design Archives - Nesting Story

Beach House Master Bedroom – One Room Challenge Kick Off

It’s time for a change.

The world is currently a little upside-down. There’s a global pandemic, we are all quarantined, plus I am navigating a new chapter of my life right now.

More on that eventually.

I think we are all looking at our homes through a new lens at the moment. Hopefully you are seeing yours as a safe-haven instead of a prison. I think quarantine has made me fall in love with my home all over again. I am so thankful that my family is lucky enough to be able to stay home and social distance while not worrying about job security. I am very, very grateful.

I had been planning on making over my master bedroom for a couple of years now. It’s just so blue, which makes me feel kind of heavy and low. When I initially planned out this colour palette I didn’t really think it would have that impact on me. I thought it would feel cozy and calming.

I had started to tear apart my room before deciding to participate in the One Room Challenge, so I didn’t get a chance to take before photos. Luckily I have screenshots from videos I have filmed in my room. I told you it was VERY blue.

So, I decided to take the One Room Challenge and document this transformation. I’ve never done the One Room Challenge before, hopefully I am doing this right. But I’ve watched so many of my talented blogger friends participate in the past and knew this was something I wanted to do one day. Luckily the timing of this makeover is lining up perfectly with the Spring 2020 ORC.

So, here we go!

Head over to the One Room Challenge to check out all of the designs and projects everyone is working on.

I want my new bedroom to feel fresh, airy and like I am on vacation. I’ve always felt drawn to beachy vibes, whether it’s fashion, or design. There’s something very nostalgic and comforting about the beach. It is probably because some of my favourite memories are vacationing with my family on Sanibel Island, Florida. It’s my happy place.

I think this will also give me the feeling like I’ve been transported to a different world when I am in my room. At a time when travel is banned, creating a paradise in my own home is a must.

I’ve begun to pull together photography, bedding, a plant, lighting and paint colours. More on details on each of these next week. But for now, take a sneak peek at what’s to come.

I look forward to keeping you up to date each week with this beautiful transformation.

Designing for Small Spaces

Maybe it’s a brand new home which these days they keep building smaller and smaller, or it’s a century house that for some reason comes with closets that can’t even fit a clothes hanger. Designing for a small space is something that continues to stress people out. Let me lend some insight by delving into this sweet and petite Toronto home.

With the cost of real estate in the city, every inch counts and this house was ripped to the studs to get the most out of the space.

Designing for a Small Space - Lara Young for Nesting Story

If the project allows it you will want to maximize the main areas, and a proper space plan goes a long way. This old house was once broken up into many rooms and doorways. By breaking down the walls and making this an open concept living space it immediately felt so much bigger. This double sided partition doesn’t only divide the space and create areas but also acts as the media wall/fireplace for both the dining and living rooms. This is a great example of how you don’t need full walls to create zones.

Pick items for the scale of the home. With only a small space for a main floor powder room this area had to be done right. The bathroom size is the right fit with a small scale sink just big enough for washing up and a smart barn door that doesn’t encroach into the hallway.

When you don’t have a ton of area to work with make points of visual interest wherever you can. This could have easily become a forgotten wall above the stairway. Instead it becomes an area of interest with a great wall detail and a beautiful light fixture that plays with texture and shadow.

Planning ahead can make all the difference. For the 100 years before this renovation this master bedroom had flat 8’ ceilings. By investigating what was above the drywall this room gained vaulted ceiling and feels like it has doubled in size. Not only has it gained space but also so much character. This may seem like a big undertaking (which it can be) but keep in mind the ROI as it will also boost the property value.

This room is also packed with smart details like storage under the bay window and sconce lights above the bedside tables to maximize a smaller furniture footprint.

Whatever the challenge may be remember that small scale homes often give opportunity to create character and interesting details. Make sure to think it through before a renovation so there are no missed opportunities.

Lara Young is the Principal of Lara Young Design, and also a new mom. Like many of us Lara is trying to find that quintessential work/life balance. Being her own boss is bringing Lara one-step closer to her dream. You can read Lara’s full bio, or contact her to help with your next design project here.

It’s All In The Details

Rules go out the window when accessorizing a nursery. This is the time to get creative and have fun! When it came to Accessorizing Mia and Everly’s nursery, I wanted it to feel airy, whimsical and cheery. I kept the palette fairly neutral and light and brought in pops of colour with yellow accents. I did as many DIY projects as possible, including the flower art and nest and yarn wreath. I wanted to add a sentimental touch, and to do that I hung a yellow dress that I wore as a baby and framed it. This also added more texture to the wall. Anywhere I could use natural and reclaimed items, I did. The result: a very serene and calming nursery, which still to this day, is everyone’s favourite room in our home. Photography by Sarah Martin Photography.

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