Today on the blog we're continuing our Designer Spotlight Series, where we celebrate our interior design clients and how they use our fabrics and wallpapers in their beautiful interiors. After all, we have some pretty amazing clients, so why not celebrate them?! We recently sat down with Toronto based interior designer, textile lover and Parsons alum, Shauna Walton. When it comes to using neutrals in a sophisticated and fresh way, Shauna is our go-to. And guess what? Despite her love of all-white interiors, most of her clients have kids. Below she shares her design philosophy, the most challenging part of working with less color and tips on layering neutrals so the room won't fall flat.  

 

What is your design philosophy?

The goal for me is to create livable luxury – where nothing is too precious. Most of my clients have kids so I need to make sure the home suits their lifestyle. I'm also a firm believer that a client’s home should reflect their taste. That’s why I work closely with them throughout the process to make sure we build a home they love.

 

I use texture and pattern combined with black accents to ensure the room has character and doesn’t fall flat.

 

 

 

 

You use a lot of black and neutrals in your work. What draws you to this color palette and when do you navigate outside of it? 

I appreciate how expensive designing a home can be all the way from the construction to the millwork package and finally the furniture and lighting. I like to keep the big ticket items neutral so that they can stand the test of time. I love adding pops of color into smaller pieces like accessories and artwork. Those are easy things to switch out seasonally or when you’re looking for some change.

 

 

What is the most challenging thing about working with less color?

The most challenging part of working with less color is to make sure that the rooms remain interesting. That’s where I use texture and pattern combined with black accents to ensure the room has character and doesn’t fall flat. 

 

 

You used our BRIDGE White / Natural fabric as pillows in your Lytton project. Walk us through the design process for this room.

The clients wanted light, bright and airy. The light part is exciting because most of my clients are scared to work with it - you know… kids plus spills! With the light couch and walls, we wanted to add some visual interest through the black and white artwork, fireplace design and of course, the beautiful Caroline Cecil BRIDGE fabric which brings added excitement to the neutral sofa.

 

 

The BRIDGE / White Natural fabric adds visual excitement to any neutral sofa.

 

 

 

 

 

What new projects do you have coming up? We'd love to hear about it!

My favorite project right now is a heritage house in downtown Toronto. The home has amazing bones, curved arches and lots of character. When we tore down some of the walls, the original arches crumbled (old homes made of plaster). Since that happened, we’ve reworked the plans to pay homage to the original home including curved archways and even a gorgeous curved window above the kitchen banquette. I love the challenge of creating a new space while also respecting the original bones.

 

Shauna's Favorites: