layers. Black and white striped chests, Pier 1.

Photography by: Lori Andrews

happy halloween!

I don’t typically decorate for Halloween but this year I decided to step out. So this is it. Scary huh?

Wishing you all a great weekend and Happy Halloween!

design: river view with a rustic french twist

I recently completed an installation at a clients home. I’ve been working on this home for over a year with renovations to the kitchen, bathrooms and installing hardwood throughout most of the main floor. This couple, recently retired, decided to upgrade their existing home rather than move or build new. They love their location and with some clever suggestions from the contractor, they were able to make some valuable changes.

I took a few shots of the kitchen, nook and great room during the styling process. Again, amateur, but at least it gives you a sense of the space and colour scheme. Our approach was a rustic-french feel, with a textured stone back splash, glazed finish on the cabinetry and warm colours.

The day of the installation was positively gorgeous. Their home backs on to the Bow River and the photos of the trees below is the picturesque view I had that day. Can you believe how well it works with the interior colour scheme? That was not planned at all!

Thanks for coming along on this mini home tour!

IDSwest fall 2010

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

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.

Brent Comber

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.

Calligaris

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.

Once a Tree Furniture

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.

2nd Century Rug Company

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.

maai living

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.

The Cross Decor & Design

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!

and the winner is…..

First of all, thank you to all of you who entered. Your birthday greetings, comments and compliments towards myself and Design in a Box truly mean a lot!

Sadly there can only be one winner, however I would still love to give you a gift as a thank you for entering. Should you choose to purchase a Design in a Box between now and December 31st, 2010, I am offering all those who entered the contest a complimentary 1 hr consultation* with your purchase.

You can see a few past projects here and here and if you would like any further information, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me!

The winner of a room makeover with their very own Design in a Box is ~

JENNIFER FINDLAY!!

Here is Jennifer’s dilemma ~

Hi Nyla…If you saw my living room, you would gasp in horror! It’s a long rectangle room running east to west, with a large turret/bay of 5 windows on the east end. The fireplace is on the south wall facing the front entryway. The room is only wide enough to comfortably fit a large couch with side tables. I have no idea how to make this room work. It’s also stuck in the 90’s with deep port-coloured walls that give it Ralph Lauren vibe. The furniture is a crazy mix of styles. I’ve lived with it this way for 10 years because I can’t figure it out. Help!

Well Jennifer I am excited to get you out of the 90′s and into something fabulous! I’ll be emailing you with the next step.

Again, a BIG thank you to everyone who entered.

(*this is a $95.00 value via phone to review and discuss further your room of choice and any questions you might have. If you wish, an in-home consultation can be scheduled within the Calgary area where this amount will be applied to the hourly rate of Nyla Free Designs.)

design in a box: eclectic l european l full of spunk

I had so much fun designing a bedroom for this young girl! Her English roots, quirky attitude and a sense of style really helped to drive the creative forces behind many of my decisions.

The jumping off point for me was the bedding. I immediately went to Designers Guild and found a lovely wide stripe with soft, yet crisp colours. I was thrilled to find out that Layers and Layers carries the full Designers Guild line of bedding which means it is easily purchased here in Canada.

Here’s a sneak peak at what’s inside!

My goal in this vibrant young girls bedroom was to combine, patterns and colours in a way that was not matched or coordinated. I wanted a room that felt European and eclectic in style, while at the same time warm and comfortable for a growing girl.

I was thrilled to hear that she loves it and is eager to get going with her new project. Hopefully I will be able to show you a before and after!

You can see other Design in a Box samples here and be sure to enter the contest where you could win your very own room makeover!