So Canadian eh? : Sheila Zeller

I have had the wonderful pleasure of hanging out with my guest this week at our recent design bloggers 

soiree we held in early October.

I have to admit, she is so easy to love. Always smiling and so sincere. 

But reading her blog you realize that this girl knows her stuff,  sharing her know-how from DIY projects to design tidbits.

Please give warm welcome to

Sheila Zeller from

 Sheila Zeller Interiors

She is so....

When I asked Sheila to send me photos of any projects that she was proud of she sent me these, never-before-published photos of a project she designed, a physiotherapy clinic from the sub-floor to completion!

Impressive!

The clinic wanted a professional yet personal look to their office, so Sheila transformed {with the help of her dad} a baker's rack to a coat rack!

Tell us a bit about your background? Your education? Has design always been in your blood?

I grew up on the Charlottes, so I’m a small town girl, but the city makes my heart skip a beat! I love the city vibe.

As far as education, it’s been a winding road. I have a diploma in business management, certification in special education, and about 4 years ago I became certified in home staging & redesign. But honestly, the best education I get now is through social networking. There is so much out there, and it allows us to connect with the design community in a way that just wasn’t possible before.

Design has always been in my blood, for sure. My Mom used to move the furniture around, switch out rooms, and just generally change things up! As I got older I was constantly changing my own room around, rearranging my closet, bookshelves, that kind of thing… I loved doing that! When I was younger and playing with Barbies, my favorite part was decorating their spaces, not changing their outfits! And I’m lucky to come from a family where working with your hands, being crafty, handy, resourceful is just what you do. Part of that was certainly the culture of living in an isolated area, but it’s also an inherent value that runs through my family. I am very grateful that I have had this exposure my whole life, because it helps me understand and appreciate what goes into design.

Do you work in the design industry?

I have my own interior redesign business. I’ve designed and staged, but my real passion is to work with what people already have… You know, their cherished pieces, things that they love, and bring a refreshed look and feel to their space. It’s so much fun to learn the stories that go with their pieces, and that’s what I try to honour in the process of reworking a space.

Where do you go for inspiration for your blog?

I’m definitely a West Coast girl - the ocean is my favorite place to be, and I get a lot of inspiration from it. I love fossils and rocks, driftwood, glass balls… and I’m a huge fan of Mid-Century Modern, so I’m inspired by the designs from that time. But for a constant source of inspiration, that would definitely be other blogs and Pinterest, hands down.

What are your hopes and dreams for your future?

Hmmm. Hopes for my future… You know what? I would love to be really, REALLY good at repurposing furniture… and I’m not, but I’m trying! There’s so much I want to do, but I have so much to learn first! My dream would be to own a shop that carried pieces needing a new life - a little or a lot of TLC - that others could purchase and work their magic on. So, kind of like a ReStore, but with furniture and accessories only. No building materials, none of that. And maybe provide a few work spaces for people to rent who don’t have a working space of their own. If I could turn a profit doing this, still write my blog, and continue to offer redesign that would be a dream come true… But to be honest, I’m doing what I love, I just want to do more of it!

How would you describe your design style?

My style is a mix of West Coast, Mid-Century, and a little Industrial/Steam Punk.  I draw on natural elements, love vintage, and was into the whole reclaimed look and feel before I started in redesign. But, I like a little sparkle too!

What are your tips for creating a stylish space without spending a lot of cash? What do you think gives the most bang for your buck?

I believe in organizing first, decorating second, and knitting the two together. It’s so much easier if you know where you want to locate something, and then decide how you’re going to do that. Form following function – it’s one of those rules that I actually do try follow!

But for a quick go to, it’s paint and lighting, paint and lighting! I know that’s cliché, but it’s true. Paint a room, see it come to life. Paint a piece of furniture, it looks like new. Layer a room with lighting and there’s not a room where you can’t set the mood! These will give you the best bang for your buck!

You live on Vancouver Island; do you think that influences how people decorate their homes?

I do think living on an island has its own influence. Here, there’s a more laid back pace that infuses a casual style. That’s not to say casual isn’t elegant or glamorous; it’s more about the pride of being local, and reflecting that in our spaces with collections, or pieces that have been crafted by Island artisans, or from local resources.

Tell us one thing about you that would surprise us!

I graduated from a class of 12! No, that’s not a typo!

Tell us; are you a coffee or tea girl?

I’m a coffee in the morning girl. One or two cups, but it’s that first cup I look forward to. Okay, it’s that first cup you don’t want to mess with! After that it’s water. Wine counts as water, right?

What do you like to do in your free time?

Explore new places, go antiquing, be near the beach, curl up with my magazines, putter in the yard… I like to golf a little bit… and just spend time with my family when we’re not all running in different directions. And I love discovering tucked away places that serve interesting food! I’d love to go to Ruby Watcho for dinner... but I have to make my way to Toronto first!

 If you could meet anyone or do anything what would it be?

If I could meet anyone… well, I would really like to shadow Cari Cucksey. I think she has a great business model, and I would like to know more about how it all works.

You are a mother, how do you balance your work, blogging and your daily life?

It’s been a journey to find that balance. Just when you think you’ve got it all figured out, something unexpected comes along that wasn’t part of the plan. That’s life. So I think knowing what’s important, and then working hard to stay focused on that. For me it’s my family. If they’re not ok, I’m not ok. We work hard at communicating, adapting, and being respectful in the process. What helps make all this work? My husband prints out his schedule for me, my daughter BBM’s me, and we sit down to dinner as a family during the week. The dinner hour is the best time for us to catch up and check in, so it just works.

What are your views on the role Canadian design plays in the world design scene? Do you feel that Canadians have a unique sense of style and design, and if so, what is it that you think sets us apart?

I think Canadian design is gaining momentum on the world design scene. We are a collection of cultures, and that is reflected in the feeling of our spaces more than the look of our designs. There is a warmth about our spaces that translates across the nation, no matter what the style, or where the location. It’s hard to put your finger on exactly, you just know it’s there. It’s a welcoming feeling that isn’t forced, and that’s what I think sets us apart. 

I am so impressed by you! You are such a grounded individual. Your love for design is so evident in all you do.

So glad we have the opportunity to meet and get to know one another a bit, can't wait for the next get together!

Hugs.

XO Barbara

So Canadian eh? : Amy Walters

This week another fabulous Canadian has come to visit. 

I just love how my list is endless...so many more 

to come!

Welcome to

Amy Walters of aDesign dock

Photo: Janelle Baldwin

She is.....

Amy Walters, is an interior designer, blogger and guest contributor to Style At Home's blog as well.

Not only can this girl style and design, but she is a fabulous writer!

Amy is such an avid supported of Canadian bloggers and designers and is part of our western Canadian network . She always makes her rounds, reading and commenting on your blog, love that girl!

And she has some serious design talent.

Want to see?

Recently she has been tackling renovations and has unveiled her renovated bathroom on Style at Home's blog.

 Are those Missoni shower curtains?

DIY floral art

A styling shot for Style at Home's Fall Trends blogger round-up.

Her re-vamped vintage credenza that was featured on Design*Sponge!

Wallpaper art.

Tell us a bit about yourself, your background, your education, has design always been something you are drawn to?  

I grew up in a small town in rural Manitoba where interior design wasn't even on the radar; but even so, I feel as though design has always been a part of me. I doodled constantly, collected anything and everything, visited antique and decor shops endlessly and watched Martha Stewart Living every chance I got! Admittedly, I was not overly "skilled" in my creative ambitions as a child (you should see some of my childhood drawings and bedroom designs!), but the passion was there and as I grew up, the passion developed into a natural ability to create beautiful designs, both with graphics and interiors. I spent years dreaming of a career in design before mustering up the courage to leave small-town life and head west to study interior design in college. After receiving a Diploma of Interior Design, I moved back to Manitoba to live and begin my career as a designer in Winnipeg. 

What made you decide to start blogging?

 My first home decor mag subscription (at the young age of 15) was the catalyst for my love of design writing. Instantly, I was hooked on the idea of using words and expressions to convey design ideas and principles. Even in design school, I learned early on that I loved writing the concept statements for my designs as much as the design process itself. Then one night, while watching the movie Julie & Julia in theatre, I thought "this is it...this is what I want to do!" It was only a matter of months before I was house hunting with the intention of creating a design blog around the process. Ha ha, that's probably the worst reason EVER to buy your first home, but hey...it worked, right?! I'm blogging now and love it ;)

What have you enjoyed about blogging and what has surprised you along the way? 

Blogging has been crucial in re-igniting my passion for design. This may sound crazy, but I found it really difficult to make time for creativity during my work week at a design firm. Blogging forced me to search and discover all the new and amazing talent out there! It's been so inspirational!

Where do you go for inspiration for your blog? 

Other blogs, of course, are a go-to source for fresh ideas and inspiration. But, I must admit that I'm still pretty old fashioned and love nothing more than my monthly ritual of curling up on the sofa with my latest mag subscriptions and a warm cup o' tea! I also check back regularly on some of my fav online decor shops to keep on top of rising trends and new products.

You are a Style at Home blog contributor, how did you land that fantastic opportunity and has it changed the way you blog and view design?

Aaah...to be honest, I still pinch myself and wonder just exactly how I was so lucky to become a guest blogger for Style at Home! With a dream of bringing some western design perspective to the mag world, I threw caution to the wind...stepped waaaaaay out of my comfort zone...and emailed Style at Home's Web Editorial team about becoming Style at Home's western design-eye! Little did I know that they would be so sweet and actually respond to that wild email of mine! I was giddy beyond belief when they welcomed me on board. This experience has taught me so much about "bloggersland." I was only a month into my own blog and still fairly "green" when I joined the team of guest contributors at styleathome.com. The editorial team taught me all the ins and outs of blogging and social media. I'll be forever grateful for that!

What do you see for your future, any hopes and dreams?

Well, funny you should ask. I'm actually in transition mode as we speak. I recently gave up my full-time interior design position to work remotely for a design firm while I "attempt" to pursue a career in design writing. What this will lead to (freelance writing, a magazine or online internship or a paid blogging gig), I do not know! I'm taking a step out into the unknown and couldn't be more excited about the adventures that await.

How would you describe your design style? 

My style is quirky, personal, eclectic and very vintage. "Bloggeresque", if you will! I love playing the high/low game. I splurge on a few pieces I absolutely adore and can't live without, then save on just about everything else! I am from Manitoba, after all. I was born to be thrifty!

Tell us one thing about you that would surprise us! 

Surprise, eh? Well, hopefully you haven't noticed, but I'm not much of a techie kind of gal! I resisted social media as long as I could, own minimal electronics, live without TV channels and still use an ultra-basic, 5-year old point and shoot camera ;) How I even started a blog, I'll never know?!

How do balance work, blogging and renovations! 

I don't! Ha ha...my life has been a bit of a mess over the past year and half. Only now am I taking steps to get my feet under me and find balance. Adjusting my work situation to better accommodate the writing is hopefully going to play a huge role in getting my head above water!

If you were given the opportunity to meet anyone or do anything, what would it be and why? 

Ooh...travelling, no doubt! I would love to take a few months off and just travel, write about design and eat lots of yummy new foods! 

What do you like to do in your free time?

Go for walks, play with my baby nephew, watch a million re-runs of Golden Girls and eat ice cream!

You are a Canadian living on the Prairies, how does living where things are so flat, winters long but one of the sunniest places in Canada, affect the way homes are decorated. Do you think the Prairie geography influences design?

Manitoba's geography is all about extremes. Our topography may be flat, but it's always changing and never boring! I love that we really are forced to decorate with the seasons! An interior must feel as warm and cozy in the winter as it does cool and airy in the summer! The one constant is the sun! No matter what the season, we can always rely on the beautiful effect of natural sunlight. It makes every interior look that much better. I'm a big fan!

What are your views on the role Canadian design plays in the world design scene? Do you feel that Canadians have a unique sense of style and design, and if so, what is it that you think sets us apart? 

I really am "so Canadian"! I love living and designing here. Our country has a soft spot for all things Canadiana, but we get a taste of the best designs from all over the world too; and, we find a way to make it all work. Canadian interiors push design boundaries and encourage people to live eclectically and globally. And to me, that's as timeless a trend as any!

Amy, thanks for being part of my series. So glad to have "met" you. You have such a fabulous design aesthetic, love how beautifully your home is put together. It has such a collected feel, not full of trendy trinkets, but classic and cozy.

Looking forward to following your journey.

XO Barbara

So Canadian eh? : Carol Smyth

One of the questions I ask my stupendous Canadians is:

  "What has surprised them the most about blogging?"

More often than not, they usually answer:

"They didn't expect to make friends and feel part of a close community"

 One thing I never anticipated was the friends I would make through blogging, one of them is my guest this week.

We met in the early spring and have hit it off, sharing our love for thrift store shopping and turning our finds into something fabulous.

Please give a warm bienvenue to

Carol Smyth from The Design Pages

She is...

Carol is such an encouraging friend and an inspiration!

Her DIY projects always knock my socks off.

Her blog, part of my daily read, is so witty, chock full of Carol's fabulous humour.

Not only is Carol a DIY diva but she is a trained Interior Designer, and used to own her own home decor shop!

A recent Vancouver transplant, Carol moved from Toronto a few years ago and is on the move again.

Her family is moving to our province's wine country....I am sad to be losing my thrift store buddy, but now can't wait to hit the wineries with Carol!

Here are some photos of some of her residential client work.

Editorial styling shots...

And photos of her shop!

Tell us a bit about your background? Your education? Has design always been in your blood?

 Design has definitely always been in my blood.  When I was a little kid I would spend endless hours flipping through and cutting up the furniture pages from the Sears catalogue and creating some of my very first floor plans and elevations.  I recently came across a book my mom had put together of my childhood memories.  When asked what I wanted to be when I was in grade 4 I said an Interior Designer.  Sadly, I didn’t follow my heart and spent many years in post secondary education pursuing various programs before settling on business (yawn!).  I spent many unhappy years in what appeared to be a fabulous career in marketing for a large software company.  When my son was born I decided to go back to school and pursue my dream of design.

What made you decide to start a blog?

I think like so many other bloggers, my blog began by reading other great design blogs.  One of the aforementioned educational experiments was in journalism so I do love to write and figured this could be a great outlet for both my design and writing passions.

What have you enjoyed about blogging?

I think everyone says this but the friendships that I’ve made both in real life and in blog life have been amazing and surprising.  I sometimes make reference to my online blog friends and people who don’t have online friends really don’t understand how real these friendships can be.  I think blogging has also pushed me further as a designer.  I see so many great and inspiring ideas and it keeps me on the cutting edge of things.

What is one thing you feel that one can do to inject style into their home without breaking the bank?

Art, art, art.  I love art and photography and I think everyone should be using art to add their own personality to their space.  It’s so easy to find amazing and inexpensive pieces either through sites like etsy at art and craft fairs or through art shows at colleges.  Even if you go to Ikea and buy frames and create your own little masterpieces it works.

Where do you find inspiration for your projects and your blog? 

In the past, most of my inspiration came from books and magazines but I would have to say that now it’s other blogs.  There’s soooooo much look at and be inspired by.  I see other projects on blogs and it gets my creative juices flowing.

What is one design faux pas that you wish could be banished?

I think big box retailers are great for big furniture items in your home but I really dislike using these stores for art and decor.  It definitely requires more time and patience but there are so many artisans out there selling one-of-a-kind pieces for the same price as the mass produced pieces that you’re going to see at all your neighbours’ houses.  

How would you describe your design style?

My design style is a mix of contemporary and eclectic.  I love really clean lines and uncluttered spaces but I also want my home to feel lived in and well loved.  I love being in a home where I can see pieces of the homeowner throughout the entire space.  

What do you like to do in your free time?

We love to entertain and I just love having friends and family around and enjoying good food and wine.  Thankfully I also enjoy being active which helps to counteract the good food and wine.  I love hiking and biking and skiing but most of my activity takes place in a gym and I’m a little bit addicted to Zumba at the moment.  I also love to read although blog reading seems to be taking over and I often have to pull myself away from the computer and sit down with a book.

Tell us one thing that would surprise us!

This question completely stumped me.  I feel like there’s nothing surprising about me.  My husband said that he thinks the most surprising thing about me is that I like westerns.  You may or may not be surprised to know I love tattoos and graffiti, I’m left handed, I’m a vegetarian, I am completely addicted to almonds (as in can’t have them in the house) and that I could easily survive on a diet of thai food and sushi with coffee and red wine thrown into the mix.

What goals or aspirations do you have for your blog?

I have so many aspirations for the blog.  I would love to build a strong online e-design business.  I would also love to pursue the diy projects and work on making the tutorials more polished and see where that could take me.  Blogging is so much more than just writing the post and I struggle with my poor photography skills and my non-existent photoshop skills.  I would also love to write design and diy articles for larger publications and get paid actual money for writing.

If you could meet anyone or do anything who or what would it be?  

If I could do one thing I would love to spend a year or two living in France to try and understand the European perspective on design.  My husband’s family is French so he needs no convincing.  We have a dream about an old stone house in the Brittany countryside. My French language skills would also benefit from this.

What are your views on the role of Canadian design on the world stage? Do you feel that Canadians have a unique sense of style, the way we design and decorate our homes? If so, what do you think sets us apart?

 I think Canadian design is so vastly different from place to place based on the geography and the regional surroundings.  A home in Whistler looks nothing like a home in Quebec City but they both incorporate their unique setting into the design of the home.  There is such an abundance of design talent across Canada.

Carol, I am so thrilled that we have struck up a fabulous friendship. We truly have a lot in common, I used to pour over Sears catalogues and create rooms with all the items. My dream bed was the frilly canopy bed, the one I never got :(

But I am so incredibly sad that you are leaving the Vancouver area...

so looking forward to your visits when you need to head back to 

get some retail therapy!

Hugs.

XO Barbara

So Canadian, eh? : Carissa Erickson

Welcome back to another installment in my series!

 My list of fantabulous Canadians just keeps growing.

We are a talented bunch :)

My guest this week puts my DIY skills to shame. She can take something ordinary and make it extraordinary!

Have a blah sisal rug? No problem for this Canadian chick -she will take it from blah to wow.

Please welcome the sweet and darling....

Carissa Erickson from

The Fabulous Design File

She is so

Carissa is not afraid to experiment and take risks. Her risk taking pays off as her home is fabulous!

Here is the rug I was talking about. Pretty fabulous, eh?

Would you believe this lovely chandy is made from embroidery hoops? 

I kid.you.not.

Her latest living room spruce-up, drapes made from a Missoni for Target duvet.

Yup, a duvet.

 Hmmm.... I think I need a sign like this at my house.

Her fabulous gallery wall. This one is in my inspiration file.

How cool is that wallpaper in her dining room?

Tell us a bit about your background? Your education? Has design always been in your blood?

My educational background is in Engineering.  I have a degree in Engineering, a degree in Computer Science, and a Masters degree in Biomedical Engineering.  I wish I would have known how much I loved design when I was 18 and deciding what to do with my life!!!

My parents are both creative people and influenced my love for design.  My dad can build anything (I just give him a sketch and he figures it out!)  My mom is a teacher, but has always had an eye for design and fashion, and definitely encouraged it in my sister and me.  However, I didn’t really figure out how much I loved design until I owned my first home.  Having the freedom to decorate exactly the way that I wanted to was thrilling to me.  Now the majority of my free time is spent designing and working on projects in my home!

What made you decide to start a blog?

I’m a stay at home mom with two little boys… I needed a distraction!  Reading blogs was a way to focus on something other than ‘boy stuff’ like construction vehicles, sports teams, and superheroes.  My good friend Cristin had been blogging for quite a while, and I enjoyed her blog so much I decided to start one of my own.

What have you enjoyed about blogging?

My blog motivates for me to accomplish things around the house!  I love starting new projects, but have been known to fizzle out before I finish… but now that I have a blog, I have to finish projects so I can write about them! 

I also enjoy the fact that I’ve connected with so many people who have the same enthusiasm for design that I do.    My blog friends totally understand why I lust over herringbone wood floors, they know what I’m talking about when I refer to “Chiang  Mai” or “La Fiorentina”, and they aren’t weirded out by my love of brass!  My blog friends just ‘get it’. 

How would you describe your design style?

I think my style is pretty traditional, but I definitely have an eclectic side.  You can see my love for vintage as well as one-of-a-kind diy projects throughout my house. 

Where do you find inspiration for your projects and your blog?

My projects are usually inspired by something I want that I can’t afford!  If there is a way to make something, I’ll definitely try it! 

What is one design faux pas that you wish could be banished?

OMG… how about too-short curtains?  The kind that are like flood pants.  Or gigantic televisions mounted too high on the wall with nothing underneath them.  Or ‘media room furniture’ that has built in speakers and beverage holders.  Ugh.  I know that my blog friends will back me up on all of these! 

As a mother, how do you balance your family life and your blog?

Balance?  Hahaha!  I wish I knew the secret.  I have to admit that more than a few of my boys’ shenanigans have taken place when I’ve been blogging or working on a diy project!  Walls, furniture and floors have been colored on too many times to count.  My own hair even got snipped one day before I figured out what was happening!   So yeah, the boys pretty much demand my attention most of the time, and the blog gets second place right now.

What do you like to do in your free time?

Paint!  Walls, not pictures (although, I think that would be fun too.)  I’m learning to sew and knit and crotchet.  I read a lot (books as well as blogs and magazines.)  I love to go for a cup of coffee or a glass of wine with my friends.  I watch mindless tv like The Bachelor and Big Brother.  My favorite thing to do is hang out with my family!

Tell us one thing that would surprise us!

I think I’ve mentioned this on my blog, but it might be a surprise to some of you that our family is vegan.  Yep, we had ‘tofurkey’ for Thanksgiving dinner (tofu with stuffing inside, roasted and marinated like a turkey… YUM)!!!    

What goals or aspirations do you have for your blog?

Ha… my goal this week is to have fewer people ‘unfollow’ me than last week! 

If you could meet anyone or do anything who or what would it be? 

This is super predictable, but I’d probably choose to meet Sarah Richardson.  I’ve been inspired by her work ever since the ‘Room Service’ days. 

What are your views on the role of Canadian design on the world stage? Do you feel that Canadians have a unique sense of style, the way we design and decorate our homes? If so, what do you think sets us apart?

I think our style is influenced by the Canadian landscape and climate.  Right now, it’s all about warm and cozy as we are on the verge of the long cold Canadian winter.  When summer hits, we’ll be switching things up to make our homes fresh and cool.  I don’t know if you can pinpoint a specific ‘Canadian style.’  Our country is so diverse, and I think Canadian design reflects that. 

Thank you so much, Barbara, for inviting me to participate in this series!  ‘So Canadian, Eh’  is one of my favourite series’ to read… I look forward to it every Sunday, and am thrilled to be taking part!  

No, thank-you Carissa. I love reading you blog, and I so "get-it" darling! My friends too wouldn't know what I meant about "chevron", "Chiang Mai" or "bergere"

Surprised you are vegan! But I admire those that are, it takes guts :)

Hugs.

XO Barbara

So Canadian, eh? : Sarah Swanson

What I love about my series, "So Canadian, eh?" is having the wonderful opportunity to getting to know a remarkable Canadians every week!

My guest this week writes such a simple and beautiful blog. 

I love her images, her design style, her talent and her taste. 

Please welcome...

Sarah Swanson from Flourish Design + Style

{Don't you just love her cluster necklace?}

She is so...

Sarah, lives in Calgary, a city famous for its awesome rodeo, Rocky Mountain backdrop  and rolling foothills.

She decorates and designs her home with such a clean and classic aesthetic. Her pictures can attest to that fact, I am in love with her panelled walls, delicious pendant light fixture and fabulous Ikea dresser makeover! As a fellow lover of black and white design schemes, hers is perfection! 

{Ikea dresser made over - LOVE those knobs!}

1.     Tell us a bit about your background? Your education? Has design always been in your blood? 

As a young girl I have fond memories of rearranging the living room with my mom and convincing my dad that he really should let me paint my bedroom the brightest teal green you can imagine (and he did! And then painted it the loveliest shade of cream a year and 5 coats later ;)). Design really has always been a passion, whether I realized it was destined to be a part of my life or not. Developing design schemes for my bedroom or watching Lynette Jennings on TV with mom, buying the latest Martha Stewart book and mastering the art of furniture placement all started as a young teenager, and was strongly supported by my family. Coming to realize that my mom or sister or best friend really liked what I was doing, and weren’t just saying so to be nice definitely fueled my passion. Fresh out of high school I started what turned out to be a long career in retail management, turns out I have a knack, a passion, a love of visual merchandising and I happily spent my days creating visuals. No matter where I worked I was lucky to be involved with merchandising, from the privately owned men’s shop where I spent 5 great years ( Milano for Men in Red Deer! ) to Club Monaco, to my final management role at Pottery Barn. Was my design training formal? No, but I spent years absorbing, learning, trying, doing and understanding. These years really defined and created my signature style.

1.     Do you work in the design industry? 

I do work in the design industry.. just. And so proud to! This past year I formally formed Sarah Swanson Design. This industry is full of amazing, talented and creative folks, to be considered a peer is the highest compliment!

1.     Where do you go for inspiration for your blog? 

Flourish Design and Style was born first and foremost so I could stop annoying my husband with my random thoughts. He really doesn’t care if I’m thinking I need pale pink ballet flats or I am thinking about making some DIY art.. and all kidding aside, I probably drove him nuts with it after I left Pottery Barn, at least there I had friends and colleagues to throw my random ideas at! great designers, things I love, daily features of great rooms, great shops and must have items are the highlights of my posts, of course you’ll get a little story or family stuff thrown in from time to time!

1.     What are your hopes and dreams for your future?

Hope and dreams.. hopefully I won’t curse it by saying that my biggest dream would be to have Sarah Swanson Design be my full time job. But honesty, I’m happy right now, I have a great balance with my family, and work.

1.     How would you describe your design style?

Classic, timeless, polished. Casual with a hint of luxe. Blending tradition with edge. New and old, texture and tone. Clean, simple and balanced.

1.     What are your tips for creating a stylish space without spending a lot of cash? What do you think gives the most bang for your buck?

I believe that your home can be beautiful no matter the budget. You can get great style at great prices if you look for it! Especially in this day and age with all the online resources available to us! Look at the stores you love that you think you may not be able to afford. They all have sales! We have been fortunate enough to build two homes here in Calgary, and both times have done so on a budget. We have learnt about making smart upgrades to the home. Like that 9 foot ceilings really make a huge impact on your space. Things like upgrading faucets and carpet underlay, we have never put in a high end countertop, but picked one that is current. Add a higher end sink and faucet, a great but affordable backsplash and your laughing! Smart decisions, and some of the smaller things you compromise on, you can upgrade later. We went with a builder basic lighting plan for our home ( it was AWFUL ), and have over the past years as we can afford it switched them all out.

1.    You live in the Calgary area, do you think the geography of that area, the foothills/prairies, influences how people decorate their homes?

Living in the prairies, living in the home of the Calgary Stampede brings with it a rustic sensibility. There are of course a lot of ways to interpret this, some better than others ;) You will find all kinds of western here around cow town. I think living in an area that has a long cold winter forces us to think about creating spaces that are warm, cozy and comfortable, no matter the overall style. We spend a lot of time cuddled up in the winter months!

1.     Tell us one thing about you that would surprise us!

I’ve honestly got nothing.. I even asked my husband what about me would surprise people..I think since I started blogging two years ago I’ve told everyone everything about me, I have no secrets!

1.     If you could meet anyone or do anything what would it be?

Keeping reality in check, one thing I would love to do is have the chance to visit, explore and immerse myself in the history in Charleston, South Carolina. I've had the opportunity to visit briefly and felt such a connection..I have to go back again!

1.     You are a mother, how do you balance your work, blogging and your daily life? 

Barely some days! Ha

I have honestly found just this September we have delved into the parenting role of  having two kids with two totally different schedules..so now that we have that all figured out, who’s driving where at what time, planning keeps me sane. And after the kids are in bed, my hubby and I sit on our sectional, play footsie and don’t get off our respective laptops until 11 o’clock J 
{Funny, my hubby and I do the same!}

1.      What are your views on the role Canadian design plays in the world design scene? Do you feel that Canadians have a unique sense of style and design, and if so, what is it that you think sets us apart?

I think Canadian design is practical, functional, purposeful and gorgeous. I think there is a lot of undiscovered talent in Canada. We have some incredible designers in the spotlight..but I think there is a lot more talent to be seen!

Thanks for visiting Sarah. 


It was so enjoyable getting to know you better. I do so love your home! 

I remember begging my dad to let me paint my room baby blue and a huge rainbow on the wall. My room was a whole rainbow theme, down to rainbow sheets {which my mom recently gave me - can't believe she kept them!!}

XO Barbara