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
Yes, it’s that time of year again. Today is my birthday and as the saying goes, it’s better to give than to receive, so I’m giving you, my special readers a gift today.
You have a chance to WIN a design in a box! One lucky winner will receive one FREE* box designed especially for them and their space. This year I thought I’d also offer another winner a 25% discount** towards their design in a box purchase. With two chances to win, what are you waiting for? Here’s what you need to do:
Do you have a particular room desperate for change? Tell me which one, and in three descriptive words share the feel of your space currently. For example ~ UNINVITING • CLUTTERED • BLAH Then tell me in three more descriptive words what your ideal space would look like. Example ~ RELAXED • CASUAL • WARM. Boom! You’re entered. You can enter here by leaving a comment, or on the Nyla Free Designs facebook page, as long as I can reach you. Deadline is midnight (MST) on Thursday, October 13th, 2011 for entries and the winners will be announced on Friday October 14th, 2011. (**Canadian customers only at this time**)
Last year’s design in a box winner was Jennifer from Nicole Jane Home so to give you a glimpse at your potential winnings here is a sneak peak at what was inside of her’s.
Jennifer has a long and narrow shaped living room with a lovely bay window and feature fireplace. The challenge was not only in the arrangement of furniture, but also with the number of people she wanted to comfortably seat as well as the fact that they have animals that like to be part of the action.
I won’t tell all the details of what I ended up creating because it was specifically designed for Jennifer and her space. I do know she is already busy putting a few of the ideas into action and the rest will come when time and budget permit. I can’t wait to see how this room takes shape. I may be able to share a few progress photos soon though, right Jennifer?
The art of brainstorming with fabrics swatches and paint colours.
What’s inside?
Here’s what Jennifer had to say:
“Nyla has an incredible ability to bring everything together with such style. I never would have come up with the fresh design she created for my living room. She mixed colours, textures, and shapes to give me the vision I needed to get started. I can’t wait to put it all together. Her attention to detail was carried all the way through the process, right down to the stunning box that I received containing carpet and fabric samples, vision boards, paint swatches and implementation guides—it was like Christmas morning around here when it arrived in the mail.”
Thank you Jennifer for your kind words! I had so much fun putting this together for you.
You can learn more by popping over to design in a box. It’s a great way to get started on the process of design if you don’t have the budget to hire a designer for one on one help, like to shop and do things yourself or live outside the Calgary area and like the look of Nyla Free Designs. This will give you everything you need in order to confidently pull your room together.
My sincere thank you to all those who visit my blog, comment and encourage me along the way. Good luck to all those who enter!
xo
Nyla
The fine print…
*winner receives one customized design in a box (large sized room or smaller) as per the instructions indicated on the website. Canadian customers only at this time please. If the winner chooses an extra large sized room, the difference must be paid prior to work starting. All guidelines and details are indicated on the design in a box page of the website. Information to complete the selected design in a box must be received no later than six months after the day winners are announced (Oct. 14th, 2011). Entries may be on behalf of other homeowners, but all entries must reside in Canada. No cash will be provided. Prize must be accepted as given.
**25% discount can be applied to any size box and must be used within 6 months from the date winners are announced (Oct. 14th, 2011)
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.
I had the pleasure of listening to and meeting Barbara Barry at Blogfest this past May. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect but I have to say this portion of the three day festivities was one of my favourites. It also made me feel better about one of the quirky (to me anyway) things I love to do.
Barbara introduced her new line of Kravet fabrics and trimmings inspired by a recent trip to China. Her presentation included photos taken by her, representing pattern, scale, colour combinations and textures which in turn lead to the creation of her latest collection, Indochine.
I found myself relating to every image. Not because I had been to China but because I take similar photos. Whether close to home or on my travels I am fascinated and inspired by the smallest details, textures, patterns or colour schemes I see around me. Barbara spoke so eloquently about her experience you couldn’t help but be drawn into the romance of each image and how they in turn translated into a fabric or trim. I left the presentation feeling such reassurance, inspiration and on a creative high.
In speaking with Barbara after her presentation I discovered that my snap happy tendencies were good, all good. She encouraged me to continue to take hold of everything that inspired me and to use those creative juices to fuel my work.
As a result, I’m starting a new series on my blog. Drawing inspiration from the photos I have taken I’ll pull together items that portray a similar feeling, or colour scheme in the hopes of inspiring you as well. I’ll be sharing my first one tomorrow so I hope you’ll come back and let me know what you think.
Thank you Barbara for being gracious, inspiring and encouraging with words of expertise and impeccable style. It was a pleasure and absolute highlight to meet you and learn that my crazy photos are worth sharing.
All photos courtesy of Kravet with the exception of the top image which I took during Barbara’s presentation.
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.
This issue’s Dabble Mag Reality Check column is all about custom area carpets. As you can image we take several photos, hundreds sometimes, to capture the ideal shots to show off the room. Once they go to Dabble, Victoria works her magic but there are many that don’t make the magazine. I thought I would show you a few more of my favorite images and ones that will now be in my portfolio.
Interiors by Nyla Free Designs, Contractor: Foothills Renovations, Photography by Lori Andrews
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.
Would love for your to head on over to The Pink and Blue Blog and The Fresh Exchange to see what Katie and Megan have been working on. Today’s the big reveal and they’re celebrating their news with a blog party. If you’re a design, food, entertaining or lifestyle blogger you won’t want to miss this exciting new way to connect and build community. See you at the party!
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.
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.
Summer is drawing to an end, kids are back at school and we’ll soon find ourselves spending more time indoors. I’ll be talking about what’s new for Fall in the world of design on Breakfast Television tomorrow morning. Would love it if you tuned in, but if you happen to miss it I’ll have all the items I talked about on Wednesday’s blog post.
Image via BT Calgary Facebook page. ‘Outdoor Lounger’ segment June 14th, 2011.
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.
It’s been several months now since Blogfest and I have to say I’m impressed with those who blog the day or week after an event. For me, I need to digest, soak in all I’ve learned and experienced, and that can take some time. Finding the best angle for me to write from and share my insights is also important. Rather than blogging about Blogfest I decided to hone in on a few experiences from the incredible three days and what they meant to me.
I’m kicking it off with our tour of the Kravet offices. Blogfest is the brainchild of Kravet and wow did they ever knock us off our feet. Everyday was filled with new and wonderful experiences, the kind where you pinch yourself wondering if you are actually there. I have worked with Kravet for many years and have grown to love their products and value my relationship with them. Getting the chance to see behind the scenes was indeed a highlight and my heart went pitter patter as we toured from room to room with our guide, Scott Kravet.
For me, it wasn’t just about the pretty fabrics and inspiration boards. I noticed and learned things that went beyond the material and patterns but deep into the brand of the company and what Kravet stands for. Taking away not only inspiration from a design perspective but much to my surprise, business insights as well.
What I learned from Kravet:
1. People are important to your business. Whether clients, trades, suppliers or employees, all of them help to make your business successful. Scott Kravet introduced us to each person by name, telling us what they did for the company and how long they had been there. Each and every one is an integral part of the company, like a family unit, and as a result, pride of workmanship is evident within the office.
2. Embrace new technology and…..
…..honour traditional art forms. While touring the office we were introduced to hands on sample boards, artists sketching on paper as well as the digital side of creating patterns. I still do many drawings by hand. The loose feel is somehow more personal to me so I’m not ready to give it up. At the same time I couldn’t be happier to sit at my computer and put together images and inspirations on my blog. I was happy to see a large company like Kravet embracing both and I will continue to do the same.
3. Be successful, stay humble. Everyone wants to be successful and each and every one of us defines success differently. Kravet, although a large company has a humble approach to the success of their business. They are confident in what they do and a leader in the textile industry but remain solid in their core values, and to me that speaks volumes in the most positive way.
4. Collaborate. Admittedly I felt this was taboo even as recently as two years ago but after collaborating with other designers and industry people I am seeing the value daily. Kravet collaborates not only with top design professionals but also friends in social media in an effort to reach out and stay connected in a highly approachable way. Priceless in creating and maintaining relationships in business.
5. Continue to learn. Keeping current is an asset, and as an example, Kravet has embraced social media and new technology in a way that has made a huge impact on their business. Whether it be learning a new technique, insights into new products on the market or simply a more efficient way of doing something that’s been done for years, I was inspired to stay current and educated, keep my eyes peeled for new opportunities and remain open to change.
Blogfest 2011 was a success. Simple as that. Why? Because we were treated to experiences that also inspired and educated. I didn’t take many notes, but what I did walk away with was a better understanding of my business and a clearer sense of identity and brand. For that, Kravet, I thank you.
Blogfest 2012 is already in the works and I highly suggest marking your calendars.
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.
Cozy up and dive into the fall issue of Dabble. This issue’s Reality Check column is all about the designers process in ordering custom area carpets. Find advice and information on all the steps necessary to help ensure the perfect area carpet ends up on your floor.
Also, we have exciting news (if you haven’t already heard). Dabble is now available to order in print. That’s right! If there’s a particular issue that caught your eye, a travel destination that inspired you or perhaps a space you designed landed on the pages of Dabble, you’ll want a print copy. I can guarantee this magazine will not see dog ears or be torn up. It’s more like a book than a magazine. Here they are…looking fabulous! Order Dabble Mag in print here.
Enjoy the new issue!
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.
The start of a project is always so fun isn’t it? When I first walked into this space, my heart skipped a beat. For real. I know, you’re dying to see more but I just can’t show you right now. I have to keep some secrets, right? I will share a peak at the fabrics we used in the living room for furniture and accents. We are ninety percent done. Remaining items include accessories as well as an area carpet and custom console recently ordered for the dining room that shares space with the living room.
Selecting mohair as the upholstery for the sofa will be cozy for Fall and Winter, while linen slipcovers were also ordered to freshen things up come Spring and Summer. An easy way to change the look and feel of your space.
Linen, mohair, velvet chenille and geometric patterns in soft colours along with walnut and antique brass materials are below for your viewing enjoyment :)
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.
Recent Comments