Designer Spotlight - PMQ for two

Ariel, PMQ for two

What (or who) made you want to be a designer?

I've always been interested in design, even since I was a kid! If you ask family they'll tell you I've been re-arranging furniture and items in people's home since I was a toddler. While I didn't think it was a viable career path at first (all my university degrees are in something else completely) it's something that I stumbled into when we first moved to our first military posting (my husband is a member of the Canadian Armed Forces).

What is your favorite color palette right now? (can be paint color, PMS color, or whatever!)

I'm forever wrapped up in the variations of a pink & blue palette. From red to powder blue, soft pink to navy, and everything in between. The two colours play off each other so well, and allow for some great combos with shades like yellow, orange and green.

What is one thing that will never go out of style?

Leopard print

What is one thing you wish would go out of style!?

As long as it brings people joy, I wouldn't wish the end of anything. Sure, I have preferences, but if they make someone else feel like the queen in their castle, why would I hate on it?

When choosing hardware for a project, what is typically your metal of choice?

Brass! I love the richness of it, and often find myself drawn to brushed brass or polished brass. The warmth of the metal goes really well with my preferred colors, and allows for some fab pattern combos.

Where do you go to for inspiration?

Fashion, art, and the world around me! Pinterest and Instagram provide tons of inspiration, but it's always tricky trying to be inspired and not outright copying. I find if I look elsewhere for schemes and patterns, then I can pull basic design inspiration from others without it looking cookie cutter.

Where are you traveling next?

Nowhere for a bit! Baby girl is due at the end of August. My next trip will likely be back to San Miguel De Allende, MX in March for a family vacation.

What was your very first car?

A 2000 Toyota Camry in standard. I called it the Noble Stead because it was the colour of a donkey.

Who is your Style icon?

Iris Apfel! She rocks her patterns, colours and accessories like no other! For day to day I am much more paired down, but when I can I go the extra mile.

Who is your favorite band/singer?

I have so many! I'll never turn down some Billie Holiday though, or Ella Fitzgerald. BUT Metallica was my first concert, and I love hip hop, rap & R&B, as well as DJ mixes (the Boiler Room collection on Youtube is FAB), and even the occasional country.

What is currently in your shopping cart?

New carpet for the dining room - I still can't seem to nail that part down.