Confessions of An Interior Designer: Making Space

When we moved into our office five years ago, we were ecstatic about how much space we had before us. We went from 700 sq.ft to almost 1500 sq ft. What would we do with it all? 

It didn’t take long before each room was filled, and our walls were bursting. That was three years ago. 

The need to look for another office space has been looming for a while as our current lease agreement ends at the end of this year. We hoped to find the right space, for the right price, and at the right time, all during a time where office spaces were starting to fill back up in Calgary. It was a trifecta of challenges, however it didn’t occur to me that it would be hard. 

We put an offer on space #1 only for it to be pulled out from under us by a much larger conglomerate. Disappointed, we moved on and continued the search. We found another space we liked, and felt it was on brand and checked off a lot of boxes. As negotiations continued we learned we had to take the space “as is” which was full of cubicle style offices - not at all how we work. Space #2 was a no-go. Now feeling somewhat deflated, an office space we looked at started to pursue us. Perfect! The negotiations began, and paperwork was put forth for space #3. We designed the space, and even moved forward with elevations, a Pinterest board and sharing more details with our team and vendors we hoped to work with. As I looked ahead, it wasn’t with excitement or enthusiasm. I’ve always been one to process and percolate on decisions, and I realized I was feeling unsettled.

After much consideration, deliberation and self reflection, I’ve decided to hit pause on a new office. I’ve let go of finding a new space, and re-signed for a year in our current location. I need the breathing room. The thought of designing and moving into a new space feels suffocating right now. It was a gut check that was hard to recognize, and admit, however once I did, a huge weight was lifted. I could have pushed and plowed through, as I often do, but for what gain? The last two years have been a tough go. The adjectives to describe our emotions are plenty, as we’ve all experienced a level of trauma in some way shape or form. It’s all relative, mind you as life has gone on amidst the pandemic. I’m feeling the residual effects of it all. Instead of finding space, I’m going to make space, not only for my business, but for myself.. 

With much gratitude, we have been busier than ever. We have welcomed new team members, taken on amazing projects, new opportunities, and built relationships that continue to root us in what we do. 

I remain committed to being a leader in the interior design and lifestyle industry, known for our creativity, authenticity, professionalism and expertise, as a go to resource to learn, work with or simply be inspired. 

We want to be our best for you, our clients, readers, vendors, and trades. This gives us space to continue to do so, and extra time to really discern what the future could look like for Nyla Free Designs. I’ve hardly had a chance to breathe over the last few years, so making a decision in haste felt like I was dishonoring all I’d worked hard for. 

Our mission is to design homes you feel good in. With a purpose filled, thoughtful approach, we are committed to creating spaces 100% tailored to each client. Our process is rooted in core values, and driven by relationships, resulting in homes as individual as the family who lives there. We have, and will continue to do this from the comfort of our current office, for at least the next year. 

Recently, a new client walked into our space and commented “it feels so good in here”. And that was enough to solidify my decision. 

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Welcome. We’re so happy you stopped by. Our goal is to be a leader in the interior design and lifestyle industry, known for our creativity, authenticity, professionalism and expertise, as a go to resource to learn, work with or simply be inspired. Thank you for spending time with us!

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