Rustic, Glam Apartment - King/Dutka Family

My childhood friend Brittany recently moved back to our hometown, and moved into a beautiful apartment, built within her family's house. Leaving the city behind, Brittany and her husband Kyle, came back to the burbs with two very special additions--identical twin girls! So when they asked for my help pulling their main living space together, I knew I had to be efficient and practical--keeping in mind that two babies bring with them a lot of stuff. 

Keeping in mind a modest budget for this new family of four, we concentrated on bringing in attractive storage solutions, and rustic pieces that could be "lived in" without worry of dings and scrapes. One of my favourite spots in the room, is the dining room--A vintage table and bench from a local antique store, and repurposed chairs make the space feel homey and lived in. 

Brining Brittany's vision of a rustic, yet glamorous space to reality, was a fun challenge. The muted pastel shades, and hits of vintage help create a more timeless feel, and really suit Brittany's classic feminine style. The hard finishes in the woods, metals and stone help bring in a masculine influence, balancing out the home. The final touch was a crafted wreath, to inspire them for their Christmas decor. Real greenery, snow flocking and a sparkly pink ribbon, really elevates this inexpensive faux wreath. 

Storys Building - Andrea and Jordan Wedding

One of the most fulfilling aspects of my job as an event decorator/planner, is meeting and getting to know the couples. I knew I hit the client jackpot within our first meeting. Andrea and Jordan were kind, genuine, easy going people who knew they wanted a relaxed wedding atmosphere, but needed direction with their decor and planning. So we got to work, creating a plan that would compliment the already cool environment their venue--the Storys Building--offered. With exposed brick walls, huge factory height windows, and a downtown city vibe, the decor didn't need to be flashy. Vintage apple crates and candle votives were the only backdrop needed for the ceremony; not forgetting the beautiful wild-flower arrangements that were also carried into the reception's decor scheme. I loved the use of milk glass, juxtaposing the classic vases against the industrial feel of the loft. The event was personalized with pictures of the couple strung throughout the space, and the bride took thoughtfulness to new heights--writing a personal message to each guest on the back of their place card. Told you these were nice people!

After speeches filled with tears of joy and a beautiful acoustic serenade by the bride's brother, the couple invited guests upstairs where a live band kept guests dancing well into the wee-hours of the morning. It was truly a pleasure helping Andrea and Jordan on their big day, and I am excited to see what comes next for them!

List of vendors and sources:

• Venue/Catering - Storys Building
• Flowers - the bride's friend Cait! 
• Photos - Danielle Perelman Photography 
• Ceremony/reception decor - Chloe Rose
• Late Night Snack set up and rentals - Chloe Rose
• Vintage apple crates, white lace serving dishes, glass votives for ceremony - Chloe Rose
• Day-of-planning services - Chloe Rose 

Vintage, Industrial - PB & J Toronto Office

When I first turned down Stewart Street for my site visit, I knew I was pulling up to a pretty cool space. The residential condo, as part of the Thompson Residents, was a modern, industrial shell that was screaming for a warm hit of vintage and personality. The team of PB & J--an advertising and branding agency--were fun, young, and creative. Their open-concept office was crowded and disorganized, and didn't reflect the company's vibe, or the potential of the building. The inspiration for the space came from Toronto's Drake Hotel--a perfect example of blending modern and cool, with vintage and eclectic. 

I started by turning up the mood, with black chalkboard paint. The creative minds behind the desks will have now a source for whenever inspiration strikes. Vintage, Persian rugs were a key factor in warming up the concrete shell, and additional lighting in the way of desk lamps, floor lamps and sconces helped brighten rooms without natural light. Cleaning up the desks with simple, black boxes of varying sizes will help keep the shared offices clear of clutter, and black cork boards and message boards will act as fun ways to communicate. 

Providing a space that reflected PB & J's unique brand, while also offering practical solutions for organization was a challenge I was happy to tackle. It was so satisfying to see the unit transform into a high-functioning work space, that will hopefully continue to function and evolve for this ever-growing company!

PHOTO CREDIT: Ashley Klasshen - http://klassh.com

Side note: I have no words that properly exemplify the gratitude I have for my family's help on this project. Parents, siblings, and uncles who willing give up their Sunday to let me boss them around, is a rarity I truly appreciate. The best part is, they make it fun, and fill me with encouragement along the way. Also, a huge shout out to Ashley from PB & J who was a massive help on load in day, and who provided me with these awesome photos.

La Dolce Vita - Hilary's Milestone Birthday

We love an excuse for a party, and my Mom's 60th birthday was certainly reason enough to pop the bubbly! My sisters and I schemed together to plan a party that would celebrate all things Hilary--the queen of hosting, so no easy task. Our cousin Joanna volunteered her house and family as hosts, and we settled on an Italian theme. Lunch was thin-crust pizzas, mini chicken parmesan sandwiches, prosciutto-wrapped asparagus, antipasto skewers, shrimp, lamb kabobs and charcuterie. We toasted with Prosecco and indulged in lemon/buttercream cake, horns and mini rhubarb tarts. It was a fun afternoon celebrating a woman who is normally behind the hosting-lense, and who deserves to start her milestone year with all of the love she gives all of us!

A HUGE thank you to her incredible, generous family and friends who all brought food, drinks, gifts, and laughs. We appreciate all of your kindness greatly! 

List of sources:

• Cake - Cordon Sue Sweets 
• Pizza - Corrado's Restaurant & Bar  
• Dish rental - Perfect Party Place