Though this time of year can give us all feelings of restlessness as we await spring, it’s also the perfect time to take advantage of the “staycation.” After all, just a few hours’ drive away, there are incredible weekend getaways just waiting for you to enjoy in our beautiful state of Minnesota. Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend with a loved one or want something a bit more active for the whole family or a group of friends, there’s nothing quite like a cabin escape in northern Minnesota where you can take in the snowy winter views from a cozy perch.

As an alumnus of both Yale and the School of Visual Arts, James Perkins is a proud New Yorker who seeks inspiration in the contrast between the manmade city he calls home and the sweeping and unpredictable paths of the natural world just beyond.

While finish selections are essential, and furniture is important, art breathes life into a room. There are many unique art styles to choose from. Yet, too often, we resort to what is typical and replicable in every other space. We crave individuality, so why not choose art that is unexpected? It’s the best way to reflect your personality in your space as well as serve to set the overall vibe. From wall murals to multi-dimensional art, we’ve gathered our favorite statement pieces from Vela projects to give you a starting point. Because nothing’s better than finding artwork that stops you in your tracks and makes you swoon.

There’s a certain lightness and simplicity inherent in floating shelves, which is why we love to incorporate them into our kitchen designs. By nature, they help to open up a space visually, and when used in collaboration with other intentionally-placed elements, they can serve as focal pieces with highly-functional and space-saving uses. We are often asked if we are “known” for something within our designs and it would be a safe argument to say floating shelves are part of our signature style.