While we’ve all heard of seasoned Canadian decorating pros like interior decorator Debbie Travis and home designer Hilary Farr, there are also a number of other Canuck interior design and décor experts to keep an eye out for. From Sarah Richardson to Janette Ewen, here are five notable local names to watch if you’re looking for interior styling, redecoration or design inspiration for your humble abode.
Sarah Richardson: The 44-year-old Toronto-born and based interior designer is a former prop stylist and set decorator who has 20 years of experience in design. Richardson has hosted the HGTV series Room Service, Design Inc., Sarah’s House, Sarah’s Cottage and Sarah 101. The University of Western Ontario graduate and Good Housekeeping contributing editor also manages her own design business and has published two books, which include last year’s Sarah Style and her recent release At Home: Sarah Style. In terms of design, Richardson is known for her cool, modern aesthetic and budget-conscious sense of décor.
Photo: daniellebryk on Instagram
Danielle Bryk: With a last name which rhymes with “brick”, it’s no surprise that Toronto-based Danielle Bryk decided to pursue home design as a career path! Bryk, who is the host of HGTV’s Bryk House and Flip Addict and DIY Network’s A Bryk At A Time, is known for approaching her craft as both a renovator and designer. The mother of three and Queen’s University graduate has 18 years of design experience, but got her on-screen start in 2011 as the host of Building Bryks on W! Network. She is best known for her approach to minimalist décor, passion for natural materials and drawing creative inspiration from a variety of cultures.
Photo: jillian.harris on Instagram
Jillian Harris: While the gorgeous 35-year-old may be easily recognized as a former contestant on The Bachelor and a former leading lady on The Bachelorette, Harris is also the co-host of W! Network’s Love It or List It Vancouver. The interior designer, who was born in Peace River, Alberta and raised in Vancouver, has also hosted Canada’s Handyman Challenge and brought her design skills to Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. Harris also owns her own design firm and displays her design creativity on her lifestyle website, where she offers tips on everything from entertaining to embracing décor trends.
Photo: miaparresdesigninc on Instagram
Mia Parres: The striking blonde interior designer is the co-host of HGTV Canada’s The Expandables (along with contractor Rob Evans). Toronto-based Parres draws on her Danish and Scandinavian heritage to inspire her design aesthetic. She has studied interior design at New York City’s Parsons: The New School for Design and Toronto’s Ryerson University, holds a degree in architecture from the University of Toronto and boasts an architecture certificate from the Architecture Association of London, England. Parres is known for her love of rustic Muskoka design and quaint home accents.
