AlanaFirestone.com

Dispense in Style

2014-06-23T12:48:00.003-07:00

This Sunday we had a BBQ - Sundays are easier in the summer because you still feel alive with the sun and ultimately a couple drinks helps to forget the Monday blues ahead.

I picked up a drink dispenser at Linen Chest this weekend - I know what you thinking..another mason jar. THIS IS NOT THE CASE..I was pleasantly shocked when I walked in and found this crystal stunning stunning STUNNING piece. This will shine all year long on any bar cart - so dare to be different and pick this one up! A summer essential in my mind!

Lucite Love and a Giveaway!

2014-06-18T08:20:00.000-07:00

If your a follower of my blog you should know by now I am a sucker for lucite. I love how femanine it automatically makes any space. I try to use lucite as much as possible when designing a condo (as sometimes they are VERY VERY small). Lucite allows you to furnish without leaving a heavy look. I came across this ottoman from Linen Chest and I feel in love. I can't wait to use it in one of my future projects!

Are you with me?? Thought so!

If your haven't checked out Linen Chest your missing out - there are 6 new stores in Toronto! So do yourself a favour and go to their grand opening sale - tons of deals!!

Let us HELP you get closer to this ottoman! $50 gift certificate to Linen Chest is up for grabs! All you have to do is post the Grand Opening Flyer (above) on Instagram with the hashtag #LinenChestGTA for your chance to win! Leave your instagram user name in the comment below you have until June 22! GOOD LUCK!!

Designing a Manly Office..GRR

2014-06-06T08:31:00.003-07:00

When a couple moves in together the house normally gets divided into 2 - The women's territory and then the one area for the man of the house. In #ProjectHollandPark my clients have ALOT of space in their home. At AFi we are creating a manly and eclectic oasis for my client to have a spot of his own.
Check out some of the fun details here - and Look back for updates!

Because every office needs fauxidermy of sort sort - and a T-REX!

Forget the feature wall - introducing functional feature walls. Paint one of the walls in chalkboard or white board paint or even try a full cork board wall! Once you start pinning your addiction will never stop!

Self explanatory here....zzzz

Spend or Save It's up to you...

2014-03-26T10:08:00.002-07:00

Which set of agate coasters comes in at a higher price? A or B

If you guessed B - you know your s***

There is a price difference of $133.08!!!

Coasters A - are from William Sonoma they are $187.94
Coasters B are from Lemesto and they are $54.58

WEdding essential

2014-03-12T11:54:00.002-07:00

This past weekend my sister and NEW brother got married. My brother in law likes his scotch and wanted to incorporate this manly drink into the wedding. So we scratched the fruity martini bar and started planning "JJ's Scotch Bar".
I made a drink sign that showed all the drink selections

Up next was a little "feminine" spin - but I had to..they were just necessary

Its an Ombre World..Deal with it

2014-03-11T12:52:00.001-07:00

Light Love

2014-03-11T10:36:00.000-07:00

I love love love this light from ELTE and I also LOVE it even more now that is on sale.

Into it or No?

2014-03-11T09:26:00.001-07:00

Do you like the idea of lucite ghost chairs and a heavier wood dining table?
Majority of people think this is a faux pas but I got to be honest with you I kinda LOVE It

Would you swing this way..?

I Need I want

2014-03-11T08:44:00.000-07:00

I'm gushing over Jonathan Adler & his zebra dish. Are you a fan?

Herringbone Heaven

2014-03-06T15:57:00.001-08:00

I am starting to design a master bathroom my client has hinted that they love herringbone floors and obviously I would have to agree. Who doesn't love herringbone?
Some of my favourite inspiration pictures.

Whats your take - are you in or are you out?

Project Cottage

2014-01-07T10:27:00.002-08:00

I have started creating inspiration boards for a cottage I am starting to design
We are going for a very light coastal feel which will be a huge change from the heavy dark wood that exists right now.
Take look..it already feels relaxing. If only it was summer..

Feature - Spark Modern

2014-01-07T10:19:00.000-08:00

If you are looking for unique pillows look no further Spark Modern is here! Lauren and Amy (mother and daughter duo) found the name from Lauren's address S. Park Street where she began sewing both pillows and drapes for her own house. After being convinced by her brother to open up a business on Etsy she partnered up with help from her mother and the rest is history! Lauren says " For us, our business is an experience, a relationship that we develop with out customers. It's been so fun to share this journey with my mom ; I couldn't think of a better business partner"

They recently opened up another store Orange Olive Studio where they sell the same pillows but in more affordable sizes or the textiles that have been discontinued. So go there for a good deal - you wont have any regrets!

She loves tone on tone right now - but her style is always changing and that is a reflection of the fabrics she chooses.

Some of my favourite pillows -

What are yours?

Have A Seat

2014-01-04T14:58:00.001-08:00

I recently decorated a condo where function was my number 1 focus. my client wanted to create a designated eating area - which the previous owner did not have. With spacing being an issue we decided to do 2 chairs and a bench - a beautifully upholstered bench and now I am hooked. What do you think of banquette seating?
My Design -

Others I love

Featured Shop - Simply Made Greetings

2014-01-03T14:20:00.002-08:00

I recently partnered up with Jessica Miller from Simply Made Greetings a cute store offering handmade mugs, hair bands (her daughter is her muse) and greeting cards. She started her company after she made save the date cards for her own wedding in 2010 and following that Jessica's on-line store was created in 2011. She only introduced mugs 2 weeks ago and they have been quite the hit - favourites have been the pregnancy announcements.

She is constantly thinking of new qoutes and new ideas and I am sure she is willing to do custom order so please check out her ETSY store - its worth the visit :)

Be sure to check out our contest here

Bella Jackson Studios

2013-12-17T18:06:00.001-08:00

I recently partnered up with Bella Jackon Studios for a contest give a way. The give a way at hand was the "cereal killer spoon" it was definitely a hard choice to choose one from her amazing product line. Her store carries everything from serving spoons to butter knives with hand stamped sayings and phrases on them. You have to check it out!!

Cyndi the owner of Bella Jackson Studios got the name from her 7 year old twins Bella and Jackson. Her studio is at home and her "employees" are her 5 children (helping their mom out - I LOVE IT). It all began when she wanted to use her grandparents old silver and turn it into a meaningful gift for her children.

She has many new ideas for the future including - pens, make up brushes, usb sticks all made from vintage utensils - I cant wait to see them!

Be sure to check out her store you wont be disappointed!

Ander's Attic

2013-12-12T16:08:00.003-08:00

This week I partnered up with Kaylyn Johnson from Ander's Attic to give one of my lucky readers a classic Joey Tribbiani pillow with his famous "How you doin'" one liner.

Q + A

AFi: What made you start Ander's Attic?
KJ: I started my company Feb 2013 so I wouldnt go stir crazy at home! I stay at home with my 18 month son while my husband goes to school

AFi: What is your best selling item?
KJ: It is definitely the "Marauders Map" pillow set it bears the iconic phrases " I solemnly swear that I am up to no good" and Mischief Managed.

AFi: What's your favourite item in the store?

KJ: I love the "Love you more/most" pillow set. Its something my husband and I always say to each other.

AFi: Any ideas for new products in the future?

KJ: I am always trying to create new products! It's usually a spur of the moment thing with me. But one thing I have planned for sure is monogrammed pillows with or without anniversary dates :)

Check out the contest details on Instagram or Facebook

Good luck!

Ikea you Impress me

2013-11-27T15:13:00.001-08:00

Look at these finds..

Just used this chair in a recent project - can you believe it is under $200!!

Loving these other pieces..Ikea you did good!

Prismatic Beauty

2013-11-25T09:34:00.000-08:00

Thanks for the feature Umbra
Check it out HERE

New Project

2013-11-20T07:34:00.004-08:00

My latest project is now complete.
Click here to check it out - ENJOY

What I am listening to..ON REPEAT

2013-11-12T13:13:00.001-08:00

Updates

2013-10-08T08:22:00.000-07:00

Follow me on Instagram for lots of updates!

Wedding Pictures

2013-08-28T21:23:00.000-07:00

Just stumbled upon this amazing online company Prints on Wood basically the service is just how it sounds instead of printing on paper or canvas you can print on wood. They offer prints from tons of different artists or you can upload and create your own.

I have yet to blow up any of my wedding photos from 2 years ago ( I just didn't want that standard wedding photo hung in my hall) - I think this is the perfect opportunity and about time to get one up there!

Now which one to choose? A little different than the standard pose..but it shows character?

Bar Cart Check List

2013-08-21T08:07:00.004-07:00

When accessorizing a bar cart make sure you are equipped with all the essentials.

Paper Straws - they come in all different patterns and colours so you can really cordinate it with your space

Books - Stack books on your cart - no cart is complete without The Fashionable Cocktail

Prints, Art & Mirrors - The space over your cart should not be empty ground your cart with an amazing print or mirror. Some of my favourites...

Trays - The most important element of your cart, trays allow for organization and help to group items together. There are amazing trays out these days - check etsy for vintage and monogrammed trays. Think out of the box and use old champagne crates for all your bottles

Glasses - Your bar should be ready for your party - Not all your guests are winos so have your shot, champagne and scotch glasses accessible.

Flowers - Flowers make LIFE prettier :) Enough said!

Coasters - unless you want those ~~gorgeous~~ annoying rings on your brand new coffee table do us a favour and pick up some coasters. My favourite ones right now..

Decanters and Labels - Love the look of these drink labels - they give that vintage feel

or for a more modern feel

Cottage Dreams

2013-08-21T07:25:00.002-07:00

Bar Cart Find

2013-08-16T09:43:00.000-07:00

While looking for bar cart accessories for a client I stumbled upon an amazing find. A lot of people collect their old wine corks and display them either in canisters or art. I just love this holder from Etsy a very classy and elegant way to display your ever growing collection..