One of my goals for this year is to make my blog a bit more personal and really share what goes on in my day-to-day business life.   So part of that is of course sharing the journey of my projects with you.  I hope to bring you along on the ride and share how I go about transforming spaces.

Last week I finished up a little project which was just so much fun to be part of.  Shortly after I re-launched Styleast and had started working again, I was approached by a local East London photographer called Michelle Guzinski.  She had signed up for the East London Bridal Expo and wanted some advice and assistance in putting her expo stand together.   When she handed me her business card (Gold and Chevron) I was sold!

Michelle is a Lifestyle and Wedding photographer (you can visit her website here) who explains  her brand as been natural and glam.   There is a distant Chevron pattern in all her branding so that was something I really wanted to enforce in the design.  The brief from  Michelle was to bring wood, Gold (Yaaaas!) Grey, and some plants onto her stand.   She needed a seating area and table top space, and most important of all, we had to showcase her beautiful photographs.

Here are some snaps of the finished stand.

We got gorgeous reclaimed timber screens (which are available to hire) from the Juniper Event and Styling Co.   Michelle wanted a seating area so she could discuss her packages with the brides-to-be so I did a small sofa and 2 side tables – note the scissor legs again highlighting the Chevron pattern.  The scatter cushions where an obvious choice!  And it was all finished off with a Chevron patterned rug just to pull the space together,  make it look more intimate, and again brand re-enforcement!

Another feature that we highlighted on the stand were some suspended Himmeli.   The Himmeli were inspired by the chevron pattern, but translated in a geometric 3D form. (Originating from the Swedish word for sky or heaven, Himmeli are a traditional Finnish ornament.   They are traditionally ornate and suspended above a dinner table over the Christmas period.)

I must say I am loving these shapes and have been Pinteresting them like crazy!   I really think this is a wedding trend to watch out for – they are versatile as they can be used on table tops or suspended.  They also work with a variety of flowers in them.   Just can’t get enough of them!  We chose to showcase Airplants and Old  Man’s Beard as something unique and to complement the ‘Natural’ look Michelle wanted.   Again, loooove these plants and thinking this is another up and coming trend to watch out for.

What a fun little project to start the year off!

 

Here is the Little Black Book of suppliers: (clink on the  suppliers name for a direct link to their page)

Reclaimed timber screens: Juniper Event and Styling Co.

Grey “Love seat” sofa : Styleast

Scissor Leg side tables: Styleast

Chevron Scatter cushions: Superbalist

Chevron Rug: Superbalist

Hemilli: Michelle made these – how cool! But you can also get them from Mr Price Home

 

And here is a fun Q&A with Michelle:

1. What is your favourite time of day to photograph?

In a photographer’s world there are two perfect times of day to photograph. It’s what’s known as Golden Hour. The hour of sunrise and the hour before sunset. This is when the sun’s light is its most flattering.   I’ve been playing around with other times when the sun is higher and I think I like it!

I also love it when its overcast – the light is awesome then too!

2. Do you have a favourite location to shoot at?

No, not really. It all depends on the light, mood and the people. Although, I definitely wouldn’t mind using places with amazing architecture and mountainous landscapes!

 3. Favourite colour?

I am an absolute sucker for that Khaki/Olive green. And that pairs so nicely with Greys and White for me. So I guess I have three favourite colours.

4. What is your design style?

I prefer simple, cosy, natural designs with a bit of minimalism. I tend to go for purpose and function rather than just display.

5. Favourite interior ever?

Too me the most amazing interiors are Vintage Scandinavian designs. It’s that perfect balance between simple, natural, minimal and cosy. Plants are a must!

 

You can contact Michelle as follows:

M: +27 83 582 8048

Website: www.michelleguzinski.com

Email: michelle@michelleguzinski.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/michelleguzinskiphotography

Twitter: www.twitter.com/michellguzinski

Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/michguzinski/

Instagram: www.instagram.com/michelle.guzinski/