Lisa Canning of Creative Consulting
Lisa Canning, Toronto-based decorator and broadcast personality, has a penchant for chic, contemporary, and personalized interiors. She specializes in designing modern interiors for both commercial and residential spaces.
Lisa transitioned from the world of fashion design (she’s a graduate of the acclaimed School of Fashion at Ryerson University) to decorating after her appearance on the popular Home and Garden Television (HGTV) series “Marriage Under Construction”.
Her decorating projects can also be seen on Slice TV’s Beautiful People, HGTV’s Green Force and Much Music’s Much 911.
Tell us about your business.
I am a Toronto based interior decorator and blogger. Right now I’m launching two new blogs: “Condos by Canning” and “Kids by Canning”.
What inspired you to pursue this business?
I’ve always had a creative drive:I painted through high school, studied fashion in university, and worked in prop styling [all of which] naturally led to [decorating] interiors. I appreciate design in all disciplines-I’m constantly evaluating things though a design lens.
Where do you find inspiration for your designs?
Everywhere! A great hang tag, a cool font…sometimes, I’m inspired by the most innocuous of thing. I’m most inspired by my city, Toronto, it is eclectic, vibrant and pulsing, there’s always something going on here.
Tell us about a favorite home decorating or remodeling project.
The house I designed for the first season of HGTV’s “Marriage Under Construction”. While my design aesthetic has evolved quite a bit since then, it will always be a favorite home decorating project as it is where I got my start.
What’s your favorite color.
This is a hard one as I love color! Right now, I am in love with Benjamin Moore’s Boothbay Gray (HC-165)
. It’s a light blue with a hint of gray- I just used it in a master bedroom and it is so soothing. I also love Benjamin Moore’s Bahaman Sea Blue (2055-40)
an aqua which is vibrant, and exciting, a color full of energy!
What are your five favorite pieces of home décor from your home or elsewhere?
- I know it’s not an item per se, but paint is always my number one decision in a room. You can make such an impact with little investment with the right color.
- Good textiles give detail to a space- they are like great adjectives in a paragraph- they help to develop the room’s personality.
- Quality pieces mixed with bargain finds. I started my career working with clients with very limited budgets, and even then I always counseled to splurge or not compromise on one item.
- Lighting with personality. I love photography stands and gourd lamps.
- Fresh flowers. I’m not into plants as I think they can look unruly if not maintained, but a fresh bunch of flowers is such a luxury.
What’s your favorite room at home? Why is it your favorite?
My son’s nursery. I love that it feels baby, but not too baby. It’s a room he can grow into and grow up in. I based the decorating scheme around a DwellStudio bedding collection(my splurge) and painted the walls a neutral gray-beige with inexpensive curtains in a marine blue. Graphic art and eclectic frames keep the nursery hip and fresh- I could spend all day in there!
Who are your favorite designers?
Kelly Wearstler (gutsy), Jonathan Adler (whimsical), Ryan Korban (glamorous!).
What’s your personal design style? Has it evolved over time?
My personal style has definitely evolved over time. I was definitely a lot more DIY in the past-while I appreciate resourcefulness, I now also appreciate the skilled trades!
I think my clients would describe my design approach as fresh, modern, youthful and colorful. I’d say a big part of my design style is taking a personal approach. I really try to understand how my clients think, eat, play and work. It’s great if their space looks good, but if it doesn’t work with how they live it’s not a successful design.
Many of us have a product we bought for our home-that now makes us think-”what was I thinking” - do you have one?
We bought our home not long ago so not yet!
Describe your dream room.
My dream room would be a “dream deck”. I’d love to do a huge deck complete with an outdoor kitchen and water feature. Oh, and it would include a canopy bed with white sheets.
What are your favorite blogs or home design/improvement websites?
- KITKA Design Toronto- Gorgeous photos, Scandinavian style.
- Arren Williams Design Lab- Toronto stylist always full of great insights
- The Selby – I am always inspired by how people live- this is a great website featuring homes of interesting people from around the world.
What are your favorite books, design shows and/or magazines?
- HGTV’s Marriage Under Construction (OK, I am biased, I was on it!)
- Canada’s House and Home Magazine
- Canada’s Style At Home Magazine
- The Interior Design Course by Tomris Tangas
- The Comfortable Home by Mitchell Gold & Bob Williams
Do you have a decorating, design or remodeling tip you’d like to share with The Decorating Diva.com readers?
Don’t be afraid of color. Maybe aqua walls aren’t for you, but a pillow or drapes in a saturated color can be just the thing that takes your room from blah to hurrah!
Contact Details:
- Website: Lisa Canning
- Email: info@lisacanning.ca
- Twitter: @lisa_canning
- Blog: Lisa Canning’s Blog
The Decorating Diva, LLC would like to thank Lisa for sharing her fresh and inspired designs and her terrific decorating tip on the fearless use of color with The Decorating Diva.com readers.
