Designer Gal

Oregon-born, Hollywood-based interior designer Emily Henderson may look like the girl next door but her design aesthetic is as edgy as they come. Here, we chat with the HGTV host, author of New York Times bestseller Styled, blogger and speaker at Vancouver’s Interior Design Show (Sept. 22 to 25) about the latest trends to help prep your pad for fall. —Aileen Lalor

Image: Style by Emily Henderson

What’s your design philosophy?

Perfection is boring; let’s get weird! Designing a room is all about finding the juxtaposition of expected and unexpected and working with your client to find out what works to bring that out in their space.

Image: Style by Emily Henderson

What inspires you?

The personalities of my clients and how they want the room to look, feel and function. I combine that with the style of the house so that it looks natural and cohesive. Then I troll the Internet, travel and go through the flea market for inspiration to make each room personal to them.

Image: Style by Emily Henderson

What was your journey into design?

I was born into a Mormon family in Oregon who made their own clothes, canned their own veggies and fruits, and lived modestly, so I learned from a young age the beauty of thrift and how much can be done with so little. I wasn’t exposed to much in the fashion or design world until I moved to New York in my mid-20s and started working as a shop girl at the Jonathan Adler store, which was not as big as it is now. I had always loved and appreciated style and design but wasn’t really sure what I could do or how to be a part of it. Then I met a prop stylist and felt like I found my calling. I mean, who doesn’t want to shop and play with beautiful things all day whilst getting paid for it?

Image: Style by Emily Henderson

What are the strongest trends for interior design this Fall?

I’ve been excited about some of the colour trends we’re seeing. The ’90s have been very big in fashion over the last couple of years (cough cough—Dr. Martens, socks with your Birkenstocks …) and that influences design. It has been very fun to see some of my favorite ’90s colours interpreted in new ways in 2016. I am just waiting for the perfect clients to let me use those muted greens, rosy reds, dusty blues, and beiges in their home. And yes, I did say beige. It’s coming back, people, and with full beige-y vengeance.

Image: Enter the Loft

What’s the easiest way to update spaces like kitchens and bathrooms?

Sometimes just a fresh coat of paint and some new accessories can completely transform a room. Stay conscious of your lighting as well. You can easily swap out any fixture in your rental for a new one. There are great new faux tile backsplashes, awesome hardware/handles and if you can convince your landlord to let you paint the cabinets, then you are so much closer to feeling at home.

Image: Style by Emily Henderson

Are there any trends that you think should be avoided?

I think the faux-old has been very overused. Don’t get me wrong, I love some good strong industrial pieces in décor, however, a real industrial piece will always be in style rather than an affordable knock-off. If your style is industrial, head to the flea market or architectural salvage store to score some real goods and real deals.

Image: Style by Emily Henderson

What are your five favourite things right now (in tech, food, fashion, lit and beauty)?

For food, French fries and a good cobb salad. In fashion, I love chambray and striped shirts and nude mules. I’m reading Hillbilly Elegy by J.D. Vance right now and I’m riveted. It explains who loves Trump and why, from an insider’s point of view, and is endlessly fascinating. In terms of tech, my iPhone will always be with me at any time and I use it every day for multiple purposes. For beauty, I use Armani foundation, a Laura Mercier eyebrow product, NARS blusher and Clinique chubby stick lipstick—I’ve been wearing the same for six years.

The Interior Design Show takes place from September 22 to 25 at Vancouver Convention Centre West. Emily will be speaking on Saturday September 24 at 1pm on the Caesarstone Stage. Tickets for the consumer days (Saturday and Sunday) are available here at $14 for a single-day ticket and $18 for both days.