Our first responder this week is Ashlen Thomson, interior designer and senior associate with McKinley Studios in Vancouver. She helps us see a path from a design aesthetic that’s purely based on budget to one that is elevated yet realistic. She leaves us with guidelines, but more importantly, confidence to tap into how we want our space to function and feel, without being bogged down by rules.
4:19 - Ashlen’s “high/low” strategy
5:37 - What types of pieces should we be investing in?
11:02 - What should we not invest in?
14:17 - When to go used/thrifted/vintage
15:57 - Heirlooms and meaning behind pieces
21:27 - Where to add colour or keep things more neutral
25:21 - Design “rules” we can toss
30:10 - Advice around how to incorporate designs from various aesthetics
32:49 - Specific advice around incorporating Alyssa’s heritage into her dining space
38:52 - Final words of wisdom from Ashlen
43:36 - First aid kit takeaways
Follow us on Insta! @mlnl911pod
Our first responder this week is Ashlen Thomson, interior designer and senior associate with McKinley Studios in Vancouver. She helps us see a path from a design aesthetic that’s purely based on budget to one that is elevated yet realistic. She leaves us with guidelines, but more importantly, confidence to tap into how we want our space to function and feel, without being bogged down by rules.
4:19 - Ashlen’s “high/low” strategy
5:37 - What types of pieces should we be investing in?
11:02 - What should we not invest in?
14:17 - When to go used/thrifted/vintage
15:57 - Heirlooms and meaning behind pieces
21:27 - Where to add colour or keep things more neutral
25:21 - Design “rules” we can toss
30:10 - Advice around how to incorporate designs from various aesthetics
32:49 - Specific advice around incorporating Alyssa’s heritage into her dining space
38:52 - Final words of wisdom from Ashlen
43:36 - First aid kit takeaways
Follow us on Insta! @mlnl911pod