This Fall 2021 special edition of Canada Home Trends celebrates the best of Canadian design and features tips from local pros, products from local makers and designer’s spaces from across Canada. I was thrilled to be included as an East Coast design contributor.

The issue spotlights 8 Designers from across the country including myself, sharing their perspective on Canadian Design and how their own province or city/town influences their work. The published article is a condensed version of the interview, you can read the full length version following the article below and a link to the free issue.

To clarify - my response to the 2nd question above is in regards to the rural area where we live, on the South Shore of Nova Scotia - there is definitely traffic and parking issues in Halifax!

How would you describe Canadian Design?

A: Canadian design is as diverse as our population and landscape. There’s a strong emotional connection to tradition and historical architecture, but in new design its a modern aesthetic prevailing, one that is sleek and tailored (loads of builtins!) with natural materials and texture for ‘warmth’. I think a mix of the traditional and modern is a very Canadian design brief.

• A Canadian approach to design is typically based in practicality for all our seasons and multifunctional needs.

• Since we spend so much time indoors there is always a high priority on comfortable and inviting spaces that work for both daily life and entertaining.

• When it comes to decor we are ALL about the mix. Canadians are definitely getting bolder and more creative with their decorating style.

• Overall I’m seeing Canadian home design with a very strong hotel/resort influence. People want their homes to have all the 5-star ‘amenities' and smart technology they experience when they travel (wine rooms, breakfast pantries, coffee bars, games rooms, home spas, libraries, ensuite bedrooms, soaring ceilings, cabanas, commercial style laundry.)

Favourite thing about the place you live?

A: Its definitely a combination of 3 things;

• The ocean. Living on the coast, beachside, with the salt air, ocean breezes and fog horn and also within minutes of numerous beaches and hiking trails. The coastline is breathtaking and the sea and sky are ever changing. In every type of weather its captivating.

• The heritage architecture that is abundant here and is uniquely Nova Scotian.

• The lifestyle is community focused, simpler, and unpretentious. with no crowds, no traffic and no parking issues ever!

How much does your location, LOCAL CULTURE, NATURAL ENVIRONMENT EFFECT YOUR OWN DESIGN work?

A: Our home is an 1870’s Gothic Farmhouse located beachside in a small fishing community on the South Shore of Nova Scotia. This locale definitely has a distinct influence on my perspective and design aesthetic. I’m drawn to natural beauty and endlessly inspired by the coastal palette, textures and local vernacular.

• First and foremost a sense of place and appropriateness is key to my design approach. I strive for materials and selections that won’t look out of place in their setting or be at odds with the local lifestyle. Here it’s a very casual, side-door culture and drop-ins are the norm. Whether you’re visitors are still in fishing gear, or show up wind-whipped and soaked, they’re welcomed in to pull up a seat and have a yarn.

DESIGN A PROJECT IN ANY PROVINCE OR CITY,,WHERE WOULD IT BE?

A: It would be located on the north-western shore of Cape Breton Island NS, near Margaree Harbour, with views of the highlands and Cabot Trail winding along the coast.

3 FAVOURITE LOCAL MAKERS OR BOUTIQUES?

• Renovators Resource www.renovators-resource.com - in Halifax. for local architectural salvage.

• The Maritime Painted Saltbox Fine Art Gallery www.paintedsaltbox.com - in Petite Riviere on the South Shore. The colours, charm and whimsy of Nova Scotia in art form.

• Westcote Bell Pottery www.westcotebellpottery.ca - in west LaHave on the South Shore, pottery studio and shop overlooking the beautiful Lahave River. Next to the iconic Lahave Bakery and neighbouring several other artist studios.

FREE ISSUE: Click on the cover photo below to link to this complimentary online edition of CHT. Hope you enjoy!