A PUNCH of Pretty Pastels

Look who was interviewed in The Edmonton Journal! Our very own Lori Elms, principal designer and owner of Lori Elms Design Group. www.lorielms.com 

Lori was asked to discuss the whimsical trend of pastels in interiors. Check out the article (link below) and see what she said.....

Pretty pastels making splash in home decor

How adorable are these pastel chair covers!!?? They could also be interchangeable, or seasonal! In this bright white kitchen adding the pastel chair coves adds such a fresh spring feel. Love the Punch of pastel here!

So as you can see pastels are not just for nurseries and small children's bedrooms. Pastels can be very gender neutral and can create a soft colorful and inviting space. Hope you all enjoy this Punch of pastel! 

Sincerely,

Dead Space or a Blank Canvas?

Picture shelves with layered art can eat up an empty wall and turn it into fabulous!

Recently I had a client ask me what to do with the dead space of a vaulted ceiling.  She had a very tiny window on that wall which just made the wall feel bigger and emptier.  My first thought was a bigger window, but that is not always an option, so I went onto the wonderful world of web to find solutions and perhaps some inspiration.  I thought I'd share some of the ideas I found.

There was something about this image that caught me, although I'm not certain it is great design, it does seem to address the issue of dead wall space and the punches of blue bring the space to life!  What do you think??

A simple stacking of wall shelves and some closed cabinetry at the base makes for an easy but highly effective storage/design solution for an otherwise awkward shaped wall.

A collage of various sized frames can be arranged in an artistic and balanced manner on large walls.  The effect can be amazing.  A great idea here is to incorporate family photos or photos from travel.  A little creativity can go a long way.

Here is an example of layered frames and even a skull with horns (currently very trendy)  collaged together for a highly effective feature wall.

Here is another effective way of utilizing the space of a vaulted ceiling.  It is a clever design to have the doors and fireplace become a part of the wall design rather than separate entities.




Balance, scale and continuity are all important in dealing with a blank canvas of wall.  Many elements can be incorporated, but the wall should be treated as a whole, so any windows, door, mantles, etc. all become the part of one big picture.  With some creativity and planning your dead wall can be transformed into a beautiful feature wall.  

Seeing Green

Here's a little inspiration for a fabulously green St. Paddy's day weekend...

Click this link to set the mood http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ca0F9q9KIQc

Why is it we love St. Patrick's Day?  I'm not an expert, but here's what I think:

- Green.  As in the colour of spring.  Who wouldn't love that?

- Guinness, Jameson's Irish Whisky, Bailey's Irish cream... need I go on?!

- Pot of Gold.  Yes please.

- Rainbow's and Leprechauns.  Stuff dreams are made of...

Who doesn't love a little bit of Green for St. Pat's? 

Love the apple green window sashes.  A daring choice.

I'm a fan of tree branches inside the home.  Such an amazing effect.

A little touch of greenery can make for  beautiful and inexpensive table decor.

How pretty is this for your St. Paddy's celebrations?!

Fashionably Fresh

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

BOOKS!

Ok, lets talk about books. I have always been fascinated with libraries. Home libraries, public libraries, office libraries, even school libraries. I am especially intrigued by old books. The gold embossing and leather binding just draws me in. Something is calming and yet exciting about a collection of books. One book may tell a story or teach a lesson but a collection of books reveals a lifetime of stories. 

p.s I am also in love with this space and I am loving the pulley system light fixtures! So cool!

    
Books shelves have the ability to define a room and even the color pallet of that space. This neutral room is turned vibrant with the bookshelf corner. 

Not only am I in love with the floor to ceiling books in this living room, but the symmetry created by the lamps is featuring that BEAUTIFUL vintage leather sofa! 

Color coordinating your books is also a vibrant way to create this fun rainbow effect!

Doesn't this just make you want to go reorganize your own books and turn your home office, den, or even your computer room into your new "Home Library"? I know I do. 

xoxo

Oh the joys of window shopping!

Restoration Hardware: check, Crate&Barrel: check, C C's on Whyte (not actually on whyte): check!! Seriously, if you need ideas or inspiration for your next home decor project, I suggest you get your buns to one or all of these stores.  

Restoration Hardware


I’m quite sure  Restoration Hardware was singing directly into my heart.  It’s rustic, yet modern, simple yet full of depth and character.  If you haven’t heard of this place or seen their stuff I suggest you go online and check out their website immediately www.restorationhardware.com   Upholstery, lighting, bedding, case goods,  bathroom vanities etc. etc.  The new spring 2012 catalogue comes out officially March 11th, but I’ve had a sneak peek and I will tell you now, this should be your new coffee table book.  So go, go now, go make your heart happy :)

Next up is, Crate and Barrel 

Crate & Barrel: one word: Summer!  A stop here makes you wanna pull out the Margarita machine and deck lights!  Awesome home accessories for your kitchen, bath etc.  Not to mention furniture for home office, living room, bedroom, kitchen.  So good.  Get ur summer party started!!  www.crateandbarrel.ca

Aww and C C on Whyte... prettiest place this side of Europe.  If you want to be charmed u must go here.  There are fabulous treasures to be found in this french boutique. www.cconwhyte.com

From us to you. Enjoy, 

Welcome to A Punch of Pretty!

HELLO!


My name is Jen, and I'm Lindsay!!
We are honored to welcome you to our new blog! A Punch of Pretty. We are interior designers in Edmonton, Ab. We work at www.lorielms.com .We love what we do and generally love life, so we decided to start this little blog to keep you all updated on all that is pretty and beautiful! Not only is this blog about interior design and all of the adventures that we come across in this industry but we will also be blogging about life in general.
We can't wait for your feedback and comments and if anyone has any questions for us, please feel free to email us. Or better yet follow us on twitter @LoriElmsDesign wink wink we love twitter :)


Sincerely,