Brunchin' by design: Spaces Jamaica celebrates 17 years in style
Published:Saturday | November 30, 2024 | 12:07 AMKrysta Anderson/Staff Reporter
The design is in the details. For 17 years, the interior design, furniture, and home décor store has made it its mission to bring opulence and enchantment to homes and offices across the island. To mark this monumental milestone, Spaces Jamaica hosted a stunning brunch at its Ardenne Emirates location on Sunday.
The exclusive event saw specially invited guests gracing the space in chic fashion. “Our wish was to have everyone who has played an integral role in making Spaces what it is today. So, it was a hard task to narrow down hundreds of clients and numerous associates to a few. We elected to have past team members who I consider ‘foundation’ builders, then our corporate partners, and of course clients who have become a part of the Spaces family,” the founder and creative director, Janelle Pantry-Coke, told Saturday Living.
While 17 isn’t necessarily a number that calls for a celebration, she learned from the global pandemic that there is no time like the present. Moved beyond words by the level of support she received for the occasion and beyond, an emotional Pantry-Coke shared that celebrating this journey has unearthed mixed feelings of pride, gratitude and excitement.
“It has been a journey full of learning and growth. And it really makes me appreciate the incredible team and clients who have supported us along the way. We’ve weathered challenges and celebrated successes over the years, and I’ve always stayed passionate about our mission to bring beautiful, functional home décor to our community,” she said.
Speaking of community, Spaces is currently raising 1.5 million dollars to build and outfit a home with Food for the Poor through a new initiative called ‘Home for the Holidays’. Giving back is part of Spaces' DNA, according to Pantry-Coke, and this initiative is a way for the company to show its commitment to building a better future for others.
“The Home for the Holiday initiative is very close to my heart. We’ve always believed that everyone deserves a place where they feel safe, comfortable, and truly at home. I’m a strong believer in the positive benefits of home ownership as it provides stability, security and a sense of belonging. What started out [as] a dream will now become the reality for a wonderful family this Christmas,” she revealed.
Only made possible by the wonderful customers, staff and sponsors who have pledged to support, this project is all about making a tangible difference in the lives of those in need, especially during the holiday season when home is such an important part of the celebration, “It’s also a reminder that the true spirit of the season, we’re all for coming together to support and uplift each other.”
Showcasing her company's ability to adapt and evolve, being an entrepreneur, she said, has taught her resilience. And the strong impact made keeps her motivated on this rewarding journey, “As a mother of two young daughters, I also take great pride in the legacy I’m building. I hope that one day they’ll be able to build on what we’ve created or simply be proud of what their mom has accomplished.”
With her continued passion for transforming spaces to reflect the personality, lifestyle, and needs of those who live there, she hopes to make the dream of creating environments that enhance well-being and foster a deeper connection to home a beautiful reality.
“It’s amazing how the right design elements like furniture, colours and textures can completely change the feel of a room and make it a place where people feel comfortable and inspired. For me, interior design is not just about aesthetics; every project is a new opportunity to create something unique and meaningful, and that’s what excites me every day,” she highlighted.
Adding more merriment to the special celebration, Pantry-Coke has shared a few tips to transform your homes for this holiday season!
1) Embrace seasonal colours: Start with a colour palette that speaks to the season: rich reds, greens, golds and whites. You can bring these colours into your décor with pillows, throws, or even a holiday-themed rug. If you're aiming for a more modern feel, go for metallics or a neutral base with pops of festive colour.
2) Decorate with natural elements: Bring the outdoors in by incorporating natural elements like pinecones, fresh greenery, holly, and poinsettias. A simple garland over the mantel or a centrepiece of fresh evergreens can make your home feel instantly festive.\
3)Create a warm ambience with lighting: Holiday lights aren’t just for the tree! String lights can add a magical glow to any room, whether wrapped around banisters, strung over windows, or tucked into vases. Don’t forget candles—whether traditional or flameless, they add warmth and ambiance to your space.
Transform your entryway: Make a statement as soon as guests arrive. A festive wreath on your door, paired with a holiday mat and a few potted plants, will set the tone for a warm, welcoming home. It’s a simple way to give your entry a festive makeover.
4) Bring in the scent of the season: Scent is a powerful way to evoke the holiday spirit. Consider using holiday-scented candles (like cinnamon, pine, or vanilla) or simmering a pot of water with cloves, citrus, and cinnamon sticks for a homey, welcoming fragrance.