Designing Women
PHOTOGRAPHY SARAH TACOMA
Southern Georgian Bay is known for its talented designers. OUR HOMES is delighted to showcase 10 businesses led by creative women.
LESLEY FISHER
Loved You Madly
A consignment boutique for previously loved women’s clothing, accessories, home décor and furniture. Shopping secondhand is one of the most sustainable and environmentally friendly ways to shop. New items arriving daily makes the store a fun and interesting place to shop.
AT WORK
Something New: Expansion and men! We have tripled in size by expanding into two units beside the original store. the addition of furniture and décor has significantly broadened our customer base with men coming in to consign and shop. Zoom or Call: If I have to, Zoom.
AT HOME
Best Mood Booster: I’m a very social person, so going out to dinner with friends and family.
Après Ski Music & Cocktail: Happy Hits, which is always playing at the store and any cocktail – I’m not fussy!
Local Gem: Local artist, Sue Tupy, who painted all the hearts that we sell in the store, which really helps set the tone for our clients.
JO REDMAN
Redman Watson Inc.
The business has evolved from a passion for architecture to providing architectural and interior design services that begin with initial conceptual sketches to final construction permit drawings. Being inspired by nature, art and literature has led to the belief that in the end it’s not the space that counts but the life you live in it.
AT WORK
Recent Project: Working with amazing clients and colleagues – privileged to design private residences and commercial spaces. I continue my work at the Georgian Bay Club and I am presently working at the Chatsworth Cidery, nostalgic by nature, transporting us to a simpler place.
Call or Zoom: Conference call, never a great hair day on Zoom (LOL).
AT HOME
Best Mood Booster: Meeting good friends at good grief Coffee Shop and believing in serendipity.
Après Ski Music & Cocktail: The Scientist by Coldplay and Darkwater gin from Freshwater Distillery.
Local Gems: The Loft Gallery and Hindle’s Clarksburg Hardware, mixing both the present and past.
LAURIE SEVERN
Co-owner, Heirloom142 & Lagom172
Two very different styles are offered in each of the stores. Heirloom is old world, European and moody while Lagom is all about Scandinavian lightness, balance and calm. Both stores offer solutions to decorate your home. The stylish spaces of our clients have combined décor from both locations.
AT WORK
Recent Project: The newly opened Lagom172, which has a modern design aesthetic with a focus on clean lines and geometric shapes. Natural light floods the space with an airy calmness conducive to mindful shopping. Light wood, white and natural leather elements were the inspiration for the store’s design.
Best Mood Booster: When customers show me photos of their homes featuring purchases from the stores.
AT HOME
Après Ski Music & Cocktail: Streaming jazz radio and if there is a Negroni in my hand, all the better!
Local Gem: We are spoiled for choice in Creemore, which has some of the best restaurants and cafes in the region.
MINNA HOTARI & KAREN HOTARI
Modern Homes By Timo
A unique, family-run home-building company that brings Scandinavian design and functionality to everyday living. Minna and daughter Karen assist clients with the design of a project, helping them achieve this minimalistic lifestyle by assisting in the selection of colours, materials and style.
AT WORK
Recent Project: A home at the base of The Georgian Peaks Club. The key elements were big, west coast timbers, polished concrete, large efficient windows and natural white oak finishes.
Zoom Or Call: Zoom.
MINNA AT HOME
Best Mood Booster: Nature.
Après Ski Beverage: Warm latte.
Local Gem: Lëuk.
KAREN AT HOME
Best Mood Booster: Exercise.
Après Ski Beverage: Cup of tea.
Local Gem: Thornbury Bakery Cafe.
GILLIAN CRONE
Gillian & Co. Interior Design Inc.
A full-service design firm offering floor plans, exterior and interior 3D drawings, elevations, custom millwork, furniture, finishes, window treatments, accessories and turn-key installations. An organized team works well with trades to communicate ideas at on-site meetings and over Zoom, FaceTime, phone calls and texts.
AT WORK
Recent Project: A full renovation of a lake house overlooking Georgian Bay. We are creating a seamless aesthetic inside and out with light, airy fabrics, rift-sawn oak, custom cabinetry and shiplap.
Zoom Or Call: Zoom has transformed our presentations to clients.
Best Mood Booster: Install day, it’s like Christmas for us.
AT HOME
Après Ski Music & Cocktail: Roar by katy Perry and a glass of Prosecco.
Local Gem: Copper Blues Bar & Grill – great food, fun staff and a view of Blue Mountain.
CAROLYN VAILLANCOURT
Vaillancourt Design
Vaillancourt Design offers full design services, specializing in renovations, home refreshing and interior design for new and pre-loved homes. We focus on a client’s vision and lifestyle to elevate their spaces to the highest standards in design. Our goal is to create a look that feels fresh and easy to live in, while reflecting the homeowners’ personalities.
AT WORK
Recent Project: A renovation, which took a dark and dated home to open and airy with a functional floor and cheerful environment for a large family. Using warm walnut details and a soft colour palette, we created a bespoke yet family-friendly abode for many years of enjoyment.
Zoom Or Call: Zoom, so i can have a virtual tour of the space the client would like to reinvent.
AT HOME
Best Mood Booster: My Country Doodle puppy, Henry.
Après Ski Music & Cocktail: Josh Groban, Ed Sheeran and a glass of cabernet sauvignon.
Local Gem: The Collingwood Arboretum, where I recently donated a tree.
ANDREA RAMACIERI
Designs by Andrea
Designs by Andrea executes all your design projects from start to finish. Build it, construct it, finish it, stage it, sell it. A very hands-on approach to facilitate all your interior design needs within your budget.
AT WORK
Approach: Although every project is different, the end result
is what makes it interesting for me, and a happy client living the Georgian Bay life in style is very rewarding.
Colour Trends: For 2021, warm and comforting hues, inspired by nature to create serenity in our homes.
AT HOME
Best Mood Booster: my rescue dog Blue and i cuddle every evening, eliminating all the day’s stresses. it doesn’t get better than that.
Après Ski Music & Cocktail: The Lounge on The Jewel with a cup of Craigleith Hot Chocolate Crash.
Local Gem: Robinson’s Paint & Wallpaper.
CAROL BASKERVILLE
Interior Moves
A retailer for Fusion Mineral Paint. Showcased throughout the store are unique re-purposed furniture pieces given new life using this product. We offer workshops that are a great way to learn new techniques or we can custom-finish for you. An array of handmade cushions, furniture hardware and eclectic décor items makes the store a fun place to shop.
AT WORK
Interesting Project: I recently rescued and refinished a beautiful vintage china cabinet in Fusion’s Night Swim milk paint. Topped with hemp oil, this dark- blue unit exudes sophistication and rustic charm, all rolled into one.
AT HOME
Best Mood Booster: Barre class at Sweet Cheeks Booty Barre, where i always have a good laugh.
Après Ski Music & Cocktail: British 80s – Abba or anything i can sing along to with one of my husband’s elderflower cocktails.
Local Gem: Karen from Threads and Finds. a cushion-making rockstar who finishes on time and with much thought.
JOHANNA NOBLE
NobleCraft Inc.
NobleCraft Inc. is a full design/build team working together from the preliminary design stage though all phases of construction. I draft the plans and details for all of our builds from new construction, additions or interesting renovations. I also handle the application process for building permits and work with various governing authorities.
AT WORK
New Project: We recently finished designing and are now building a beautiful Scandinavian- style farmhouse with incredible views of farmland and the bay.
Call Or Zoom: Zoom. it feels more personal and there are more opportunities for something funny to happen.
AT HOME
Best Mood Booster: Trail- running with a friend.
Post Run Music & Drink: From Amy Grant to Led Zeppelin, it’s all good with peppermint tea.
Local Gem: Golly, there are lots – but Justin’s oven in Kimberley is pretty awesome.
SHARON ALLAN
Van Allan Design Centre
Van Allen Design Centre creates beautiful, functional homes for clients and offers a curated retail experience. Designs are timeless and focus on the delicate balance between form and function. The shop is always evolving and showcases a mixed collection of quality pieces.
AT WORK
Recent Project: Currently working on the newest phase
of The Shipyards. it is a creative challenge to customize each space to our clients’ style.
Zoom Or Call: Conference call.
Best Mood Booster: The arrival of new products.
AT HOME
Après Ski Music & Cocktail: The Beatles + a gin and tonic.
Local Gem: Fig & Feta.