Designer Spotlight — Staci Edwards

Becoming an interior designer looks different for everyone. Some take a straight path—they head to school and start building their interior design portfolio.

One of Toronto’s best designers took a slightly different journey to find her footing as an interior designer. Staci Edwards is the owner of her Toronto-based interior design firm with clients in both Canada and the U.S. and her work is nationally published and award-winning. 

We sat down with Staci and asked her about how she designs spaces that offer what she calls “happy moments”—bits that make you smile and work perfectly as the backdrop for creating fond memories.

What was your journey to becoming an interior designer?

Well, I went to school just like anyone else. When I finished school, I started my own business right out of school and it was really hard to start in this industry. I was getting clients with no budget or clients who just didn’t trust what I had to say because I was so new and young

I wasn't loving it, so I took a summer off and I ended up taking sewing and upholstery class. That led me to take on upholstery projects for people. And it just snowballed from there—it turned into a business and I hired five staff.

From that, more and more people were asking me of my opinions and I was getting design projects through that business. I branched out again and opened up Staci Edwards Design, Inc.

I always joke, it took me like fifteen years to land my ideal client.

How would you define your design aesthetics?

My aesthetic is timeless but still stylish. I don't like to follow trends. I like to create spaces that are a little bit more classic. So that they last and stand the test of time. That being said, I try to add some freshness to it so that it still feels current.

What inspires your design aesthetics?

I read a lot of design books. But my main influence is travel. Travel's a huge thing. I like to travel, even if it's just local, like going out for dinner in the city. So it can be local vacations and then also travelling far away. My favourite places that I have been to are California, New York, and England. So I try to hold those looks together—the British influence is very classic, California is cool and streamlined, and then New York has a little bit of edge to it. 

Do you have a favourite space to design?

I like doing kitchens and bathrooms because I feel like when they're designed properly they add ease to your life. If you create a space that's highly functional, it really helps you live a better life. 

But I also really love doing living rooms and bedrooms because that's where you spend a lot of time, creating memories and hanging out with family and friends. 

And I really like fabrics and textiles, I call it the fluff and puff. I feel that adding all that stuff is really important as well to make the home feel finished and cozy. 

So, no, I guess I don't have a favourite. I like all the things!

What is the biggest design mistake you see people make?

Not planning is a big problem. 

When people start a project without a designer, they often end up calling unsure of what they need to do to bring the project to life. Because they don't spend the time to put the plan together. 

Hiring a designer is super important because we think of every detail. We think of everything from the layout right down to the doorknobs. Everything is cohesive, and you don't miss anything. Overall there are fewer mistakes and errors and questions and issues that come up with your contractor along the way because it's all been thought out and laid out.

What trend are you excited about right now?

Traditional is trending and for me, this is perfect.

Traditional is not a trend but people are trying to design spaces that last longer for many reasons including the eco-movement. People no longer turn to fast fashion, and they aren't turning to fast interiors either. People are investing in classic pieces to make their spaces last longer. 

Another thing that I really love is wood. I like incorporating wood into my spaces because it adds a nice texture, and adds warmth to the space. 

If you could give a piece of advice to anyone considering a home renovation, what would it be?

Pick your paint colour last. 

I find a lot of people pick their paint colours first, and they're like, "Oh, I'm gonna paint my walls grey." But when they're out shopping and decide they want a grey sofa and a grey rug. Then the realization sets in that maybe they shouldn’t have painted their walls grey.

It's a lot easier to match paint colour or select a paint colour at the end than it is to try and make your space fit into a paint colour.

Owner of Staci Edwards Design, Staci encourages her clients to live easier and more beautiful lives by creating well designed, welcoming spaces, that are both livable and luxurious.

From new construction to full renovations, Staci oversees all phases of the design process from concept to final installation, taking care of every detail and delivering a custom home that’s designed specifically for you and the way you want to live.

Visit staciedwards.ca to learn more.