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RAISE THE ROOF
Suddenly, everyone is renovating and redecorating. We asked Canada’s reigning design queens about our modern obsession with home sweet home.
LYNDA REEVES
Years in design: 20
Background: Interior design
Projects: House & Home TV, Canadian Home Publishers (magazines Canadian House & Home, Gardening Life), House & Home: Style for Living (home collection at the Bay)
Design Philosophy: "It’s only decorating."
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DEBBIE TRAVIS
Years in design: 13
Background: Documentary producer
Projects: Debbie Travis’ Painted House, Debbie Travis’ Facelift, interior design videos, books and newspaper columns
Design Philosophy: "Anything is possible."
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What are the current lifestyle trends?
The next thing we’re going to be worried about is integrating all the things we do within our home into the design. If you’re into exercise, your home will be designed differently because you place priority on that part of your lifestyle.
Is there a unique Canadian style?
It’s multicultural and eclectic. There’s Asian influence in our design; there are Indian, Moroccan and African textiles. Certainly, the French and Québécois have influenced our love of French antiques.
Any hints for people approaching a design project?
Look in your closet. These are the colours you like, the ones you’re comfortable in.
You’re a home decor Brand. What does your brand stand for?
It’s a style that’s spirited and largely urban, somewhat eclectic, but accessible. We want to give people the tools to express themselves in their own homes – not hammer and nails, but inspiration, knowledge and product. Our product line at the Bay will be in every room of your house by next spring.
What do your fans ask you?
The number one question is always paint colour. There are some basic rules, and they want to know them… Frankly, I think they should trust me more! I’m not going to let them down.
What are your design signatures?
A favourite colour for me is rich brown-red. I also love warm white walls, wood floors stained dark and sisal rugs – and humble materials like denim or grey-and-white ticking. I like things that are unexpected.
What do you love about your job?
I think House & Home has promoted design in Canada significantly. For the first time in this country, we have a whole generation of designers for every pocketbook and every level. Lots of designers have told me we put them on the map and helped make their careers. [ ]
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What are the current lifestyle trends?
People want their rooms to be livable. The kitchen is becoming the focal point of the house. And the home office is becoming part of the living area because people are spending more time and doing more work at home.
Is there a unique Canadian style?
There’s a hideous Canadian style I’m planning to wipe out: wood panelling. The older generation has the attitude that you can’t paint wood. But you’ve got more bloody wood in this country than anywhere else. I think you can paint it!
Any hints for people approaching a design project?
Choose a mood and look for your room, like you buy clothes: Maybe you’re a Gap person, maybe a Pottery Barn person.
You’re a home decor Brand. What does your brand stand for?
My brand tells you how to reinvent what you’ve got. And to work on a budget, without a doubt. I want to take the fear, the snootiness out of it. Julia Child did it for cordon bleu cuisine. She had the glass of wine going; she dropped the chicken and dusted it off. She’s my idol.
What do your fans ask you?
How do I paint my bathroom tile? It’s the how-to they want. People feel comfy asking me because I’m not formally trained; I’m not a designer… I’ve been told I ruined more Canadian homes than anyone else!
What are your design signatures?
Colour. A loathing of beige. Just that word – I wouldn’t say it! It’s dull. I’d be ashamed.
What do you love about your job?
My greatest love is being a television producer and storyteller. I love to capture the emotion. On Facelift, I’m standing right next to people when they get this huge surprise of seeing their room redone. I can feel their knees go; sometimes I’m holding them up! [ ]
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May '04
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