carol reed

CANADIAN DESIGN is as diverse as our population and landscape. There’s a strong emotional connection to tradition
and historical architecture. In new design, it’s a modern aesthetic prevailing, one that is sleek and tailored with natural materials and texture. A mix of traditional and modern is a very Canadian design brief. When it comes to dècor we are all about the mix. Canadians are definitely getting bolder and more creative with their decorating style. Overall, I think Canadian home design has a very strong hotel/resort influence, designed with 5-star amenities and smart technology to boot.

MY FAVORITE THING ABOUT NOVA SCOTIA is the ocean. I love living on the coast beachside, with the salt air, ocean
breezes and fog horn. Being within minutes of numerous beaches and hiking trails is wonderful. The coastline is breathtaking and the sea and sky are ever changing. In every type of weather, it is captivating. There is an abundance of heritage architecture that is uniquely Nova Scotian. The lifestyle is simple and unpretentious, with no crowds, no
traffic and no parking issues ever!

LOCATION, LOCAL CULTURE, NATURAL ENVIRONMENT definitely have a distinct influence on my design approach and aesthetic. I am drawn to natural beauty and I’m inspired by the coastal palette, textures and local vernacular. A sense of place and appropriateness is key to my design approach. I strive for materials and selections that won’t look out of place in their setting or at odds with the local lifestyle. It’s a casual side-door culture and drop-ins are the
norm. Whether your visitors are still in fishing gear, or show up wind-whipped and soaked, they’re welcomed in to pull up a seat and have a yarn.

I’D LOVE TO DESIGN A PROJECT on the north-western shore of Cape Breton Island, near Margaree Harbour, with views of the highlands and the Cabot Trail winding along the coast.

Photo by Janet Kimber, http://www.janetkimber.com

Portrait by Mark Burstyn, http://www.markburstyn.com

http://www.carolreeddesign.com

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Canadian Home Trends magazine gives you a personal tour of the most stunning homes and condos across Canada. You'll be inspired by a selection of accessible home décor products, trend reports, simple yet stylish DIY projects, and much more. In each issue, you are given the tools to recreate designer spaces you've always dreamt of having at home, in-depth renovation and design advice, colour palette and furniture pairings, and Canada's best places to shop.