Hidden Gem
Let me introduce you to an amazing and very talented woman who I am sooo very lucky to call one of my best friends!
Kristy (Ireland) Zagorodny and I met in Grade 9 homeroom and the rest....well, the rest is history! Since I met Kristy, I have been absolutely amazed at her creative nature and her eye for attention to detail! In addition to being one of the most artistic people I know, she also has the biggest heart and welcoming/warm personality of anyone you will ever meet!
Kristy's Wedding - Kristy and I
Kristy lives outside a cute little town called Mildmay, the Lamplighter Town, in Southern Ontario. There is a beautiful old stone hotel in Mildmay which has been converted to a charming pub and coffee perk/shop called Harleys . The main floor of the hotel is the pub and perk, however, there are 2 floors above that when you climb the beautiful wooden stair cases, you feel like you have stepped back to 1827 when the hotel was built.
Kristy was commissioned to decorate the 2nd floor of the hotel for the local home holiday tour and the transformation was spectacular!....As I wandered from room to room, I felt as though I was transported into a story book from Christmases past....
As you came up the staircase, you were greeted by this beautiful tree done in golds, champagne and creams....
The cozy and festive sitting area in front of the fireplace....
Sparkle and shine....
The fireplace...
Simple yet so very effective....greens, antlers and a bit of 'bling'..
The banisters, the chandelier, the antiques, the 14 foot ceilings.....stunning!
A little nook to sit, enjoy the holiday atmosphere and have a toddy...
The spectacular dining room....reds, black, silver....rustic chic!
A window vignette in the dining room....
Seeing as this was a hotel, the rooms each had a sink to allow guests to 'freshen up'...Antique mirror and accessories...
More modern colours used with a vintage feel....I LOVE this table from The Neustadt Mill Antiques
A perfect example of Kristy's creativity...an advent calendar from a gorgeous antique frame and Christmas baubles....
We called this the 'peacock corner. with the blues, turquoises and greens....the Sleigh was the perfect traditional touch (and can be found at Neustadt Mill Antiques)
The local sponsorship and support was amazing....Small town Ontario really knows how to come together!
Not only does Kristy have a very talented 'eye', but so does her father, Bill Ireland...these two winterscapes are photos of his of the local landscape....
"Winter Wonderland"
This is a handdrawn sketch of the Hotel....a beautiful, historic building that continues to bring the community together!
Kristy has an obvious passion for decor and styling....and as you can see, she truly is a hidden gem in the home/floral decor world!
RR