Nyla Free Designs

Top 10 Chandeliers

Nyla — Fri, 03 Feb 2017 20:28:52 +0000

Defined as something that holds candles dating back to France in the mid 1600's, a chandelier is a hanging fixture with branched supports for several lights. While the styles have come along way since then, the modern day chandelier still boasts a cascading, tiered design, or wide multi-arm style providing huge impact over a staircase, dining table, bed or bathtub! Here's what made our top 10 list. Which one is your favourite?

Sylvan Lake Cottage Part 2: Dining Room & Kitchen

Nyla — Wed, 01 Feb 2017 15:49:27 +0000

We're slowly sharing a cottage project we completed a few years ago now. With so many rooms and photos we thought it best to divide the spaces rather than blast you with too much all at once. We first posted the living room, now we're moving to the kitchen and dining spaces.

Looking to seat ten, we chose a long, narrow table with easy to maneuver (and clean!) chairs, The dining room bridges the kitchen with the living room as well as provides access to the outdoor deck. Adjacent is a desk area with Stikwood accent wall. This space is perfect for large groups, casual dining, and easy to maintain, checking all the boxes!

Dining Room:

Kitchen:

The kitchen is soft, simple and classic. It's tight to the ceiling cabinetry provides maximum storage and there's plenty of room for many helpers. There is overflow seating and the opportunity for a quick perch around the island with "wishbone style" stools. The cabinetry is Benjamin Moore Simply White OC-117 and backsplash tile a soft creamy glass adding texture with little contrast. The result is a serene working area, no fuss and everything has a place. Exactly what you'd want for cottage living.

Up next...the master suite!

Photography: Phil Crozier

Top 10 Swivel Chairs

Nyla — Fri, 27 Jan 2017 05:45:32 +0000

Did you know that the swivel chair dates back to the late 1700's? And did you know that the swivel chair was invented by Thomas Jefferson? Some even say he sat in one while drafting the Declaration of Independence. Whoa. Not only is the swivel chair one of the hottest chairs currently in design, it has some serious historical roots. Who knew?!

Swivels dropped off of the design scene for some time, so welcome back! We missed you. We're loving this versatile, fun and well, classic chair. We have two swivel chairs, very similar to #6, in our Country House project (see more on Instagram) and thought we'd share our top 10 favourites as they're popping up in every style, shape and colour these days.

Colette Grand Café: 5 things to know before you visit

Nyla — Wed, 25 Jan 2017 16:24:53 +0000

Celebrating modern French faire and the simplicity of France's national cuisine, Colette Grand Café is a unique bistro and dining experience. Simply put Colette is a must while visiting Toronto. Here's what you should know before you go ~

PLAN AHEAD Make reservations well in advance. It's a sought after spot anytime of the day especially Sunday brunch.

TAKE YOUR APPETITE The food is impeccable. That's it, that's all.

PULL OUT YOUR SUNDAY BEST While it's not required, I have noticed people dress up when visiting Colette (which by the way I love!). This is the perfect time to pull out that dress that rarely gets worn • I wore jeans to brunch and felt quite underdressed.

TAKE YOUR TIME Parisians indulge in long meals and Colette embraces the same. Prepare to relax and enjoy the company you're with as well as a starter, main and dessert. Don't forget the dessert.

THE COFFEE, DELICIOUS. THE TEA, DIVINE We sat with a cup of coffee while we waited for our table, and yum. Keep the refills coming. Later I had tea which was quite English, not bitter and was the perfect colour. It's the details in the little things...!

A meal at Colette truly is a dining experience. I hope you have an opportunity to go!

Until next time Colette!

IDS17 highlights and favourite finds

Nyla — Tue, 24 Jan 2017 03:23:00 +0000

It's been two years since I attended the Interior Design Show in Toronto and I was overdue for a trade show type business trip. I had forgotten the feeling of meeting people you speak to on the phone or email often but have never met in person, the recognition of social media friends and the connection with new people, suppliers and inspiration. Each time I go to Toronto I think, "I must do this more often".

Here are my highlights and favourite finds from the show ~

Elte

This area carpet mecca shows only every few years and when they do, you know Elte has something new and fabulous to share. This year they introduced a collection (a year in the making) of vintage moroccan area carpets. They're plush, irregular, one of a kind and fabulous.

DXV American Standard

DXV invited designers to realizing their products in a space paying homage to four American cities. The finished product of Pulp Design Studios Palm Springs inspired "Mid Century Resort", was reincarnated at IDS. It's a great way to show product within spaces and for people to see first hand the creative work of interior designers you would normally only see online or in print. I'm a huge fan of Palm Springs so naturally I was drawn to their design. So beautiful!

Peter Glassford

Taking wood scraps to a new level with his collage tiles made of random shaped pieces leaves each 12x12 tile unique and one of a kind. Available in two wood finishes or painted in multiple colour options, these sculptural, textural art pieces are going on my list of "must use" products.

Lightmaker Studio

I've seen this lighting company at past shows and always been impressed with their simplicity, attention to detail and I love that they are Canadian made. With a modern aesthetic and mid-century approach, their fixtures are versatile within multiple styles of design.

Montauk

Montauk's space is always so simple, classic and fun. One massive sofa or sectional in a fabulous fabric and high impact backdrop makes for a great place to hang out for a few minutes and rest tired feet, snap a few photos and indulge in the feel of the signature Montauk down cushions. (Black & white photo by Christoph Strube under the direction of Boha Design).

Until next time IDS!

Get stylishly Organized - top 10 office accessories

Nyla — Thu, 19 Jan 2017 21:57:00 +0000

We're well into January and if getting organized was on your list of resolutions or intentions for the New Year, we're here to provide inspiration and ideas in adding the "style" to your space. Organization is a work in progress, there's always papers to be filed and stuff to put away, so why not make it more enjoyable with fabulous accessories and interesting objects? Here are our top 10 suggestions:

Note: We purchased the Big Picture Calendar for our office and have been mapping out our year. We love it!

book love: in the company of women

Nyla — Wed, 18 Jan 2017 19:34:28 +0000

There were very few things on my Christmas list last year, but if there was one thing I really hoped for it was this book, IN THE COMPANY OF WOMEN by Grace Bonney. I've been a Design*Sponge fan for years and love Grace's way of championing creatives and sharing their stories. This book is an inspiring read about exceptional leaders from round the globe, full of advice, inspiration and insight into each woman's creative space and journey as an entrepreneur and maker. It's a must have in your library!

I took a quick video flip of the pages so you could see inside. It's a celebration of reaching for your dreams, discovering yourself and never giving up.

briarhill eclectic: behind the scenes on installation day

Nyla — Mon, 16 Jan 2017 15:54:00 +0000

When we first walked into this home last summer, we were immediately smitten. The bright, airy feel of the home, the quirky collectables and the passion for design our client had were all so inspiring. The task was to bring this home to life with our clients personality shining through and give it a completed look with new furniture, their existing art collection and added accessories. Embracing colour, pattern and texture this home is fresh, modern and around each corner there's a story to tell about where an item came from and the thrill of the find.

We captured a video of our installation and styling day to share the behind the scenes of how Nyla Free Designs works and what this process looks like. Seeing a project all the way through to accessory and styling stage is essential in achieving a completed, polished space and seeing our vision through to the end.

The large amount of floor space in the living room allowed us to have fun with the carpet, layering three complimentary area rugs.

An existing art collection just waiting for a new home meant the gallery wall came together with ease.

A custom floating console sits under the television and wraps around the corner to provide a table for the sectional.

The console offers plenty of storage!

The dining room furniture was primarily there to begin with, we added the hide area rug and accessories.

A convertible den to guest room space now complete with wood grain wallpaper, a day bed and fresh accessories.

Thank you to our wonderful client for allowing us to document this process and to Module Creative Agency for capturing a fabulous day!

Top 10 Runners

Nyla — Fri, 13 Jan 2017 13:28:59 +0000

I find an often underestimated and overlooked accessory item is the runner. Area carpets are a great way to add colour, texture, warmth as well as define a space within a room full of furniture, however a runner is a stand alone gem ideal for hallways, galley kitchens, bathrooms, entrances and closets. It's the perfect way to give your space a little pick me up. Here are a few of our recent faves!

2017 interior design trends

Nyla — Thu, 12 Jan 2017 21:41:47 +0000

We were asked to offer our insights into interior design trends for 2017 from Style at Home. Here are three we're not only seeing, but doing!

Give way to lighter woods. We’re seeing a move towards a blonder, natural looking wood from floor to ceiling. Wider plank hardwood with an oiled/ matte finish is a great choice in creating visual interest and providing a neutral backdrop for furniture and other interior elements. Natural, rift cut oak is a great option for cabinetry, pairing well with walnut and darker woods and even painted finishes. Light wood is extremely versatile and a great way to add warmth and texture throughout a home without it feeling overpowering or heavy.

While white kitchens will never go out of style, we’re seeing a move towards warmer materials and a less utilitarian or expected approach. Consider the new kitchen an extension of the living and dining spaces, especially those in an open concept arrangement. The thought process is a “not so kitchen, kitchen”. Working with a cohesive colour palette and materials to achieve a sense of unity with adjacent spaces provides a connection with interior elements such as furniture, lighting and decorative details, leaving the kitchen with all the importance of function yet all the style to go along with the rest of your home.

Move over subways and make room for shapes and geometrics. Whether the shape or pattern is part of the tile or simply created by installing in a geometric pattern, we’re seeing diamonds, hexagons, fish scale, chevron, herringbone, ovals, penny rounds and more. Regardless of the tile, basic white, bold colour or natural stone, creating pattern through shape is sure to elevate your bathroom in a classic, yet current way.

For more 2017 trends check out the full Style At Home article.