Freehand Magazine | Spring 2024

Inside this Journal

WHAT ARE WE LOVING LATELY?

Spring inspired products we’re enjoying this season!

HOME OFFICE BY THE NUMBERS

Planning a home office reno? The budget breakdown you need.

PRESERVING THE PAST

There are so many beautiful historical details to bring forward into the 21st century.

A COLLECTION OF THINGS

The joy that comes through the art of collecting.

FROM CHORE TO CHARM

We’re talking Spring cleaning with Mariya Podeyko, owner + founder of AM Cleaning, in Calgary.

Take a before & after look at our Heritage House project.

ENLIGHTEN

How many of these lighting types do you have in your home?

POSTCARDS FROM CABO

Postcards from my recent trip to Cabo, San Lucas.

IN THE MORNING LIGHT

The morning light in my house is dreamy. Let’s reflect together.

A LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Welcome to Freehand!

This isn’t a word I use often, which had me intrigued. I was immediately drawn to how it made me feel and how it seemed to reflect what our magazine believes in – authenticity explored at the hands of creativity through collaboration and challenge. However, I’m not one to jump into the deep end. I ponder, analyse, think and ponder some more before committing to something. I knew if I was going to rebrand the magazine, it needed to mean something.

I’m a tactile creative. I’d much rather write than type. I’ll flip through a magazine or paper before I search for a keyword. I guess you could say I’m more traditional. I favour the old school pen-to-paper over fingers-to-keys. Yes, there are programs and tools that aid in the process of creating, most of which I’ve yet to learn, but when I design, I sketch – with tracing paper and a pencil. There’s an investment in putting your hands to work and it is here that my creativity flows.

Our senses are heightened when we use our hands, creativity spurred, time appreciated a little differently, and a connection that you don’t get from a keyboard.

My hope for Freehand is that it becomes a creative laboratory. An extension of the in-betweens and the not-quite-rights. Showcasing the ‘ah-ha’ moments and the process it took to get there. Like a journal, or a notebook, I hope the pages feel intimate – like you’re a part of the process just as much as we are. Because at the end of the day, isn’t that the case? Infinitely inspired by those around us. Finding joy in seeing what can become of our hands and craft. Delighting in our senses as we connect deeper not only with each other but with the human experience.

We’re excited for you to flip through this new chapter! May it spark in you what it has in us.

xo,Nyla

LATELY LoVing WHAT ARE WE ?

Welcome Spring! A fresh, new feeling and promise that warmer days are ahead. While there’s still a nip in the air, we’re not far off from buds and blossoms. Here’s what team NFDI is loving for the spring season.

A tote is one of the most practical bags for me to carry, especially for work. I particularly love the indigo colour of this bag, wearable with anything from jeans to a dress. 01.

I love the Tatcha brand for several reasons, and recently added the lip mask to my daily routine. Upon my purchase, the sales person said, “you’re going to love this product”, and she was absolutely right. 04.

I’m ready for open toed shoes! I’ve got my eyes on these sandals and love the combination of the sophisticated houndstooth tweed and casual style. 02.

One of my favourite items as of late is a portable mini lamp. With a quick charge, place them anywhere to create an additional layer of light and ambience. I’m quite fond of this marble lamp I recently saw at Elte in Toronto. 05.

I gravitate towards anything with a pedestal base. I love this piece for its lower base and unique pink coloured marble. It’s beautiful as a stand alone piece almost anywhere in your home. 03.

I love travel books. I recently purchased the NYC edition of the Pretty City collection (I also have London and Paris!) and it was a great resource prior to my recent trip to the Big Apple. 06.

ANA

As soon as I saw these Adidas sambas my jaw dropped. The pop of pink is everything I want in a shoe, and more. I love how timeless sneakers are in the world of fashion. Shoes with both comfort and support are key for my day to day. 01.

I’m naturally drawn to gold jewellery, but want to switch it up this Spring by introducing some silver statement pieces. 04.

Did you know Drew Barrymore had an appliance line? Me neither. This blender blends (no pun intended) elegance, colour, and utility in all the best ways. My morning smoothies won’t be the same. 02.

My goal this season is to have fresh floral arrangements on hand weekly. With its vibrant colour and the sophisticated glass tiles, this vase still gives everything I need to enjoy the season! 05.

I was gifted this perfume from my oldest daughter this past Christmas, and it has quickly become my new favourite! This warm floral scent is perfect for a Spring day. 03.

If you know me, then you know my love for accessorizing. I picked up this Tory Burch crossbody over the holidays in a different colourway, and can’t say enough about it. I’m in love! 06.

I’ve been meaning to add a classic trench to my closet for quite some time! I love how versatile this coat is - styling up a casual look or the perfect layer matched for an elevated one! Add to cart! 01.

When it comes to bags, for me, the bigger the better. Convenience is the name of the game with this tote, though I don’t mind that it also looks pretty classy too. Don’t mind if I do. 04.

This little lamp has found a home on the arm of my sofa. I love its petite frame, and the accordion shade adds visual interest! 02.

I picked up this roller perfume on a Canmore outing with my sister a few months back and I am obsessed! Locally made, this perfume is light and fruity. Everything I love in a perfume, not to mention, it’s compact size makes it perfect for on the go. 05.

I’m crushing on these leather sandals, especially as warmer weather approaches. Stylish & comfortable? Talk about the perfect combo! 03.

I’m a 90’s baby, so my obsession with charm bracelets runs deep. I love mixing and matching, and the opportunity to swap out a charm or two when I’m onto something new! 06.

I recently visited the Musee D’Orsay, which showcased Van Gogh’s completed work in the final months of his life. This book resonates as this period of time was covered in the book. Spoiler alert: Mrs. Van Gogh is his sisterin-law, not his wife! 01.

I’m planning lots of travel this year, and I’d love a new carry-on bag. I just can’t decide which colour, Safari Green or Scout Tan. 04.

I’m not one to spend a lot of money on purses, or handbags as Nyla would say! I just really loved this one and the colour when I saw it. It’s not new but it’s a classic! 02.

I can no longer deny reading glasses have become part of my life, especially if I’m reading before bed. There are so many fun pairs these days! These look fresh for spring. 05.

03.

I brought this to our work retreat in January. We all used it constantly. It has become a fixture on the table during our team meetings. I’m not sure I could live without Peppermint Halo! I use it almost every day.

06.

I can’t get enough of this Viola marble. It’s everywhere right now and it’s just gorgeous!

PAO

I’m addicted to lighting design and always look for interesting pieces like this one of a kind, handmade fixture. 01.

I found this restaurant by chance on a trip to Edmonton. The owners are Chilean and Portuguese and have filled this place with warmth and excellent service. Their fantastic food reminded me of my Latin roots and filled my heart with a lot of…sabor! 04.

I love to cook, and since I arrived in Canada I have been in search of good local and traditional cuisine. A friend gave me this book and the recipes look delicious! I can’t wait to try the Bison meatloaf with Cranberry Barbecue Glaze. 02.

I’m always looking for cute accessories to style my hair so I have a different look each day. This claw clip would elevate my hair game even on the messier days! 05.

I always wear jewelry, some inherited, some purchased or gifted, so this handmade piece would be a great addition to my bedside table, and keep them safe at night. 03.

06.

It’s time to go back to the office, and I can’t stop thinking about these shoes! I love feeling like I’m dressing formally and differently every time I go out, and this pair would be perfect to start this spring at the office.

MARY JANE PUMPS Jeu D‘Art

FLOOR LAMP Lana Launay

TRINKET TRAY Melike Carr

COOKBOOK Indigo 02

RESTAURANT Sabor, YEG

HERITAGE

HOME

One of the most rewarding aspects of design is building and establishing trust with our clients. Trust allows us to move through a project smoothly and seamlessly. We were brought into this home to give it a new lease on life. It had undergone a few renovations in its time, had a total of 11 different ceilings heights, and a disruptive flow from one room to the next. Rooms were underutilised and overall, lacked a connection to our clients’ personality.

Once we established the new layout, and a general idea of the finishes and materials, our client removed themselves, offering their full trust in us navigating the renovation process for them. They went as far as not entering the home in the final stages in order to experience a full reveal of their new home.

By way of our key points and requests from our clients, you’ll find a combination of natural colours, layers of textures, no black (except in a few art pieces), and a casual sophistication throughout the home.

The outcome is a transformed home, more functional and suited to the family’s everyday needs, as well as spaces to share with guests, creating a welcoming home for entertaining, something they care deeply about.

Our client came to us with specific requests, outlined by way of a “lookbook” she put together as a result of porch visits with a neighbour during the pandemic. In this book were photos, organised by room, with likes and dislikes noted on each page. It became our resource during the design process and guide post for idea building and decision making.

THE ENTRY

One of the biggest requests we had from our clients was to create a more welcoming entry. Previously, they felt as though guests would enter, and then not know where to go, creating an awkward flow through the home.

Moving the closet meant we could create more of a visual through to the kitchen, guiding guests to the back of the house. This also allowed us to create a separation between the entry and parlour, as well as circulation through the spaces.

THE PARLOUR

A room name we don’t use very often, but felt right for this small but mighty multi-purpose space. A window seat, window bench with table and chairs, as well as built-in storage that also offers a computer “perch”, all reside in this space.

Our clients didn’t need a home office, however did see value in having a computer space on the main floor. We tucked it behind closed doors within the built-in, so when not in use, it’s out of sight.

THE LIVING ROOM

Our hope and intention with the fireplace facade was to create a plaster feel, however to save on costs we ended up finishing it with a drywall technique, giving the look for less. A savvy “save” giving us the ability to “splurge” elsewhere.

The fireplace is not centred in the room so the seating arrangement became a challenge. We created a seating area around the fireplace, and another grouping focused on the television in the adjacent space.

THE KITCHEN

The previous kitchen was closed off, disconnected and lacked function. With entertaining at the helm, a larger kitchen was required, so we absorbed a previous kitchen nook into the new kitchen space, creating a far better workflow. The existing skylights and light filled area over the sink remained.

While there is plenty of natural light in this space, we also wanted to add layers of additional lighting. This was achieved with flush mounts over the island, wall sconces along the staircase wall, and sconces over the sink to create a level of ambient light. A great option when entertaining when task lighting isn’t required.

THE DINING ROOM

With entertaining a core experience our clients wanted to embrace with their home renovation, the dining room was an important area to consider for both function and aesthetic. The first order of business was to open it up, creating more of a connection to the kitchen and living room. We also took advantage of the large wall, adding millwork for additional storage and a service area.

WINE STORAGE

Equipped with bottle storage, a small surface and two freezer drawers, this small but mighty space is ready to entertain!

THE PRIMARY BEDROOM

While an update in furniture was in order, a simple change of furniture layout also made a huge difference, allowing the entire window to be visible and more light to flood through. Light, bright and airy was the intention and overall feel for this space.

THE ENSUITE

The ensuite was not part of our original scope, however as the renovation progressed, our clients came to realise everything else in the home would be new, and their ensuite would still feel dated. With this, we made a last minute decision to update their ensuite. Being mindful of the additional investment, we kept the original layout intact, which helped manage plumbing costs, and sought out cost effective tile options. The vanity, hardware and lighting were also new additions to the space. Small changes with big impact!

“from chore

Daylight awakened, hibernation we leave, Spring is here. And if that is so, if the outside world can strip itself of winter’s skin, can our homes not do the same?

WRITTEN BY AVA FREE

to charm”

Mariya Podeyko

Owner & Founder of AM Cleaning

Ukrainian immigrant, Mariya Podeyko is passionate about cleaning, sustainability and a “non-toxic lifestyle.” Podeyko founded AM Cleaning YYC in 2018 and has established herself within the industry. “My purpose is to highlight the most positive emotions you experience in your space by sharing with you the lost art of cleaning,” says Podeyko.

The term Spring cleaning dates back to several suggested origins. Some researchers trace it back to the Persian New Year, which falls on the first day of Spring. Others connect it back to the Jewish anticipation of Passover or the Catholic cleansing of the altar before Good Friday. In Western culture, March was the best time to open the windows and dust.

When we think of cleaning, we must think of it in terms of surfaces. How often do we use them? What do we use them for? As winter becomes but a puddle, we can’t forget what it entailed when it was here. Baking and cooking build grime in the oven, heavy dishes leave greasy films and thicker blankets leave dust and fluff.

what do we forget?

Bathrooms, the kitchen and floors are always a good place to start, but what about areas that often get overlooked? Air filters; you turn your fan on to avoid build-up on visible surfaces, but that doesn’t mean the dust disappears. The oven; it’s not that we forget but neglect. It’s a big task. Under your bed; we’re prone to clean what we can see but it’s what’s underneath that often needs it most. Light switches; you touch them every single day, all day. They deserve a wipe. Ceiling fans and lamps; you’d be surprised at how much light you aren’t getting.

THE ORDER OF IT ALL

As we embrace the newness of the season might we embrace the cleaning that comes with it.Organizing comes first, and cleaning second. The more empty your space is, the less you have to clean. Clean smarter, not harder.

“They’re two sisters that go hand in hand.”

Have your gear ready. What do you enjoy using? If you’re using vinegar, but you hate the smell, why are you using vinegar? Do you talk bad about your vacuum behind its back? Try one you’ll speak more highly of. Linen closets are the graveyard for cleaning supplies.

“It’s just like skincare, you’re never going to use a lipstick if you don’t like it. It’s just going to sit there.”

Have a strategy. Start room-by-room and move through the space. This way you’re able to see your work as you go or section things off by like spaces. Clean all the baseboards and art, then all bathrooms and so forth. This way you’re able to use the same supplies consistently before moving on.

It doesn’t have to all get done at once, in fact, it’s not meant to. If the goal is to enjoy the process, then allow it to spread out over time. There are eight to twelve weeks in the season of Spring (in Calgary if we’re lucky). Break up your tasks throughout the months of Spring. Attempting to transform your home into a spotless showroom in one weekend is most likely going to leave you overwhelmed.

what's in your space?

Your space should feel like an extension of you and your family. It’s important to acquaint yourself with what you have and what it requires.

Understanding what you have allows you to nurture your space. Finding excitement in things that take up space in your home is important and as interior designers, our job is to educate you on those things, making you feel confident in the care they require. Is your natural countertop sealed? Does it need to be resealed, if so how often? What type of carpet do you have? Does it have natural or synthetic fibres? Is your faucet powdercoated? What type of flooring do you have? Brazilian cherry? Maple? Linoleum?

Despite the appeal to chemicals that work faster and require less elbow grease, the best cleaning solution doesn’t need to be bought. Warm water is your closest friend when it comes to cleaning.

Many people use “natural” additives such as vinegar, lemon or hydrogen peroxide when cleaning, however they can be quite abrasive, especially on natural surfaces. On a marble countertop, vinegar will etch the slab and leave dull spots.

“Not knowing what’s in your home is like sending a child to university without them knowing how to boil water.”

Just as dirt and grime build up in your space, so will the chemicals for harsher products. Especially if used excessively. When it comes to cleaning, the more is not the merrier.

“Think about when you cleanse your skin. If you use too much cleanser, your skin will dehydrate, you’ll strip the natural oils. Same goes for your surfaces.”

Cleaning is more than grabbing a rag and a vacuum cleaner and hoping for the best. It is an opportunity to take pride in what you have and to care for it accordingly.

self-care redefined

Whether it’s the latest trend or simply the satisfaction of winding down at the end of the day, we so often prioritise our physical self care. Podeyko says our home should fall under that same category. There is no reason self-care can’t be synonymous with cleaning our homes.

“Think about it as giving your house a spa day.”

Mariya's key points

Start small.

Start attainable.

Set deadlines,

“If you don’t, your Spring cleaning will drag into Autumn and at that point it’s just cleaning.”

Celebrate the process as you go.

Start recognizing your home as a sacred place, a space that acts as an extension of yourself.

Delegate tasks.

“It’s no secret, cleaning notoriously falls on the shoulders of women, so it’s important to involve the family and everyone in the house.”

Embrace the beautiful spaces that have been intentionally created and designed for you.

light En

In my opinion, lighting is one of THE most important selections when moving through the design process. Not only is it a highly functional aspect of the home, lighting also brings big impact through its aesthetics and design details. Light fixtures can make or break a room. Purpose, scale, visual interest, wattage, height, and a connection to the rest of the space, are all things to consider when selecting the right lighting for your space.

Lighting is one of my favourite aspects of design, and I love layering different types (and styles!) of fixtures. This approach brings personality and different moods to a space, depending on the experience you would like/ or need to have.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO LAYER LIGHTING?

Each type of lighting plays a different role in a space, yet they work together to compliment each other. The layers of light come by way of the type, but also the height at which each fixture is hung, or placed.

There are three basic types of lighting: ambient or general, task, and accent. A fourth and unnecessary, but lovely addition, is candlelight. A room may require only one of the three types depending on the function of the space, however I highly recommend using at least two, even if one is a candle.

While all may not be on at the same time, having the ability to layer the lighting depending on the mood you intend to create, offers flexibility in a space.

As the name suggests, task lighting refers to a fixed source that provides additional light for a given task. Areas in a home where task lighting is needed include, however are not limited to, above a kitchen island, bathroom vanity lights, floor lamps for reading, and of course, lighting for a work surface. Task lighting should be selected specifically for the space in which it will live, and the task it will service. Confirming adequate wattage, lumens, and colour temperature are important details to ensure the required task can be completed with ease and comfort. The right lighting helps our eyes focus, and not be strained while we work.

EXAMPLES: Table Lamps, Pendant Lights, Vanity Lights, Floor Lamps, Desk Lamps, Under Cabinet or Integrated Lighting.

TIP: Having a designer on board your project will ensure the above points are all considered together for aesthetics, cohesiveness, and function, not only alongside other lighting selections, but all other finish and materials required for the project as well.

Also referred to as general lighting, this is the primary, and base layer of lighting within a home. Most rooms will have some form of general lighting to illuminate the space, most of which are installed in the ceiling. The wattage of each fixture should be considered in order to ensure the room is lit appropriately, especially if this is the only source of light. The bulb style, and glass or fabric shade should all be considered when selecting ambient lighting. With installation higher, keep in mind the underside of the fixture to ensure it’s aesthetically pleasing as well as functional. Frosted or milky glass, as well as fabric shades filter and diffuse light in a softer way than clear glass. The same is true for bulbs, a frosted bulb will be much less harsh and “spotty” than a clear bulb. All of these details matter when selecting lighting and creating a mood for your space.

AMBI ENT

TIP: Ideally lighting should be selected prior to framing, and absolutely before drywall. This ensures the correct placement, weight considerations (if any), and a thoughtful approach to the design of your home. Whether wall outlets for table lamps, lighting within millwork, floor outlets, wall sconces etc., there’s no shortage of decisions to be made to maximise light, play with layers, and offer design details that really bring a space together.

EXAMPLES: Natural Light, General Overhead Lighting, Recessed Pot Lighting, Track Lighting, Chandeliers, Flush mounts, or Ceiling Fixtures.

ACCENT

Accent lighting works to highlight a specific object or area, naturally directing the eye towards a focal point such as artwork or a bookshelf, offering interest as well as function. Wattage is not as much of a concern when choosing accent lighting, rather the overall aesthetic and scale would outshine the amount of light emitted. Whether in a hallway, front entry, or simply as an added layer in a living room, dining or bedroom, accent lighting provides a glow, and soft layer of lighting within a space. Considering the heights of ambient lighting, as well as the location in a room, will provide the layering aspect of lighting. For example, combine a floor lamp, table lamp, wall sconces all in the same room to create a layered mood. Having further control with dimmers is ideal!

TIP: Dimmers are a must on virtually every fixture. This allows you to control the amount of light you require from each fixture, and also contributes to the layering opportunities.

EXAMPLES: Picture Lights, Table Lamps, Niche Lighting and Wall Sconces.

The fourth option is certainly not a necessity in a space, but there’s simply nothing like candlelight! It offers a warm glow, creates an experience, and instantly elevates the mood in a room.

There’s no need for a special occasion to light candles. Creating a candlelight mood can be an everyday experience, and one we encourage. Whether it be the soft flicker or warm glow, candles soften a room and offer a level of relaxation and ambience to a room.

Lighting is an important design detail of a space, and should be thoughtfully considered early on in the design process in order to fully experience the best possible outcome.

Home office designs are still a common request. Whether working from home full time, or doing a hybrid approach, there’s still a relevance and importance to having a dedicated space or room in the house for a home office. Our working environments have shifted significantly over the last few years, and our needs have changed. From aesthetically pleasing video call backgrounds to sit/ stand desks, to a multi-purpose space for a home office, craft/ kids homework area, all the way to a reading nook, the home office has taken on a new persona. Wondering what it might cost to update a current space that could be working a little harder for you? We’ve put together a general guideline of budget numbers and helpful investment considerations for a home office custom designed and tailored to you.

HOME OFFICE

BY THE NUMBERS

INVOICE HOME OFFICE RENOVATION:

WALLPAPER

- Wallpaper/Cork Installation

- Wallpaper Product

- Cork Product

LIGHTING

- Fixture(s)

- Electrical Installation

CUSTOM WOVEN SHADES

OFFICE CHAIR

$1000 - $1500

$1500 - $3000

$1000 - $1500

$2000 - $4500

$200 - $300

$1000 - $2000

$1500 - $2500

MILLWORK

A general rule of thumb is $1000/per linear foot, for custom, top to bottom millwork.

HARDWARE

ACCESSORIES

DESIGN FEES

TOTAL:

$10k - $15k

$200 - $350

$30k - $50k

POST CARDS FROM CABO

Does anyone send postcards anymore? I see them often during my travels, however I have to wonder if they ever get purchased for anything other than a souvenir or keepsake from a trip. While I haven’t sent one in years (or maybe ever?!), I love the idea and I often think fondly of someone while away. It’s the perfect opportunity to write to them and say hello, isn’t it? I don’t know about you but I’d LOVE to receive a postcard in the mail.

BEACH DAYS

COMAL

FLORA FARMS

THE OFFICE

THE CAPE

A

Collection Things of

There is no handbook for collecting. Some things are sought after, others are passed down, gifted or inherited. There are common collections such as stamps, coins or postcards. Some buy items with the hope of a future cheque. Others find simple joys in uniquities that say something about who they are. There are no rules. No collector’s criteria. Rather, I think all it takes is a heart that’s willing to hold on. For the quirks and the questions. For money or love or no reason at all.

These are the things we collect.

WRITTEN BY Ava Free

Collection Things of

Magazine Clippings

I have always been a camera rollscrolling, photo archiving, “let me take a picture,” nostalgic. My reminiscent heart beats for memories of the past and moments that could be. I started collecting magazine clippings with no purpose for their display. I liked the idea of holding onto something that was meant to be consumed but not kept. The idea of turning the whole back into its parts might seem backwards, but I think it’s exciting. I think I get the allure to it all from my mom. With her own box, worn at the corners, covered in multi-coloured hearts, filled with clippings from her early twenties, we’ve connected over what we’ve collected and I think, at its core that’s what it’s all about.

QWHAT IS IT ABOUT

MAGAZINE CLIPPINGS THAT YOU’RE DRAWN TO?

AVA: My mom always says they’re like a tangible Pinterest. They feel more dynamic. When you cut them out, there’s more opportunity – that’s where the creativity starts. I guess I’ve always liked the tangible aspect. I would much rather have the paper copy of a book, so I can hold it, write in it and feel like we’re connected. Same goes for holding onto images.

QIF SOMEONE DIDN’T KNOW YOU BUT WENT THROUGH YOUR CLIPPINGS, WHAT WOULD YOUR COLLECTION TELL THEM ABOUT YOU?

AVA: Maybe that I’m wanderlust? Gosh, I don’t know. It might tell them that I’m curious – about words, about people and the world…

Q

WHAT IS IT ABOUT MAGAZINE CLIPPINGS THAT YOU’RE DRAWN TO?

AVA: Colour. Quotes. I don’t know, I don’t really have a rhyme or reason to it. There are no rules. A magazine only runs for so long until you can’t get it anymore. With something like Pinterest, it’s an eternal archive. Clippings are far more finite and with that, I think I just clip whatever I’m drawn to at the moment. What would I be sad about flipping past, and never seeing again?

Q IS YOUR COLLECTION SOMETHING YOU’D PASS DOWN?

AVA: Probably not? I think I have a single clipping from my mom. And I love it and it always stands out, it’s one of my favourites. It’s a small square that says ‘Celebrate what you don’t have’, and it always leaves me unsettled. I love how it makes me ponder and consider the world. I don’t even know if I agree with it but I love that it makes me think. But passing it down… I mean, I didn’t know about my mom’s collection when I started and I think that’s what makes it even more special. It wasn’t spurred on by anything but it’s something we share a love for. To me, my collection is my own and I would want the same for my child.

QWHAT DOES YOUR COLLECTION MEAN TO YOU?

AVA: It’s about preserving a perspective. Preserving the lens from which someone experienced the world. I love that. I love that it prompts a seeking or deeper questioning. It allows for reflection or challenge in the way that we see things. I think by clipping, you’re choosing to let imagery take up space both literally, like all collections, but also figuratively or creatively. You can’t just click out of it.

Lady Head Vases

In the 50s and 60s, lady head vases were produced and used by florists as a way to sell more of their smaller bouquets. Drawn to their quirky yet sophisticated nature, Jacqueline Corea started her collection nearly ten years ago. Whether they’re a nod to the past or a sweet vessel for blooms, these vases are certainly a conversation starter.

QJACQUELINE: In my travels, you know in thrift shops or antique shops, I would see them every once in a while. And I always thought they were kind of precious. I can’t remember where I bought my first one, but like most collections, from there, anytime I saw one I would buy her. I’ve had some friends who’ve bought some for me too, but now they’re really quite hard to find. I wanted to use them on a table setting, you know for when I was having girlfriends over that kind of thing. That’s sort of how the collection began.

Q

CAN YOU DEFINE “QUIRKY?”

JACQUELINE: I don’t know what it was that finally made me buy one. I don’t know what the tipping point was, I think it probably was one of the ladies with the earrings. I’m sure it was one of them that kind of put me over the edge. But when I’m designing my house and I have artwork or collectibles, I’m drawn to things that have a personality, that either say something about who I am, or they stand out from everything that’s out there. I like that in interiors, because I think that that’s what adds soul and charm to a home. They aren’t cookie cutter things. You couldn’t buy them at Homesense. So I do look out for things that spark conversation, something that people want to talk about.

Q

WHAT ABOUT THE LADY HEADS DREW YOU TO COLLECT?

JACQUELINE: I guess I’ve always been kind of attracted to the quirkystrange, and they’re definitely quirky and strange. Maybe a little scary for some people. But I just think they’re sort of charming. And they kind of go back to a time when there were ladies who lunched. You know, the pearl necklaces and the pillbox hats and perfectly done eyelashes and cat’s eye makeup and eyeliner. I just thought they were kind of cute. And I was attracted to them. And they were different.

Q HOW DO YOU SEE THIS COLLECTION GROWING OVER TIME?

JACQUELINE: I do like to keep my collections contained. I’ve seen people in my travels who collect, say, elephants. And they have rooms full of elephants. I like that that’s not really possible with the lady heads. They’re hard to find. If I do come across one, I want it to be special. I would hate for my collection to become a dust-collector.

Q

CAN YOU TELL ME ABOUT HOW YOU MIGHT DISPLAY THEM?

JACQUELINE: We just moved, so I’m excited to find a place for them there. But at our old place I would sometimes have them out on display. I would keep them in my dining room, on the credenza or on a hutch. But my husband and son were telling me they were creepy so I put them away for a while and gave them some rest. You know, I don’t always have them out and I think that helps ensure you don’t get tired of them. One time in particular, I was having a bunch of ladies over and I had a whole bunch of the vases out with little yellow flowers. If they are on display, I keep them together. I don’t scatter them about.

It’s not everyday that you get to walk home with a brand new sports car, or five for that matter. But Hot Wheels made that a reality. In the late 1960s, by way of their scaled model cars Hot Wheels put the dealership in the palm of your hand, for only $1.00. David Suthern started buying the diecast cars almost 20 years ago and today, with well over 1000 units, they sit stored away in totes.

QTELL ME ABOUT YOUR COLLECTION.

DAVID: I had a love for cars and they were all I could afford, opposed to the real McCoy. I can’t afford a Porsche. I can’t afford an Impala or a GTO or Chevelle but I could afford the Hot Wheel version. I mean, I’ve always had an appreciation for Hot Wheels and their ability to give someone like myself the opportunity to explore or search for a version they could hold.

QWHEN WOULD YOU SAY YOUR COLLECTION STARTED?

DAVID: I don’t know, probably 15 or 18 years ago. I don’t even know if I’d consider it a collection because it was never my intention for it to become one. I did it because I wanted to own vehicles in a miniature aspect that I couldn’t own outright. Then it became – probably an aspect of my nature which is compulsive. My compulsiveness drove me to try and find each variant. Whether it be going to different retailers to find the car I thought was cool.

QHot Wheels

WHY DO YOU DECIDE TO KEEP THEM IN THEIR PACKAGING?

DAVID: That’s part of their art form. They’re artistic. They’re metal or plastic, they aren’t just a drawing. They had to be scaled down, created, moulded, painted. That’s art. As I’ve said before, the whole reason I stopped [collecting them] –it’s no different than my pen collection. I was talking to a good friend who sold me several pens and I asked, ‘Which pen(s) should I preserve for value?’ and he said, ‘None of them. Use them.’ So then I asked myself ‘Why am I [collecting these]?’ Likewise with the Hot Wheels, he said ‘Where do you have your Hot Wheels displayed?’ When I mentioned that they’re all in totes, he said. ‘Well, what’s the point of that? When you’re gone people won’t appreciate why you kept them or [what they meant to you].’ So I stopped. Not because I don’t want to collect them further, I still walk by today and want to flip through them but I guess I ask myself ‘Why am I doing this if I don’t have an outlet for [them to live]?’ Maybe if I did [have a space to display them] then I would still collect them.

Q ARE HOT WHEELS STILL AS POPULAR TODAY AS THEY WERE 15 YEARS AGO? IF SO, WHY?

DAVID: Oh absolutely. Allowing a child to hold something like that in their hand that they can’t yet attain financially but can still experience, for only a couple of dollars, that’s special. It doesn’t matter if you’re five years old or 50 years old, you can still appreciate a Hot Wheel.

Q THERE WAS ANOTHER TYPE OF POPULAR MODEL CAR AT THE TIME, MATCHBOX. WHY DID YOU CHOOSE HOT WHEELS?

DAVID: I think Matchbox has more of an attention to detail than Hot Wheels did. I don’t think Matchbox could keep up with Hot Wheels marketing. The tracks, the loopty-loops, all the different things they had to offer. And Matchbox is harder to come by, they’re not as popular. I probably have 50 Matchbox cars and 1000 Hot Wheels.

Sometimes we come to a collection and other times a collection comes to us. Nyla’s grouping of jadeite dishware started by happenstance. A pair of serving bowls caught her eye at an antique store and the gemstone hue had her hooked. Stored neatly in a cupboard, Nyla’s collection serves both function and fashion.

Q

TELL ME ABOUT YOUR COLLECTION.

NYLA: My collection was never intentional. I bought my first pieces in Creemore, Ontario. I saw them and immediately loved the colour. I mean, I’d seen the whole jadeite thing through Martha Stewart, but I didn’t really buy them with any intention. I just got to a point where I thought ‘oh wow, I actually have a lot of pieces!’.

Q

YOU MENTIONED MARTHA STEWART’S COLLECTION AND THE APPEAL TO JADEITE, WHY DO YOU THINK IT’S SO POPULAR?

NYLA: I don’t know anyone who also collects them. I know they’re sought after, but they’re also quite reproduced. I think you can tell by the stamp underneath that it’s authentic. So from a collector perspective, I don’t necessarily have that same approach. [For me] it doesn’t have to be an original. I guess for me, I do like it when I find that and I do look for it.

Q

WHAT PIECES STAND OUT TO YOU AND WHY?

NYLA: It’s interesting, I bought a pitcher – the one with the wider mouth. I use it for baking. I bought that from an antique market but then I saw it afterwards and it was a lot more money. I think [mine] was $40 and I’ve seen it since for $60 or $80. It’s hard to gauge what the value is.

Q

TELL ME MORE ABOUT THE DISPLAY ASPECT OF COLLECTING.

NYLA: I just think you can have a really big impact. Whether it’s books, or dishware, maybe it’s something more quirky that sparks conversation. I have a client who collects law books. Years and years and decades of these law books that line her shelves, and they make such a huge statement when they’re all together. I love that. It tells a story and it prompts conversation. You can learn so much about someone from what they collect.

Q

HOW IS YOUR COLLECTION BEST DISPLAYED?

NYLA: Right now it sits in a cupboard, but I would love for it to be a part of my decor. I think that’s the other thing about a collection is – I guess depending on what it is – but if you have a pen collection, you’re not really going to put that on display, quote unquote. I have a collection of books for instance, and I love looking at them. They bring me joy. Even if I don’t open them or take them off the shelf, it’s seeing them that sparks something. I wish I had that same opportunity with my jadeite. I would love to see it all the time, not just when I open my cupboard.

When my daughter was growing up one of the many games in rotation we played was ‘drive-thru’. This consisted of me, the customer, walking up to my five

For years after, my morning would consist of rushing out the door to drop the girls off at school and then making my way to Starbucks to pick up a tall Americano, drinking it en route to my office.

During a trip to Barcelona in 2016, I was introduced to Nespresso, the coffee of choice served at our bed and breakfast. Returning home, I immediately invested in a machine and from there my coffee routine shifted.

It’s the first thing I do once I’ve risen. I make my way downstairs and immediately brew a cup in my favourite mug. I’m very particular about my coffee routine (my husband will attest to this!).

I drink my coffee out of the same mug every morning. I have four of the same so they’re on rotation.

I ‘charge’ my mug with hot water before making my coffee.

Sweet Vanilla is my preferred flavour, but it’s not actually sweet. I don’t care for sweet beverages at all!

I add a splash of boiling water to my mug after my coffee is brewed, nothing else.

I sit down and drink my coffee in one sitting. I don’t ever reheat it.

I rarely have more than one cup of coffee.

For me it’s a ritual and experience I love starting my day with. Most days I’m up to a quiet house so this alone time is a great way for me to turn on some music (typically jazz or classical) and consider the day ahead. Depending on the time of year, I’ll turn the fireplace on along with soft lighting, but otherwise I embrace the moodiness of the morning and watch the daylight start to flood the house as the sun comes up.

We are custodians of history. It’s evident when visiting a city as old as London, the importance of preserving the past, even from a visual perspective. Facades of buildings are restored while a modern, more current structure is erected behind. While things such as electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems have advanced significantly since the time these buildings were first built, maintaining the past and visual presence of its origins is an important part of London’s history, and something people come from around the world to see.

Preserving Past

Preservation of architectural details is thoughtfully considered throughout this city and it extends, not only into interiors, but also the makers of products that have been around for over a century. While they’ve embraced modern society and perhaps shifted their designs accordingly, they remain true to their roots in bringing forth their end products with homage to and respect for their craft. The common theme: they’re creating with their hands. Embracing modern culture has not erased their skill set or tools that require a hand to eye connection, attention to detail, and slow creation, rather than simply the push of a button. There’s no manufacturing approach with these brands. Everything honours the past.

Preserving Past

Osterley House

As part of the UK’s National Trust, Osterley House is a historic home built by Sir Thomas Gresham in the 1570’s. Paying close attention to its heritage, the neo-classical mansion continues to be restored, keeping such details as the pencil lines in preparation for the handpainted wall murals.

If you look closely, you can see the pencil lines.

Farr |cloth

Christopher Farr | cloth is leading the way in innovative and creative design and detail through their time-honoured approach to textiles. With art, design and making at the helm, their playful sophistication connects traditional craftsmanship with the finest materials.

Doing things by hand gives a heart and soul to your craft

- Podge the Printer

Connaught The

Enter into a world of elegance and effortless luxury. The Connaught is dedicated to the finer things in life where every detail has been considered and preserved, from design and craftsmanship to the level of service received.

- Guy Oliver “ ”

Extend the life of things we already have

- Huntsman

Traditional, handcrafted clothier “suit-ed” for generations. Known as one of the most long-standing bespoke tailors on Savile Row, designing with excellence and attention to quality for 170 years.

Hunstman

Look at the past to bring forward a new language for the future. “ ”

Jessica

McCormack

With the term “day diamonds”, Jessica McCormack designs luxury, wearable jewellery, in the spirit of heirloom quality to be enjoyed now, and passed down for generations to come.

SmythsonStationery

Established in 1887, Smythson has created a world where their craft meets your story, and the ordinary becomes extraordinary with their legacy of luxury stationery.

Take time to do things beautifully. ”

Yellow Pages

HERITAGE HOME COLLAGE

Suede Chairs

Suede Flats

Vintage Gold Knobs

Pleated Fabric

Door Knob

Sand

Jean Stoffer Kitchen

Daisies

Trim Detail

PAGE 15

FROM CHORE TO CHARM

Mariya Podeyko

www.amcleaning.ca

403.869.8083

info@amcleaning.ca

PAGES 49 - 54

POSTCARDS FROM CABO

Comal

Flora Farms

The Office

Acre

The Cape

PAGES 63 - 72

PRESERVING THE PAST

Osterley House

Christopher Farr | cloth

The Connaught Hotel

Hunstman Tailors

Jessica McCormack

Smythson Stationery

PAGES 87 - 94

STOCK IMAGES

www.freepik.com

THROUGHOUT

A creative space peoplewhere who are aboutpassionate their craft come to

The Scrapbook

London ‘23

403.255.4980

www.nylafreedesigns.com

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Calgary AB

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FREEHAND Magazine ©2024

Nyla Free Designs Inc.

All content created by Nyla Free Designs Inc. unless otherwise noted.