I hope you had a fantastic long weekend. I’m gearing up for another busy week. Here is a quick sneak peak of a custom banquette I’m working on for a client’s family room. The inspiration is adapted from the picture above. The back of the cushion is the first thing you see when walking into the room and therefore the wall needs to scream statement. A high back cushion in a bold, bright fabric gives the wall the attention it deserves.   The banquette seat cushion will be upholstered in a coordinating navy blue fabric and the chairs, seen above, a cheery red. More sneak peaks on this project to come…

Happy Valentines Day. Hope it’s as sweet as some of these images.

In one week I’ve gone from buying my first house to designing nurseries!  I know what you’re thinking.. wow does this girl move fast!  No nurseries for me just yet… or any time in the very near future for that matter. I will however, become an Auntie  for the first time in just over a month. My sis and her hubs are expecting a baby boy (aka ‘the peanut’). A wee little future hockey player/skier, actually it depends who you ask,  he could be a wee little skier/hockey player. It’s a touchy subject so it’s best we not go there.

While we don’t know the athletic direction of the unborn peanut, based on his parents (pictured above) I have hunch he’ll turn out alright. And, with an interior designer Auntie you can bet the nursery will too. These images served as some welcome inspiration for a non traditional design. Photos of the finished product, both baby peanut and his new room anxiously await you.

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I’m meeting with my real estate agent today to discuss the deets for my upcoming house purchase. Without even having seen one house my creative juices are already flowing. My computer desktop is  flooded with ‘dream’ folders; kitchens, bathrooms, windows, doors, lighting, molding & trim.. the list goes on! These are just some of the images from my ‘Floors I Love’ file. I think you’ll notice a common theme… barn board, wide planks, herringbone and bleached oak are all looks I die for.

Images via 1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8.

Good Monday Morning! I hope you all had a fantastic weekend. I was up north at our family ski chalet in Collingwood. A well balanced weekend of skiing and relaxing. I had some time to catch up on my favorite magazines this weekend and it reminded me that I have yet to share my kitchen which was featured in the February issue of Style at Home. If you didn’t get a chance to pick up a copy here is the article.

I’ve only just started to watch the series. Half way through the first season I have a new understanding, and some what of an appreciation for the decor. Look at all that exposed wood!.. ok maybe not for the that but check out the abstract painting on the wall. I would definitely use that in a space today. Kudos to the set designer Amy Wells who’s created a perfect 1960′s setting.

Hello mid century modern! Now you don’t see many citron coloured sofas these days, however it’s back with a vengeance as an accent colour. Not to mention the Japenese inspired apple blossom piece above the sofa. I’m glad the doily style lamp shades have yet to make a come back.

The Draper’s living room. Apparently the palette was chosen to contrast with January Jone’s colouring. Who knew?! Perhaps I should change my pitch to potential clients? Hire JKD and not only will I design beautiful rooms for you, I’ll make you look even more beautiful in them!

Hostess with the mostess/bff in her floor to ceiling (including the ceiling) filled basement.

Hallway to the second floor, where there is not 1, not 2, but 3 different kinds of wallpaper. And that’s just going up the stairs. I think the house has a variety of over 10 different kinds of wallpaper. Think velvet and shimmer. See below for an up close shot. So bad it’s good.

Yes that’s me with a very VERY big bouffant.

Any opportunity is a good one for a photo shoot, especially when there are gold lame curtains in the background.

And if you’re feeling the need to run out and purchase some Mad Men inspired furniture here are some sources Lamp, Chair (unknown), Sunburst Clock, Upholstered Bed

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While I’m not one to set ‘resolutions’ perse, I love a new challenge, goal or simply crossing a line off  my ‘To Do’ list. In my opinion, we should always be setting new goals and challenges for ourselves, a new year just gives us the opportunity to define those ambitions a little more clearly. And speaking of clarity, a vacation can work wonders on finding that clarity. If you read my post a couple weeks ago you’ll know I was traveling in Bali for 2 weeks. It’s amazing what pure relaxation can do for the mind, body and soul. While laying by the beach, sipping ginger margaritas (my new favourite cocktail btw) I had a chance to set my sites on some ambitions for the year. So here they are…

1. Purchase house

This has been on my dream/wish list for a loooooooooong time. Who knows, it make take a year …. it may take a week but until now it hasn’t even been in my realm of possibilities. I’ll be setting my sites on something I can fix up and put my own Jessica Kelly Design touch on, something that is MY own taste. Gives me goosebumps just to think about it really. Think of all the stories I’ll have to blog about when I find it!

2. Learn photoshop & illustrator

Another item that’s been on my list for a while. A skill that will beautify my blog posts and client presentations.  (collage above via)

3. Travel

Now this is a tricky one .. a) of all traveling for more than a week when you own your own biz is very difficult and b) of all  if you refer back to goal number 1. it may not be in the cards financially… but a goal is a goal and it’s meant to strive for so I’m still throwing it out there. I realized after my trip this Christmas how important traveling is for the creative process and how much more productive one can be when given time to relax.

4. Website

It’s been a year since I launched my new site (thanks to the incredibly talented tk416) and it’s time once again to make some changes. What can you expect from new and improved site you ask? Updated photos of recently completed projects, an updated press page, a more comprehensive outline of my services and yes more blog posts! Yes you heard it here first, more more more. If I write it I have to commit to it right? I haven’t been as frequent as I’d like with my posts because I find quite time consuming. However,  I know how important it is so starting this year I promise my readers (hopefully I have readers?!) I will try to post at least 3-4 times a week versus my usual 1-2 posts a week. Feedback is appreciate though! If there is something specific you’d like me write keep me in the loop please and I’ll do my best to cover the topic.

So there you have it, a healthy mix of personal and business goals. Wish me luck!

1. Hello honeysuckle. Cool clean colours mixed with pops of pastel.

2.Tall, dark and handsome. Use dark, bold wall colours.

3. Sitting pretty. Contemporary design with vintage accents.

4. Mad about plaid. Decorating with a masculine flare.

5. In the raw. Industrial kitchens in residential applications.

6. Go big or go home. Over sized decor.

7. Gold Star. Furniture in gold, silver and bronze.

8. The Great Wall. Wallpaper applications here there and everywhere.

9. I am Lion hear me roar. Animal print accents.

10. Hold your horses. Large photographic images of horses.

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I made it through my first week back at work after the holidays! I’m looking forward to hosting my sister’s baby shower this weekend.  Yes I’ll be an auntie for the first time! I couldn’t resist posting these adorable inspirational decor shots I’m going to do my best to draw from.

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