How did you get started on this career path? Was design always something you had a passion for?

I am what you would call a “late bloomer”. Growing up I loved decorating my room with wall-to-wall posters and clippings from magazines and newspapers. My love for gallery walls runs deep. It was not unusual for me to move furniture around and reconfigure my tiny bedroom. While I was drawn to design and the arts, I was also passionate about journalism. It seemed clear to me that it would be easier to make it as a journalist, so I decided to pursue that path and studied Arts and Letters. Life had other plans so after raising a family for 17 years, I decided to go back to school in my late 40’s to finally study Interior Design full time. It was one of the hardest endeavours I have ever taken on and one that I am most proud of.

What's your personal design philosophy?

It is all about creating interiors that are comfortable and livable. It might sound simple, but our homes now more than ever should bring us a sense of calm, safety, and nurture. Our lives are connected to our homes in so many ways we never anticipated. We live, we work and entertain ourselves in our homes, so it must be a place we just love to be in. My philosophy has always been to create warm, welcoming spaces that bring comfort and show who you are to the world.

Do you have a favourite project to take on?

I will always love installing gallery walls for my clients. They bring so much joy and soul to a space and to see the reaction once it is done is priceless. It is creating your own history on a wall. Gallery walls are so versatile and can be installed in any room. Just a fun way to tell your story.

What's one product you recommend clients splurge on?

A great sofa is probably my No.1 item to splurge on. Sofas are so versatile and can impact your ability to enjoy a great book or TV show or a great conversation. We lounge, we eat, we work, we pet our dogs and cats on the sofa so yes it should look fabulous, but it should be incredibly comfortable. Our friends sometimes fall asleep (when friends could still come over before the pandemic) in our living room, which is the best compliment and a testament to the power of a great sofa.

How do you see the Canadian design community evolving to become more diverse?

This is an ongoing disappointment of the industry for me. The Interior Design community in Canada and globally has been slow to catch up to the power of inclusivity and diversity. While some progress was made last year after the tragic death of George Floyd and the incredible impact of the “Black Lives Matter” movement, there is still a lot of work to be done. The Interior Design Industry has been one of the most resistant of all to do better. Canadian Interior Design publications, networks and TV shows, in print and on digital platforms, have been following a model that consistently and systematically overlooks designers, builders and creators of colour for years. It is routine to see the same faces, companies and designers featured prominently on the cover of magazines, TV shows, podcasts, etc. The talent is out there, the work of so many talented BIPOC designers, artists, entrepreneurs is consistently overlooked, and for the industry to do better, it will require an undeviating level of commitment. More importantly, the industry must educate itself and open itself up to new perspectives and points of view. To achieve that, BIPOC designers and industry insiders must sit at the same table in editorial meetings of interior design tv shows and magazines, design blogs and podcasts. I am hopeful that we will get there, but the work should not sit solely on the shoulders of the BIPOC community to endlessly prove its worth to the larger interior design power structure. Why aren’t the Interior Designers who are consistently in the forefront and spotlight not speaking out or trying to affect change? Last summer a client was referred to me via an Instagram friend. I met this client at her home, and we discussed what her goals were and what she wanted to accomplish with my help and expertise. My impression was that it went well, and I was looking forward to taking on this project. A few days later, she drove by my house and stopped at our front door to see where I lived. She had no idea I happened to be sitting on the balcony and saw her looking around and surveying my home. It was a harsh reminder that as a BIPOC in this industry, my work is not enough. That is where we are in this country and we need to do better.

What inspires you?

I find inspiration in everyday objects, photographs, treasures from travel adventures, but listening to my client’s stories is where conceptualization begins. How they use the space, who lives there, what works and what needs to fulfil a new purpose. The energy of a space should always reflect who lives in it. My goal is to capture that energy unique to each client.

Give us a design tip you think everyone can use in their home.

Make it your own as soon as possible! It does not necessarily mean embarking on an expensive renovation and knocking walls down. That might be the way to go for some people, but it is amazing what decluttering, rearranging furniture and a fresh coat of paint can do. Waiting for the right time to embark on this big renovation you always dreamed of can affect your ability to enjoy your home right now. Pull out those travel pictures and family photos and frame them to create a beautiful gallery wall. Add a few pillows and plants in any room and the vibe will change instantly. Those are easy, inexpensive, and quick ways to revamp your space on a budget. I believe in enjoying the space you are in right now.

Favourite design trends for 2021?

Trends generally go against my design philosophy, so I tend to steer clear away from them. That being said, design is about adapting and bringing our everyday needs to life in our homes. In the current climate with Covid-19, so many changes are taking place all at once. The biggest trend which has really become a necessity for millions of people around the world is the home office. As so many of us are now working from home, the office space within our house has become a great way to adapt our changing work habits. While working from home meant carving up a little corner around the dining room table, it is now changing to a designated room to serve as a fully working home office. While this is a trend in this moment, I strongly believe that it is here to stay.

Are there any “design rules” you love to break?

A few rules I like to break or live by: “Small rooms can be painted a dark color!” The idea that painting a small space in a dark color will make it feel smaller does not always apply. It can create a warm, cozy space that will make a huge statement. It is important to consider natural light and the function for which the room will be used but a bold dark color is nothing to be afraid of. “A dining room is for dining only…” I strongly believe that dining rooms should be more than just a spot to sit and dine on special occasions. Add a sofa in there and turn it into a reading corner or a desk if you have the space to drop off mail and pay bills. Too many dining rooms go “unused” and are simply showrooms nobody ever spends time in. Use it to its full potential. A room becomes what you need it to be, it is your home. “Art is anything you want it to be”. An art collection does not have to be expensive and hard to put together. Start small! Posters, calendars, photographs, online print outs, travel mementos. Art should be accessible to everyone with a variety of budgets. The idea that exclusive, pricey art pieces are the only legit artwork worthy of any space is a rule I’m happy to break all the time. “Too many plants can make a space feel cluttered”. Plants are a beautiful way to bring nature into your home. Plant selection and placement can create a beautiful oasis and bring a sense of calm and tranquility in any space. No such thing as too many plants.