Guest Post: Area 2 Trading Co.

Meet Liza Canale of Area 2 Trading Co. 

See what Liza has to say about her home, where she finds inspiration, and her amazing new(ish) online marketplace for high quality furnishings and accessories:  

Area 2 Trading Co!

What is Area 2 Trading Co and how did you get started?

My mother was a sculptor before moving on to become an interior designer and painter. As a result, I have been immersed in the design and art world all of my life. A few years ago my mother asked that I help her sell a few of her nicer things. From there, I began managing estate sales out my garage and an old art studio. I was approached by many friends and neighbors to try and sell their things for them. It soon became apparent that while many people have home furnishings and art that they would like to put up for adoption, most dislike the hassle of estate sales and consignment stores. That is when I decided that Nashville needed an online marketplace for design-loving locals who want to sell old treasures or buy new ones with confidence in both the quality of the products and the transaction. 

Thus, Area 2 Trading Company was born!

Where do you get your inspiration?

I find inspiration in visiting other's homes and listening to their likes and dislikes. I always find it fascinating that what one person loves another could have a strong aversion to. Everyone is such their own individual. And of course perusing stores, galleries, and design magazines.

How would you describe your own home?

My home is a home to two boys, a husband, and a dog so it is in constant chaos and never as tidy as I would like! However, I have furniture with clean lines and not a lot of it. So this helps to keep things uncluttered looking. It definitely has a more contemporary feel with a few antiques scattered in the mix. I would rather invest in a few great pieces, whether it be artwork or furniture than a lot of mediocre pieces.

How would you describe your style?

My style is one of classic simplicity. I am of the mindset that less is more. I am much more adventuring in my home design than my fashion design. I always opt for comfort over fashion.

What are project are you currently working on?

Gathering great finds from local Nashvillians to create an eclectic array of offerings on my website. I strive to have a little of everything for everyone's varied tastes. 

Although Liza and I have only met via email, I love her outlook on style and decor - Less is more. I'd rather invest in a few great pieces...than a lot of mediocre pieces. She makes buying high quality pieces for your home simple. 

Check out her site and be sure to sign up for regular email updates! She is always posting new pieces.

Guest Post: Acres of Hope

Meet Dexter and Patricia.Founders of Acres of Hope and our FIRST ever guests on Sylvan Park Life. 

 I met Dexter and Patricia almost 3 years ago, on one of my first trips to Alabama to spend time with Ty's family.  When your father-in-law is the pastor of a Baptist church, meeting the "family" is not just the members of the household - its the entire congregation. Needless to say, I was nervous. And then I met Patricia. She was warm, easy to talk to, and put me at ease. They are one dynamic couple and their work to bless others through quality craftsmanship is inspiring.

Get to know the people behind Acres of Hope in Pike Road, Alabama.

What is Acres of Hope?   

When we bought the 16 acres we live on over 15 years ago, we named it Acres of Hope. It seemed only fitting to name our business the same, Acres of Hope Pike Road. We custom build rustic farm tables, benches, sofa tables, buffets, etc.

How did you get started?
It all started with an 8ft. Farm Table Dexter built for our back porch.  Gathering around the table for the enjoyment of food and fellowship is one of our favorite things. From there we began building decorative boxes, benches, wall hook racks, cabinets, and more.  We stepped out in faith 1 1/2 years ago into uncharted woods, and God has done immeasurably more than we could have ever imagined.  Our intent through this business is to bless others with quality work crafted by a family who loves the Lord.

What is your main mode of creative expression RIGHT NOW?
We love all things vintage/farm house.

Where do you get your inspiration?
We get ideas from Pinterest, Blogs, Flea Markets,  & Magazines.



What is project are you currently working on?
Currently we are building an 8 foot Trestle Base Farm Table that will have bread board ends. We will distress the wood to give it a "reclaimed" appearance.  It will also have a bench to match.


What is your favorite book or TV Show of the moment?
My favorite book right now is The Story of My Life As Told by Jesus Christ. It is a compilation of the 4 gospels, New Living Translation, put in chronological order and told in 1st person. My favorite TV show right now is American Idol because God put one of the contestants in my path at the beginning of this season and we have been texting ever since.

How would you describe you home?
My desire is my home feel welcoming and cozy.  We have lots of wood, stone, burlap, candles, flowers etc. We live on 16 acres of land with 5 kids, 3 dogs, 1 cat and 11 chickens.

Like what you see?

Visit AcresofHopePikeRoad.com to shop and view more custom creations.

If you are interested in being a guest of Sylvan Park Life, please contact us via email

SylvanParkLife@gmail.com