Lofts and Unique Spaces

So I have been really into Loft's lately!

Sometimes seen as a wasted space in homes where you often just see a random desk placed or chair meant for reading that nobody actually ever uses. Something you see more of these days in new builds is an off to the side nook, at the top of the stairs or even off to the side in the main living area. These can become obstacles when planning a space and many times just turn into a cluttered eye sore.

But if you think there is nothing more to do with that space and you are giving up, think again! It is just a great oppurtunity to get creative. Something we are seeing a lot of these days is these spaces being turned into Libraries and seating areas and even something called a 'book nook' and not just any seating area but the kind you want to spend a whole lazy afternoon lounging in, reading or studying or even catching a few Zzzzz's.

I love the city loft, now this is just plain and simple AMAZING and more of a dream home than anything else. Obviously loving the floor to ceiling windows.

So great! And so doable for some of you young 600 sq'f city dwellers. Such a great, creative use of the space.

Another great apartment loft, I love the leaned ladder along with the floor to ceiling bookshelves, it works together amazingly!

A great nook area, that you could even use as a guest sleeping space. Such great storage under the built in day bed.

Simple, minimal, yet so inviting.

Book Nook!!! This clearly is just wonderful with the beautiful big window and built in units, and you could still acheive this look  in a more closed off space with possibly a feature wall of art or photographs in place of the window.

~ Daniela

Back from Blogging Hiatus

Well life has been BUSY and has kept me away from writing these days. I have most definitely missed it and am hoping to be more diligent once again with my posts! March and April have been somewhat of a whirlwind of birthdays, anniversaries, weekend getaways annnnnnd our newest family additions two sweet little kitties Jamsine and Tinkerbell who keep me on my toes at all times.

The beginning of this month we kicked off with a lovely family trip to Sunpeaks. It was my first time downhill skiing in almost 2 years and I have to say it was AWESOME! I realized how much I missed it and how great it is to live in a part of the world where this sport can be a part of our everyday lives (maybe a bit more if it wasn't quite so pricey) that being the only downfall - it was a great weekend with the whole Fam.

Sam and I celebrated our 1 year Anniversary on April 16th. I still can't believe a whole year has passed since our wedding day and I found myself  thinking back to that time last year often. It brought back a lot of great memories, and quite a few stressful ones too :) But most of all it made me smile looking back at what a great year it has been as a 'Mrs'. We got to celebrate  by going to glorious Tofino. It has to be one of the most beautiful, peaceful and romantic places in BC - I just love it there. Highlight of the weekend, visiting the exact spot where we got engaged.

And finally it was the husbands birthday on the 20th where we got yet another weekend away at the Pan Pacific hotel right here in Vancouver, a staycation, complete with massages and quality time together, it was fantastic.

Needless to say I am excited to spend the next few weekends at home! With Spring beginning to appear it is getting me pumped for some outdoor planning and planting. Although gardening is not my strongest skill set, it is one of my 'growth areas' that I hope to be very good at one day. I have been researching some great little patio and small garden set ups. Hoping to post a little something on this later on in the week.

As you may also have noticed I have updated the 'look' of my blog and updated the name to 'Making Life Lovely'. It has a cleaner look which I am hoping will make posts and design pics easier to read and view. I am also in the middle of setting up other pages on my blog featuring images of different designs which have stood out through my travels, small design projects I have done myself and a portfolio of some of my own decorating and design work to showcase. 

~ Daniela

 

    

Art through the Seasons

Lately I have been so inspired by beautiful images and art. It has a way of taking me to another place and inspiring me. I recently purchased an amazing book to grace my coffee table called ‘An Eye for Design’ by Allegra Hicks, a London-based designer whose line of luxury fashion, homewares and accessories are sold worldwide.

The images are breathtaking! The colour and design that is captured in each photograph is stunning. The book has a way of awakening the inner artist in everyone….at least I think so. Allegra compares textiles, landscapes, nature and colour’s to different seasons and how we associate our memories and emotions with those seasons. Here are some of my most favorite displayed below. http://www.allegrahicks.com/

These make me dream big dreams for myself and help me get through these dreary winter months and to even appreciate the beauty seen in every season. Just like the seasons of life, ‘a time to rejoice, a time to rest, a time to mourn’, there is beauty in all of it.

Art is so interesting and I find very often when individuals are choosing artwork for their homes they have the idea it has to be matchy matchy; the art needs to match the toss cushions, the toss cushions need to match the rug, the rug needs to match the coffee table etc etc. Not the case! What is so freeing about art is how expressive it is and that it breaks the rules and does not have to be put in a box. Art is meant to evoke strong emotion, conversation and even controversy. So keep this in mind next time you are choosing that perfect piece for your space, it can flow with the room without matching every detail of it, don’t put yourself in a design box J

A few years ago my husband and I were on a cruise through the Caribbean, beautiful. On this cruise they had an art auction. We have always shared an interest in art and love going to museums and galleries on our travels, so we thought WHAT FUN! Plus there was free champagne! Well we ended up purchasing our first real piece by Michael Godard. If you know me at all my style is generally French provincial classic; Michael Godard is a bit of a rebel from Vegas, his artwork includes images of olives, strawberries and grapes in bar scenes whilst getting intoxicated. Needless to say a bit of a switch from the Paris street
scene I have hanging in my living room. Our piece is a little tamer; it features a grape and an olive drinking wine on the beach under the moon. It’s different and I LOVE it and it always comes with a story. http://www.michaelgodard.com/

  

~ Daniela