It’s summer in Edmonton. What does that mean for interior design choices?
Our summers are fairly short here in Alberta. We just don’t have a lot of time leftover for decorating inside by the time we are finished hauling out all of the patio furniture and setting up our outdoor spaces. To keep our indoor spaces feeling fresh for summer, we focus on easy swaps to textiles and the decor. Think silks and linens, as opposed to heavier wools and velvets. Change out your bedding, sofa pillows, add a new runner in the kitchen, put away the candles (it’s light until 11 p.m. anyway) and cut some fresh flowers from the garden for your coffee table.
Single-family home sales are as hot as ever in Edmonton. Any suggestions for people moving into established homes?
Look beyond the specific choices of the previous owners that may not align with your current tastes. Ugly carpet or bad lighting can be improved upon, but a poorly built house or awkward layout is not an easy update unless you are planning a larger renovation. It might sound obvious, but make sure that you like the overall architectural style of the house so that your interior decorating choices complement the architectural theme for an effortless feel inside and out.
Should people wait to complete their interior design until they see how it looks in the darker, colder months, too?
This is one of the reasons why working with an interior designer is so beneficial: We are trained professionals in colour theory with an understanding of lighting conditions to test colours, textiles, wood-tones, etc. to ensure that your home looks and feels its best all year round. Luckily, gone are the days of cool-toned, “all grey everything.” Opting for neutrals in warm tones means that even when the winter blues arrive, your home remains warm and inviting. This is another reason why lighting design is one of the most impactful design decisions you can make. Believe us when we say not all lighting is created equal. Lighting will greatly dictate the feel of your home when natural light is limited.
What is a statement piece every home should have?
I prefer to think of a “statement piece” in terms of a focal point. Every room needs a place for your eyes to land. Have you ever been in a room where you are overwhelmed by the all the “stuff,” even if everything in the room is beautiful? You need to create balance and rhythm by having an area of emphasis, and consider the scale of each individual piece in order to master the impact of a statement piece. A fireplace, artwork, lighting, the way in which the furniture is arranged — when done right, they make a beautiful impact.
Over the years, have you found certain rooms are more difficult to pin down, design wise?
Kitchens require optimal functional design, while also often being used for hosting, or gathering as a family. The layout of each individual drawer and cupboard is as important as the seating capabilities at the kitchen island, so every element must be considered in great detail, being tailored to each homeowner. Kitchens provide so many opportunities for incorporating materials, so naturally it is a favourite for both our design team and the homeowner. Bring on the creativity!
