LEFT “When it comes to kitchens there are many elements to consider. For this family of six, I needed to make sure I accommodated an island that not only would function for entertaining, but would maintain flow in a space that was long and narrow. Storage is typically an issue in most kitchens, so I prefer cabinets to go to the ceiling to make the best use of vertical space. A modern yet comfortable aesthetic makes this kitchen inviting and functional at the same time.” — Sarah St. Amand. Sarah St. amand Sarah St. Amand Interior Design Veteran interior designer Sarah St. Amand still knows what’s hot. “Antique brass is making a comeback,” says the Brantfordbased designer who’s been big in the business for 15 years. She’s also predicting a move away from the now-ubiquitous espresso hardwood. “You’ll see lighter woods for floors, cabinetry and furniture,” she notes. Colours with impact are also on trend this year. “For 2013, the colour direction is toward punchy blues, mixing brighter blues with navy blue, emerald green, grey and salmon pink,” she says. And the geometrics trend is still going strong. “You’ll continue to see stripes, angles and diagonals — especially a chevron pattern — used in wallpaper, fabrics and other decor elements.” St. Amand is a graduate of Sheridan College’s interior design program and she has oodles of experience working in residential and commercial projects of all sizes. You may recognize her from her appearances on CityLine or from the national recognition her design work has achieved. Since 2008, she’s been creating luxe-looking interiors through her company, Sarah St. Amand Interior Design. “I bring my experience and knowledge to the table and source products that not only reflect my clients’ aesthetic but offer quality, functionality and great style,” she explains. Despite her knowledge of the trends, St. Amand’s designs have a timeless quality. “I’m often inspired by nature,” she says. “My office has a lovely view of trees and my garden. Nature is the best palette because anything goes!” Jill FraSer House of Fraser Decor After recognizing her natural aptitude for design, Jill Fraser left behind a business career in Toronto to earn a diploma in design and decor. “I would hear friends’ and neighbours’ stories of struggling to pick paint colours and frankly I was stunned. I thought those types of decisions came easily to everyone,” Fraser explains. “Once I made the realization that I had a knack for decor, I decided to go for it.” She established House of Fraser Decor in Ancaster in 2010. Fraser is dedicated to creating accessible lifestyle solutions for organizing, entertaining and everyday life. She delights in helping clients see new possibilities in their homes. “Inevitably, at some point in every project, a client has turned to me and said, ‘I would never have thought of that!’ That’s one of my favourite sentiments because I think people get so used to the way their home looks, they don’t know how to begin to change it up,” she says. “Sometimes a little change is all you need to love your space again and get excited by your home. What gives me the greatest sense of satisfaction is pushing clients a little outside their comfort zone.” For most people, your house is your biggest investment, so why not create a home you really love? “It’s so important to love everything about your home,” Fraser says. “My goal is to make your home express your personality. If your space can do that, you’ll always feel comfortable and content at home.” Kate davidSon Kate Davidson Design Interior designer Kate Davidson is forever on the lookout for her next source of inspiration. “I’m always researching ideas in magazines and online using sites like (home decorating website) Houzz,” says the Oakville- based owner of Kate Davidson Design. But in the end, her muse is always you. “Primarily, the client and their environment is my source of inspiration. I try to get in tune with their individuality and bring it out in the space. Every design needs to have a purpose and suit its user by displaying a personality.” Davidson, who studied environmental design at the Ontario College of Art and Design, is a guest lecturer at Sheridan and a member of their Interior Decorating Program Advisory Committee. She was recently honoured with a ‘Best of Houzz’ award in the category of design. As a professional who’s completely immersed in her work, Davidson, not surprisingly, has a number of strategies and trends to share. “My tried and true design tip is symmetry. Whether you are designing a kitchen or accessorizing a mantel, a space that is evenly balanced will always feel pulled together and polished,” she says. “For 2013, glamorous interiors are on trend. We’ll also see a lot of brass and gold accents, feathers, gloss finishes and layered patterns and textures.” Although there’s a lot going on trend-wise this year, Davidson has some timeless words of design wisdom. “Good design is about making a few key statements and not about filling the room to the brim,” she says. “My style is pared down with a ‘less is more’ approach.” 2013 SPRING interiors 23