Two designers' takes on what’s at the top of their lists

Now that we have our feet wet with our first few columns (which we truly hope you have enjoyed!) we thought it might be fun for you to get to know us a little bit. Because we get so excited about decorating and design, we put together a little sample of our absolute favourites. Enjoy…

• Designers, Architects, Decorators, Etc.

Becky: There is a tie here for me. First I love the fresh modern thinking and innovative furniture designs of Charles and Ray Eames (husband and wife designers from the mid 20th century). Their ideas were so different and their style was so new compared to what was going on design-wise at the time. I also love those same characteristics in Frank Ghery (architect, present).

Jill: Elsie de Wolfe was a fascinating woman of design. She referred to herself as a “rebel in an ugly world.” She was one of the first women (early 1900s) to make a career as an interior decorator. Lady Mendl, as she was called, changed the philosophy behind interior decorating; she liked to decorate a room according to how her customer used the space which I feel is so important. I also really enjoy watching Sarah Richardson. Her eye for colour and use of tone always creates a beautiful room.

• Style

Becky: Mid-century modern. Anything from the late 1940s to the early 1970s that has that modern vibe, I love it.

Jill: Arts & Crafts with a modern twist. I love how Arts & Crafts is all about the inherent quality of wood, stone or metal.

• Colour Scheme

Becky: Black, white, grey, turquoise, and accents of muted lime green and metallic.

Jill: Blue and green together, living by the water it’s just a naturally combination for the East Coast. Add warm greys or taupes for spring and summer. Add chocolate brown for fall and winter.

• Trends

Becky: Right now I appreciate that many different things are “in style.” There is no clear current style that has rigid guidelines in which you have to stay. You can put together pieces and elements of different styles that work for you and make them beautiful. I think style is very personal right now.

•Jill: Wallpaper! Big, bold prints used sparingly.

Becky: Oh yes, and wallpaper.

• Flooring

Becky: Super-dark cork. Cork is a renewable resource, so I like that aspect of it, but it also warm and soft and can look very sophisticated, especially in a dark colour.

Jill: My favourite right now has to be oak hardwood in a dark, rich stain. It’s so classic. Pair the rich oak floor with white painted cabinetry for an updated look.

• Things to Collect

Becky: Anyone who knows me is laughing right now because I am addicted to vases; the more unique the better.

Jill: Anyone who knows me would know the only thing I collect is kids! I love the look of unexpected collections in a room. It really personalizes your space.

•) Tip or trick-of-the-trade

Becky & Jill: Re-use, re-purpose, up-cycle. It is so much fun and very rewarding (not to mention eco-friendly) when you can take something old and warn-out and turn it into something new and totally customized to your style.

As you can see from these questions and answers that we each have a different style. Becky is more modern/contemporary and Jill is more traditional, with a contemporary twist. We would like to take this opportunity to let you know we would love to get your questions or comments… and feel free to send photos with your questions as well! We will give you “two takes”, one from Becky’s style and one from Jill’s. We would love to designate a column every now and again to help you with your real-life decorating dilemmas! Email us at becky@window-shop.ca or jill@window-shop.ca.

Interior decorators Becky Geyssen and Jill Madore are kitchen designers at Design By Valley Dream Kitchens on Hampton Road. Questions or comments can be sent to becky@window-shop.ca or call 849-1010.