Name: Chrissy Co
Company: Curated Home By Chrissy & Co
Position within company: Owner & Principal Designer
Website: www.chrissyco.com
Tell us a little about your background in design (education, experience, etc
In 2009, I established Chrissy & Co in order to build a Interior design firm that would bring a curated mixture of elegance, sophistication, and a sense of approachable luxury into my client’s homes. In January 2016 I launched Vancouver’s first concept boutique, Curated Home By Chrissy & Co, with a curated mixture of fine art, furnishings, lighting and decor with a design studio centered as the heartbeat of my vision.
How would you describe your personal design style?
My aesthetic foundation for my design is often founded on the beautiful fusion of classic and contemporary interior design elements. Honouring the balance of masculine/feminine and modern/traditional in order to tell a well-rounded story is a cornerstone in my design philosophy. Exceptional design means transcending the restrictive narrative of design genres in order to create living works of art that honour the individuality and dreams of each client.
Where does your design inspiration come from?
Creating spaces that echo the spirit of my clients is essential in how I approach every project which is why my clients are the heartbeat and inspiration of my vision. Cultivating the essence of who my client is at the core is the foundation of my design and fusing the beauty who they are with who they wish to become is the method of my design. Raising the bar in their everyday quality of life by honouring each and every detail in order to achieve a space that will help my clients embody the excellence and beauty that surrounds them.
In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
Although annual design trends will always remain a constant, I feel that as a whole design is becoming more abstract and fluid and less genre specific. There is a yearning for a more authentic way of living and a higher quality of life that is often founded in a more curated and tailored approach to design.
Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2020 and beyond.
Authenticity is key. Beautiful spaces are void of seduction if they don’t resonate. Establishing a design that truly emulates a client’s personality is essential in creating meaningful spaces.
Dare to be different. Excellence doesn’t come from comfort zones. Dare to do something different. Fuses together genres that wouldn’t normally coincide. The greatest
Colour. We are seeing more colour than ever before. It’s the visual vitamin D of the soul. Always be conscious of how colour relates to clients colouring. One should never clash in their own home.
Scale. Going against the grain and choosing items that large scale can great a sense of grandeur in even the most intimate spaces. From coffee tables and chandeliers to mirrors and large paintings, larger scale pieces and really add vibrancy and drama to a space.
Texture. It can make or break a space. A space rich in texture is one that keeps the senses engaged. There should always be mindful consideration about the tactility of the materials in a space and how they relate to the mood you’re wanting to convey. Leathers and smooth surfaces lend a masculine formality to a space while wools, silks, velvets and mohair often lend a softer and more feminine approachability.
If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design schemes, what would it be?
Find the balance between cohesion and chaos. Too controlled and a space can easily look contrived. Too abstract and it can feel disjointed. Layered textures, patterns and colours over monochromatic schemes will always do a better job of seducing the senses.
How important are The International Design & Architecture Awards?
Without the exposure to the creative minds and talents of our fellow design colleagues, we wouldn’t know what boundaries to push. It’s the very element of contrast and inspiration that fuels a designers spirit to continue to strive for excellence.
What projects are you currently working on?
I have an incredible project in Palms Spring that is on an unorthodox Bali inspired property that I’m quite excited about. In a city that is commonly known for mid-century modern design saturated with boho linens, we are talking a more curated approach with some beautiful refined elements of Hollywood regency meets new world charm.
What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
To continue to create one of a kind highly tailored meaningful spaces for incredible people that will inspire others to embody a spirit of excellence. I want to permeate the international design scene with authentic approach to living luxuriously. Where it’s more about living in resonance and honoring the individuality and detail of every clients life and home than about the keeping up with the Bravado of fleeting trends.
Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself and your daily inspirations:
Your most treasured possession?
I have a stunning antique black cameo of a female warrior that I adore. I’m not typically a jewellery kind of woman but I adore the rarity of the piece and the symbolism of empowerment and tenacity. I’ve always felt that I’ve had a warrior’s heart in the sense that I chase my dreams fearlessly.
Your favourite holiday destination?
Paris for art and architecture and Italy to unwind
Your favourite hotel, restaurant & bar?
Hotel: Portrait Firenze Florence Italy
Restaurant: Minami Vancouver
Bar: La Réserve Paris
Your favourite book, film & song?
Book: I’ve not yet read it yet because my mind continues to wander.
Film: The curious case of Benjamin Buttons
Song: Unfold Alina Baraz
Your favourite food and drink?
My go to drink is Casa Azul on the rocks and my favourite food is fresh oysters and fritz.
Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?
My perfect Saturday afternoon is a walk to a local market to curate a list of fresh ingredients after a catch-up brunch with my dearest friends followed by an afternoon of sipping Chablis while preparing dinner listening to some contemporary classical cooking for the one I love.
If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?
I could never imagine a life where design wasn’t a part of my every day. I do hope to one day endeavor to have a fashion line of my own. I love the power of self-expression, beautiful fabrics and silhouettes.
Curated Home by Chrissy & Co has 2 projects shortlisted in The International Design and Architecture Awards 2020
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