Tag Archive • interior design

SPRING TIME ON YOUR PATIO

1 Comment

ESSENTIALS FOR MAKING YOUR PATIO ENJOYABLE THIS SPRING

How is it the middle of April already?!  On the west coast, we are starting to see spurts of spring, but not as many as we are used to this time of year!  We are big fans of the spring season for several reasons, the biggest ones being that spring symbolizes a true awakening and cue to start things off on a fresh foot.  Outdoor patios start to become a common after work hang out again and we enjoy the outdoors with slightly less layers.  If you like to host, then spring also means the use of your balcony or outdoor space.  Of course, just how much you can do will depend on the size of your outdoor space however- some key elements should always be present.  Here are our tips of a fresh and social outdoor patio.

 

GREENERY:

This may seem like an obvious one, but having some greenery embraces nature, adds, colour and can be applied in many ways.  From small pots to planters to trees and hedges- choose your favourite plant that will flourish in your space considering the exposure to sunlight and the level of attentiveness to keeping the plants alive.  If you are low maintenance, look towards the cactus or succulent family, for example.

 

SEATING:

Not all of us, especially those living in the Vancouver area, have space for a full outdoor dining set.  Fear not- seating can also come in the form of a cushioned bench or a café set table and chairs.  This is where your personal style comes in.  Choose raw, sanded wood for a rustic or country feel; a white painted metal set for a feminine touch; or the simple, tightly woven nylon for the contemporary type.

LIGHTING:

As with interiors, lighting has a huge impact on how your outdoor space looks and feels.  Thankfully, when the days are longer, natural light guides us through most of the night.  Additional lighting- like string lighting or sconces shed extra ambiance when the sun goes to sleep.  String lighting is readily available through various retailers and sometimes a single string will suffice to add a cozy layer of lighting to your space.

Canvas- Canadian Tire

ACCESSORIES:

How could we fail to mention accessories?!  Our favourite piece to any space, accessories finish off your space and showcase your unique style.  Trays with candles, vases of collected items, patterned accent pillows are a few ways to bring in colour, personality and a dose of envy from your neighbours.

As for entertaining sets to enjoy those refreshing beverages in?  We love this set from Pottery Barn.

Mix up a delicious frozen wine slushie, call your friends and enjoy the outdoors!

As always, your questions and comments are welcome!

Alex & Lily

DESIGN ESSENTIALS FOR YOUR HOME OFFICE

Leave a comment

home office

A space that is gaining more and more attention in new ways is the home office.  Of course having a space to sit and do ‘the bills’ has been around for a while, but home offices have taken on a different, more modern use as the numbers of ‘mompreneurs’ and those working from home continues to grow.  It is no longer an afterthought that is hardly used and functions as the catch-all space. It can be a space that provides an inspirational, functional and of course, stylish room to work in.  In this blog post we will list the essentials to create your perfectly-styled and well-equipped home office.

 

First up: THE DESK

The key here is to give yourself enough surface area for the specific activities you will be doing.  Tap into your personal style and what elements will motivate and inspire you to get down to work.  Below is a beautiful glass top desk with shaped lucite legs.  Perfect for a clean lined, modern- yet classic office desk.

Glass top desk

This rustic wood desk reads playful with a pop of colour on the legs to allow it to be placed in either a rustic or more transitional style space.

desk with pink legs

Don’t Forget: THE CHAIR

Will you be sitting at your desk for long periods of time, or only here and there?  Make sure you consider comfort in your chair selection so as to not discourage yourself from getting work done or potentially cause you pain over time.  After considering the comfort of the chair- select a chair that goes nicely with your desk.  Modern, traditional or rustic?  Check out some of our faves below:

colourful chair

cross back chair                   white desk chair

 

 

What is an office without: STORAGE

Proper storage is important for your home office.  There is nothing motivating or encouraging about a pile of paper sprawled all over your desk from the day before.  Whether the storage is built into your desk or incorporated with shelving and baskets- it is an essential element of your home office.  We love these Kate Spade magazine holders; and why not add some open shelving to add both storage and style above your desk?!

 

open shevling 2

If your space allows for it, a bookshelf is a great way to add plenty of additional storage to your home office while also providing ample room to add art, personal items and decor.

 

How could we forget: ACCESSORIES

The details.  Our favourite part of any space.  There are loads of stationary companies out there to help outfit your desktop and pull together the style of your home office.  Your desktop would not be complete without some form of: pens and colourful markers; notebooks to write down your goals and to create lists; general office supplies like scissors, staplers and a hole punch; and finally- unique elements that personalize your space.  Here are some of our favourites to make your home office complete.

rifle notebook

Kate Spade- cards               poppin stapler

All in all, a well put-together and professional space is not only about aesthetics and design, but about creating an inspirational space to dedicate time and productive thought.  Start yourself off on the right foot and make the most efficient use of your home office by having all of the right elements and-as always- contact Alex & Lily for more details and assistance.

 

Alex & Lily