Lifestyle – Page 5 – Stylishly Zen

Five Faves – March 2021

Published on March 15, 2021March 14, 2021 by soreiyaLeave a comment

Hi Everyone!

I has officially been one year since the world came to a screeching halt, and while lock down measures have loosened in some parts of the world, here in Montreal we have settled into a new normal. We are still under a curfew and restaurant dining is a distant memory, but hopefully with the vaccine roll out things will improve especially as we enter a warmer season. Maybe it’s all of the time that I have had to spend alone over the past year but the truth is that I am struggling. Some days are better then others but lately I have been feeling a little low. In order to counter these feelings, I have been searching for and indulging in things that I enjoy and brighten my day. Here are my five faves for March that I am currently loving:

Bala Bands – I have been eating a lot of junk food over the past year (potato chips are practically a food group for me at this point) so naturally I haven’t been feeling my best. I have been working out, but without access to a gym (they are shut down) my workouts feel limited and uninspired. When the lockdown first started I purchased the Melissa Wood Health fitness app and I loved her workouts but eventually I got lazy. In order to motivate myself to get back to feeling good I treated myself to a pair of Bala bands which Melissa often uses in her workouts. These 1 lb weights are great for both lower body and arm workouts and I feel strong every time that I use them. If you are looking to add some weights to your workout I highly reccommend these bands as they are both functional and stylish.

Sumo Oranges – My tastes have changed quite a bit over the past year. Black pepper and oranges are two items that I find myself gravitating towards on a regular basis. I had heard of Sumo oranges on Instagram a little while ago so I was curious when I saw them at the grocery store a short while later. They are not cheap but my curiosity got the better of me and I had to buy one to try. I am now completely hooked! For those of you who have never heard of a Sumo orange before, it is a cross between a mandarin orange and a naval orange. They are a larger seedless orange with a thick skin (which makes it super easy to peel). Sweet, juicy and filling and they re helping me to keep a lid on my previously mentioned chip addiction. Love it!

Hermes Tokyo Store – Hermes has always been one of my favourite fashion houses. Despite the astronomical prices I love the the history behind it, the quiet elevated luxury and elegance of the brand and the traditions that they have carried forward. This past week, Hermes entered a new chapter in its history by announcing a new bag made with mushroom leather. I love that the traditional leather house is making strides to evolve with the times and work with new materials while still maintaining brand integrity. Hermes also announced the opening of their new store in Tokyo and it is gorgeous! It is the brand’s first street location in Japan since opening the Hermes Ginza location in 2001 (all of the other Hermes stores in Japan are located in a mall) and they did a beautiful job designing this location. Bright and welcoming and quietly luxurious I am in love with the design of this store.

Stanley Tucci Searching for Italy – I have always been a fan of actor Stanley Tucci’s work so I was thrilled when I first saw the promo for this new show on CNN Stanley Tucci Searching for Italy. A great actor exploring one of my favourite countries sounded like a match made in heaven to me. Thankfully this show has exceeded my expectations. So far I have watched him explore Naples, Rome, Bologna and Milan and each episode has me dreaming of getting on a plane and exploring the world again. I can’t wait! If you are also suffering from a serious case of wanderlust, I highly recommend that you check this show out to help to tide you over until you can travel again.

Monday Girl – This past year has me seriously reconsidering my career path and what I would like to achieve in the future. As I have been trying to figure out how to achieve my goals, I have been researching different career websites and support groups which is how I found the Monday Girl. They have an inspirational Instagram account (@mondaygirlto), a bi-weekly newsletter filled with career tips, job posting and ways to connect with likeminded women. I love it when women support other women both professionally and personally and I am loving this community that the founders of Monday Girl have created. If you are looking for a little extra professional motivation or to join a community of like minded women this may be one that you want to check out (www.mondaygirl.ca).

Thank you for stopping by Stylishly Zen today, I hope that you have a beautiful day and stay safe out there! XXS

Inspiring Interior – Jenna Lyon’s Loft

Published on December 28, 2020December 27, 2020 by soreiyaLeave a comment

Hi Everyone!

I hope that you are currently enjoying a much needed break filled with good food, laughter and relaxation. The holidays are looking very different for me this year as I am unable to travel due to lockdown restrictions. Like it has been for most of this year, life is just different than what I am used to but I am determined to make the best of it. So despite spending the holidays alone (for the most part), I am enjoying getting back into the kitchen and trying new recipes, taking some time to work out everyday, watching some great shows (has anyone seen Bridgerton yet?) and working at getting both my mind and body in a more balanced state, as this has been a challenging year that I have let get the better of me on more than one occasion. Taking the time to relax and unwind has also given me space to feel inspired and hopeful again. One show that is currently providing inspiration on the creative front is Stylish with Jenna Lyons. For those of you not familiar with this American fashion gem, Jenna Lyons was previously the creative director for J.Crew. Her styling is both unique and inspirational and having binge watch the first six episodes I am now convinced that I too need to wear multiple shirts at once.
Aside from the inspirational fashion and interior design ideas that the show provides, I love that I get to see into Jenna’s home. I first saw images and fell in love with Jenna’s home in Althena Calderone’s interior book Live Beautiful. The mix of metals and marble, textures and colours, unfinished herringbone floors and oversized crown molding are both dreamy and inspiring. Seeing glimpses of her home throughout the show just further reiterates how fabulous Jenna’s style really is.
The elevator opens up to Jenna’s living room which is home to a gorgeous, modular pink velvet sofa. Jenna has then layered in different styles of furniture and pieces resulting in a space that is both cool girl chic and inviting. A cool feature of the space is the TV which slides out from behind the fireplace to the space between the mirror and art when in use. Genius!
The grand Venini chandelier in the kitchen is a showstopper that elevates the space. Unlacquered brass backsplashes and honed marble countertops round out the space. I never would have thought to combine all of these features but they work beautifully together.
While I am enamoured with the entire home, the master bedroom and en suite bathroom are my absolute favourite space within the loft. I have never really been a fan of wood panelling but it works perfectly in this bedroom and when combined with a warm and textured bed cover the bedroom becomes both elegant and cozy. Floating brass bedside tables and an ornate chandelier further elevate the space. Metal and glass doors allows views from the bedroom to the luxurious bathroom that is a marble lovers (aka moi) dream. From the grand use of marble, to the herringbone floors and the brass detail, this is by far one of my most favoured bathrooms that I have seen. The unlacquered baroque style bronze vanity legs were sprayed with salt water to speed along the oxidation process resulting in a beautiful green patina that complements the other features of the bathroom.
Last but not least, no home tour of a fashion superstar would be complete without a glimpse of the closet, and not surprisingly Jenna’s does not disappoint. Being a total shoe lover myself, it’s clear that Jenna is my spirit animal. There are about 300 pairs of shoes in there!
Jenna Lyon’s style has always been inspirational to me and her home continues to provide further inspiration with my own living space. Her style is the perfect mood for me to be entering 2021. What do you think of this space? Let me know in the comments below.

I hope that you have a beautiful day! XXS

All images via http://www.cocokelly.com

Five Faves

Published on October 12, 2020October 12, 2020 by soreiyaLeave a comment

Hi Everyone!

I hope that your fall is off to a great start! Here in Montreal we are back on a partial lockdown which means spending a lot more time at home. Thankfully being in lockdown has given me a new appreciation for my home and it has forced me to actually work on my space rather then just dream about it. It has also forced me to learn how to prioritize my mental health and incorporate methods to relax and unwind into my lifestyle. This weekend is Thanksgiving weekend in Canada but due to the lockdown there are no gatherings allowed. While I normally enjoy a holiday meals with loved ones I have never been a fan of the standard turkey dinner. Seeing as how I am alone this year I decided to do something different, so I am channeling my inner Samin Nosrat of Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat and having beef ribs, jasmine rice and green beans along with a glass of my favourite red wine. I am looking forward it even if it is unique as a Thanksgiving meal. This year has been challenging in many ways, which has made me incredibly grateful for things that make me smile, that I enjoy and make me happy. Here are five faves that I am currently loving:

I have been a fan of Tracy Tutor since she first debuted on Million Dollar Listings Los Angeles. I have always been a fan of the show but it needed some powerful feminine energy and Tracy Tutor was the perfect addition. She has endless hustle, an incredible sense of style and is nobody’s pushover which makes for great television viewing. While her and I are in a similar age group she is who I want to be when I grow up. When I heard that Tracy had written a book I immediately ordered it. It’s an easy read, written with Tracy’s honest, hardworking, no nonsense attitude and encourages the reader to push forward despite the fear that they may be facing. And the cover is absolute goals. She looks strong, powerful and in control which is exactly how she wants the reader to feel all the while embracing their own personal fears. I enjoyed this book and will be referring to it often when I am having doubts about myself.

My best friend recently gifted me this notebook. I love the pretty mint green colour and the Coco Chanel quote is always a perfect reminder. The notebook sat on my counter for a couple of days while I thought about how I wanted to use it. One morning while listening to a podcast while getting ready for work the practice of having a gratitude journal was mentioned. I had heard of this practice before but I had never really connected with it previously. This time though, the idea of gratitude journaling sounded like just what I needed, and I now had the perfect notebook to journal in. It’s too soon to call it a habit just yet, but so far I am really enjoying this practice. I find that for me the best time to journal is right after dinner. Everyday I think about my day and find ten things that I am grateful for. Some days are easier then others, but I have found that even taking some time to consciously think about how fortunate I am to live in a safe and comfortable home, that I have clean running water and food to eat and even the fact that I woke up in the morning. These are all things that I am incredibly grateful for and have often previously taken for granted.

I love listening to podcasts in the morning and I enjoy reading Domino magazine so I was thrilled when I heard that they now had a podcast. The first guest was one of my favourite designers Kelly Wearstler so of course I was immediately hooked. My favourite episode though was the recent one with design genius Jenna Lyons. I love Jenna’s work, from her time at J Crew to her swoon worthy homes that have been featured in Domino and in Athena Calderone’s Live Beautiful. I am so excited for Jenna’s upcoming projects which include a show on HBO Max and designing hotels. This episode in many ways reinvigorated my love of design and desire to learn and grow. Love it!

All of this extra time at home has me spending a lot of time in front of the television. While this is not ideal, and I am making a conscious effort to do other things like cook and read more, there are a few shows that I am loving at the moment. Emily In Paris has gotten a lot of buzz since it was released last week. While there is a lot about this show that could use some work (how exactly is she affording all of that Chanel on her salary?), there is also a lot to enjoy. Like many, I have dreamed about moving to Paris and experiencing all the magic that the city has to offer, and this show has helped to fill my travel dreaming heart while I am in lockdown. And while I didn’t love Emily’s outfits, her boss and Camille’s wardrobes more then make up for it.
Bad Boy Billionaires India popped up as a Netflix recommendation for me this past week and I was intrigued so I added it to my list. It is only three episodes with each one profiling a different Indian billionaire’s downfall. It’s eye opening and interesting and I binged all three episodes in two days. If you are interested in seeing how people around the world got too big too fast and were unable to sustain it then this show may be of interest to you.

This is Paris is a YouTube documentary that has gotten a lot of attention. I had heard that it was quite good and thought that I would check it out for myself. I loved it. The behind the scene insight on a celebrity that is often written off or badly characterized was intriguing and a great reminder that there is often more to people then what they seem or what they are willing to show you. While my life couldn’t be more different then Paris Hilton’s I connected with the subject matter in many levels and appreciated the insight that the documentary provided. It is a worthwhile watch.

All of this time at home has me focused on my environment and how to make it as enjoyable and comfortable as I can. One thing that many overlook is the scent of a home. I have been searching for many years to find a home fragrance that I loved. The standard ones from Glade and other popular brands seemed artificial, and I have lost count of the different brands of candles that I have tried in the hopes that something would stick. While browsing a home goods shop earlier in the summer I came across Laboratorio Olfattivo’s Zen-Zero fragrance and decided to give it a try. I love the combination of ginger, cedar wood and sandalwood and it leaves my home smelling fresh, cool and comforting. I will be picking up the Zen-Zero diffuser next to help to elevate the fragrance of my home even further. The scent makes me happy and has elevated my home environment, love it!

Thank you for stopping by Stylishly Zen today! I hope that you have a beautiful day! XXS

Inspiring Design

Published on June 1, 2020May 31, 2020 by soreiya1 Comment

Hi Everyone!

Today’s Inspiring Design is a renovated 140 year old terrace home in Melbourne, Australia. Terrace homes have always fascinated me. While I normally gravitate towards images of spacious homes, I am always impressed when the design of a terrace home makes the most of the limited space to create the illusion of a larger area.

As this is a heritage home, conserving the exterior of the home was important. The renovation focused on the back of the home, where the space was opened up to the back garden. The brief from the clients included an outdoor entertaining area and low maintenance garden, and that the extension should be as light filled and spacious as possible.

The result is a fluid passage thru the home and a light filled open plan that makes the most of the space. Floor to ceiling windows and glass doors along with a concrete bench that runs from the extension to the outdoor space, creates a flow between the indoor and outdoor space.

Simple, clean lines combined with natural materials such as concrete, steel and timber contrast beautifully with the historical facade of the home.

The clean and uncluttered colour palette helps to further open up the space. Book matched marble and a gorgeous statement gold hood elevate the luxe factor, while bold artwork and a few pieces of brightly coloured furniture add a fun playfulness to the home.

The sophisticated grey colour used throughout the bedroom and bathroom is both welcoming and elegant. The use of different textiles in the same colour add subtle visual interest and keep the spaces from being boring.

I especially loved the entryway to the home. Although it’s quite narrow which is normal for a terrace home, the beautiful crown moulding and archway combined with natural light streaming in from the stairwell and the back extension make an inviting entrance to this historical home. The choice in furnishings including a sculptural light and brightly coloured cabinet further elevate the welcoming vibe that is then carried throughout the home.

What do you think of this terrace home? All images via http://www.design-anthology.com and you can see more images of this Melbourne home here: https://design-anthology.com/story/henry-house

Thank you for stopping by Stylishly Zen today and I hope that you have a beautiful day! XXS

Behind The Design with Annaliesse Kelly

Published on May 27, 2020May 24, 2020 by soreiyaLeave a comment

Hi Everyone!

Today’s Behind the Design is very exciting for me as it is the first Canadian designer that I have featured on this series. Annaliesse Kelly is the principal of Annaliesse Kelly Design & Consulting based in Vancouver, British Columbia. AK Design is a full service interior design firm with a clear focus on working with their clients thru the design process to complete interiors that their clients have dreamed of and meet their needs. The result is clean, elegant interiors that are welcoming and functional. Without further adieu here is Stylishly Zen’s Behind the Design with Annaliesse Kelly:

Did you always know that you wanted to work in interior design? Has it always been your passion?

Always. My mother was an interior designer and I was always hording her interior design magazines when I was growing up.

How would you describe your design esthetic?

I hate that question! I like to say that we don’t sell a look we sell a service. Function proceeds form and we focus on what works well for your home. We collaborate with interior architects to design and plan what you need for your home to work or you. This includes everything from floorplans, lighting details, staircases, etc. Then we work in our esthetic of clean lines and balanced elegance. We try to have fun with our spaces.

Where do you find your inspiration from?

Our client’s inspiration boards (we give them the tools to help to show us what they like), partners we collaborate with, trend research from social media, fashion, and travelling.

What has been your most challenging project to date?

We are currently working on a project in Strathcona that is both challenging and very exciting. The home is 100 years old and we have to be mindful of building codes that apply to historical buildings. The lot is very small but quite high so access is difficult. We are lifting the house to put a basement below which again comes with its own set of challenges.

How long does it take for you to normally complete a project?

That’s impossible to answer – it depends on the project. A condo can take 6months and a house can be well over a year.

You have worked on a variety of projects from residential to commercial, one on one with clients to development projects, do you have a favourite type of project to work on?

I enjoy them all, it’s about the people and it’s a privilege to help them. I like different aspects for different reasons. One on one for helping people curate their dreams, development projects for branding. It’s all a journey of discovery and forward thinking.

What has been your favourite project to work on so far?

My company. I love working with people

Any favourite travel destinations that you like to escape too?Why?

NYC for the incredible design and varied architecture and businesses. I love the colours in California. I also love travelling to Europe, I am headed to Spain in the spring.

Vancouver is a well-known wellness city; do you have any wellness practices that you have incorporated into your life to help you deliver such wonderful projects?

Go to bed at 9 and wake up at 6, exercise, good food and meditation at times. Even just getting outside and going to a walk can help.

Any words of wisdom for someone who is just starting out their design career?

Trust yourself, try not to compare yourself to others and think outside of the box. Be brave! There is so much space for everyone!

Thank you so much Annaliesse for taking the time to do this interview. All images courtesy of Annaliesse Kelly Design. To see more of Annaliesse’s designs please visit http://www.annaliessekellydesign.com

Thank you everyone for stopping by Stylishly Zen and I hope that you have a beautiful day! XXS