10 Questions With Our Interior Designer, Shelley!
Q&A With Shelley
The creative mind behind many of the Urbis homes we showcase every day, Shelley, our Interior Designer, is who you’ll find working alongside our clients to help them visualize and bring their dream home to life. She helps create interiors that are not only beautiful, but also fit the client’s lifestyles.
We sat down with her to talk about where she finds inspiration, the design process and some design trends she’s loving!
How would you describe your style?
Masculine, Mid Century Modern with a contemporary edge
Where do you go to get new ideas and inspiration?
I spend a lot of time cruising through pictures on Instagram. I follow accounts from designers, photographers & fashion designers all over the world which is a great way to get a broad perspective. I also follow local designers and builders to learn about what local trades are doing in the province.
Which design trends are you most excited about this year?
A return to natural materials. Lighting designers have really been leading the charge on this one – alabaster, plaster, rattan, coconut shells... they have been creating pieces of art with nature and it brings warmth and textural depth to any space. There has been a renewed appreciation for natural, authentic materials.
What are your everyday responsibilities when working on a project?
I come up with the design direction and sketches that bring the Client’s vision to reality. I spend the bulk of my time designing millwork, cabinetry and fireplaces and then selecting the finishes that complete the space. We work as a team to source lighting, plumbing and finishes that suit the budget and the vision.
How do you work with a client to define their needs?
We start by doing a deep dive into pictures they collect from Pinterest, magazines, Instagram etc…We talk about every room individually to fully understand their needs and wants and if there is anything unique we need to consider. Getting to know our Clients personally helps us to understand their vision and needs so we can read between the lines of the reference images. It helps to know if they have kids, what their lifestyle is like, do they have dogs, etc…
What are the perks of having an Interior Designer?
We interpret Client’s descriptions and reference pictures to create a cohesive design direction specific to them and their home. I distil the information they provide into the custom, unique design meant for them and their space. Copy and pasting reference images does not work – every detail needs to be considered in the context of the Client and their specific needs, that’s where we come in.
When designing a room what is the most important factor for you?
Function & Detail - I never want a client to walk into a room in their house and be frustrated with where a light switch is or question why a grout line doesn’t align. Form always follows function and the little detailed considerations are the signature of a good designer
Are you seeing any particular style requests trending amongst your clients?
Most of our Clients right now are looking for interiors that combine black, white & wood tones. The finishes might be similar but how we use them is always unique to the client.
What is your favourite part of the design process?
Diving into the floor plans with a red pen and sketch pad and starting to draw 3d sketches & elevations of the home. It is the first glimpse of the home’s interior story, when the floor plan comes to life. Designers often have an ‘ah-ha’ moment - when you know you have ‘solved’ the design; when it is perfect for the space and the Client – it is one of the best feelings!
Turning over the finished project is also high up on the list!
Where are some of your go-to sources for materials/finishes?
Generation Lighting, Silestone, Ames Tile!
Bonus question! What’s the most treasured item in your own home?
A glazed terracotta flying fish that my husband and I bought on our honeymoon in Barbados.