Meet Heather!
This post is long overdue! Heather joined the Kierstin Smyth Design team back in September as our Junior Designer. While her main role involves translating the designs into digital form, you’ll also spot her assisting with site visits, sourcing and more.
Heather is a graduate of the Interior Design Institute and holds certifications in Kitchen and Bath Design, Commercial Design and Construction Specification Documentation.
Originally from Ontario, she made the move to the west with friends to work in the hospitality industry and quickly fell i love with mountain life. Eventually she moved to Calgary to work for a successful tile store and was brought to Edmonton to open and manage their new branch (this is where we met!). When she was ready for the next challenge, she decided to start doing freelance design work and I was beyond excited to bring her onboard. What started as assisting on a few projects here and there has evolved into her being an invaluable part of our redesign and renovation projects.
When she isn’t busy creating beautiful renderings and putting together sourcing lists, you can find her renovating her own home along side her husband, dog and cat, camping in the mountains, hunting for unique antiques or deep in a good crime novel.
And now, the interview portion so we can get to know her even better!
Kierstin: Since, as you know, I’m all about designing spaces so that we feel good in our homes and that our homes support us in our lives, I need to know, what is your favourite feeling and what brings it on?
Heather: I think my favourite feeling is to feel inspired. So many things can bring it on, friends, family, a beautiful building or space, art, music, travel and of course Pinterest.
Kierstin: Here’s (maybe) an easy one, favourite colour?
Heather: This isn't easy! Navy, a deep dark navy as it can sometimes act as a neutral.
Kierstin: If you weren’t living in Edmonton, where would we find you living?
Heather: Anywhere on a lake with crystal clear waters. Growing up in Ontario there were always great lakes to swim in and it's the one thing I miss living out west.
Kierstin: White, red, rose or bubbly?
Heather: Yes, all of the above.
Kierstin: What’s your favourite space in your own home?
Heather: We live in an old home that we are very slowly working on so for now I would have to say our main bathroom. It was our first major renovation and I often find myself singing in the shower about how much I love it.
Kierstin: How would you describe your design style?
Heather: I would probably say my style is eclectic. I tend to collect things that I fall in love with for one reason or another, vintage, modern, bright. I don't care and just make it work in my space. Sometimes I hold on to things just waiting to find the right spot for them. This also means my space is ever changing, things get shuffled to new spots on a regular basis. For major fixtures and expenses I tend to go simple and timeless so I can always have fun and be flexible with my decor.
Kierstin: Favourite class from your time at the Interior Design Institute?
Heather: I enjoyed them all but I truly enjoyed learning about the history of design. From Cave drawings to today it was fun to see how it has evolved and shaped us.
Kierstin: Tell us about a guilty pleasure you’re a bit embarrassed to share… it’s okay, we’re all friends here!
Heather: Umm, I love a Big Mac combo with a coke. I know! It's gross and bad for me but I love that salty goodness. And yes I feel like garbage after so I try to limit my intake.