Alabaster & Nard Home

We commenced a new build this month, transforming an outdated Town House into a refined modern living space tailored to our client’s vision. If your space feels a little bit outdated you can change it.

Why Cast iron? Because it’s simple, tough, and cooks really well.

• Holds heat extremely well
• Even cooking
• Naturally non-stick over time
• Works on almost anything - gas, electric, oven, grills.
• Goes from stove to oven easily
• Lasts decades (even generations)
• Adds flavour and texture to the food

The only real downsides
• It’s heavy 🥲
• Needs drying after washing (to prevent rust)

The simplest way to say it:

Decorating = what you add.
Design = what you build/plan.

Interior decorating = what falls out

• furniture (sofas, beds, chairs)
• rugs, curtains, cushions
• plants + styling objects
• wall art + mirrors
• lighting fixtures you can swap out easily
• paint colors, finishes, textures

Interior design = what stays intact

• space planning + layout (how the room works)
• walls, partitions, doors, windows
• ceiling heights, built-ins, cabinetry layout
• electrical + lighting placement
• plumbing placement (kitchens/bathrooms)
• materials + finishes chosen for function and longevity
• circulation/flow (how you move through the space)

vs

Ask yourself:
• If I remove this plant, does the room lose structure? - That’s an Anchor plant
• If I remove this plant, does the room just feel less cozy? - That’s an Accent plant

Anchor pieces (the sofa & dining table)

These are your visual heavyweights. They organize the room.

Placement rule
They live where furniture “ends”:
• Next to sofas
• At the edge of rugs
• In empty corners
• Beside large windows or doors

If you remove an anchor plant, the room should feel suddenly… unfinished.

Accent plants (the cushions, lamps, side tables)

These are supporting characters. They add texture and rhythm.

Placement rule
They sit on things or between anchors:
• Tables
• Shelves
• Windowsills
• Dressers
• Bathroom corners

Accent plants should never compete with anchors. If your eye jumps to them first, they’re too big or too many.

Plants and Pots -

Last year marked the quiet beginning of a vision we are building with intention from the ground up—our interior design and interior decorating services. In collaboration with exceptional, highly capable teams, we brought a select number of client projects to life and we are excited to share this little journey with you.

Building your dream home? Here are 6 technical people you’ll need on site.

Whereas a plumber and an electrician execute, a Mechanical and Electric Engineer works alongside the architect to include plumbing and electrical works in the plan.