S'more Wedding Favors

I couldn't resist sharing something sweet with you!  I designed these tags and favors for a dear client.  The front of the tag says Sending you... S'more love (perfectly adorable) and then on the back, it's a perfect spot to put a poem, saying, scripture or signature.  What's great about the word s'more is that you can use it to pretty much any saying.

Sending you...S'more Love and Joy (Christmas party favor)
Sending you...S'more bundles of love  (awesome for baby shower)
Sending you...S'more sweet treats (birthday favor)
Sending you...S'more Joy (wedding favor) with the couple's name on it

Perfect wedding favor because they are unique, edible and easy to DIY. 

The Perfect Partnership

There are some designers that can marry the styles of traditional and contemporary seamlessly without even being able to determine which is more dominant. 

Rustic horizontal wide plank boards fill the focal wall around the fireplace.  By using a rectangular fireplace it emphasizes the width of the room and lends itself nicely to the overall vision.  The black slate fireplace complements well with the steel black staircase with linear shadows up the walls.  Stone pebbles on the opposing wall gives great contrast, texture and visual detail to the large room.  By using the two natural elements they expand the space while giving it a cozy, inviting lure.  Pops of color in the side tables, carpet or blankets can transition this space nicely for years to come.  Simply changing out the functional pieces allows you to invest in the architectural space while having fun with interchangeable items.

Loving this space!  5 stars!  What do you think?

Source: archiproducts.com via elev8 dezign on Pinterest

The Traditions of Christmas

Do you find lately the traditions of Christmas are getting forgotten about by the commercialism of the holiday?  I feel more and more each year we need to go back to our roots and keep things simple.  We get so caught up by the expectations and stress of being in multiple places at one time or having that perfect gift or even have the house perfectly decorated for guests.

Here are some great suggestions for scaling back this year and focusing on what really matters.

1.  Make a list of old traditions that you once enjoyed doing and do at least 2 of them this year.  Keep the list in safe keeping to add 2 new ones next year.
2.  Instead of stressing about what gifts to buy, donate your gift money to a local food bank or sponsor a family in need.  The inner joy and peace it will bring you will amaze you.
3.  Decorate only the main living space for the holidays.  Instead of stringing lights and garland throughout, put your focus on your family area.
4.  Think of a few people who are shut-in for the winter or do not have family locally and either stop by or give them a call.  They will be overjoyed by your thoughtfulness and the time you have taken to talk to them.
5.  Appreciate the little things.

As we kick off December, don't spend your time wanting Christmas to be done and over with.  Make it enjoyable and memorable by doing it your way.

Here are some great snapshots and links to classic designs or family traditions you can start up!  Enjoy!

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Source: Uploaded by user via elev8 dezign on Pinterest

One cannot help but fall in love with these mirrored subway tiles.  Not overly practical but the beauty of them and the reflective quality would be worth it!  Here are some to check out!

Source: houzz.com via elev8 dezign on Pinterest

Source: designsponge.com via elev8 dezign on Pinterest

Source: houzz.com via elev8 dezign on Pinterest

Source: houzz.com via elev8 dezign on Pinterest

Spring Cleaning....laundry room!

Spring cleaning time is here and time to consider the best of the best laundry rooms. Here are some great choices of inspiration to update or renovate your existing laundry. This room has a tendency to be a bit boring however you spend a great deal of time in the laundry room so why not make it beautiful! My laundry room of choice has to be the chalkboard cupboards...perfect for leaving notes for your family, reminder not to put certain clothes in the dryer or when to change the cycle. A functional statement piece perfect for adding some interest. Enjoy!

Source: younghouselove.com via elev8 on Pinterest

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Source: designspongeonline.com via elev8 on Pinterest

Source: curbly.com via elev8 on Pinterest

February is obviously the month of love so instead of doing the usual feature on red, I'm in love with pink right now.  It is classic feminine!

Pink draperies soft hues of gray

Perfect mix of Pink and White

Bright & Cheerful Pink Door

Perfectly Pink Palette

Timeless Design

Looking back over the stack of magazines I have accumulated over the many years of design, I find myself asking the consistent question, can design be timeless?  Can it?
I whole heartedly believe so.  It's the foundational pieces that we purchase that make something timeless and from there, we pick up on trends, statement pieces and bold colours.  When working with clients, my primary goal for the majority is to direct them to pieces that will work with them for many years.  If you are putting a great deal into a couch, rug, art or cabinets, you do not want to look at them in five years and ask yourself what were you thinking?

Here are my top 4 tips when considering timeless design.

1.  For large investment pieces, look for less is more.  Less ornate detailing, simple fabric choices and transparent glass.
2.  If looking for a pop of colour or graphics, look at framing bold wallpaper, graphic art or photography.
3.  White is classic.  I do not believe white will ever go out of style.
4.  Personality in a space is directed by the memories that are showcased there.  Add a few family heirlooms such as crates, vintage timekeepers, books and photography.  Keeping the rest simple will showcase those memories all the more.

Here are some images to showcase these fundamental tips to keep in mind.

Dining Space

 

Mix of old and new

Living Space