Interior designer Jacqueline Glass knew
she was an artist ever since she began
decorating her bedroom as a child. ”I
didn’t realize it as the time, but I’ve been
like this since I was a little girl,” she says
of her creative personality. “ My dad
taught me how to use paint stripper and
we would have regular family outings
to Sears, where I would buy comforters,
bed linen and wallpaper. I come from a
family of illustrators, so there has always
been that artistic influence.”
What she didn’t realize, was that those early influences would
lead to a career not only as a designer, but also unexpected
stints as a teacher and blogger to making regular appearances
on Citytv’s Cityline.
“I yearned to be an artist, even when I was a business major
at Durham College.” Glass says of her first career choice
before attending George Brown College for its prestigious
interior design program. “I crossed over to the communications arts because it was more creative.”
In her early 20s, Glass purchased her first home, yet didn’t
know it would lead to her current success. When people
started complimenting her work on her personal home decor
and began hiring her to share her talents, she knew she had a
future in design.
“Taking courses and evening classes and learning techniques
like sponge painting are all a part of the process in building
credibility and a name for yourself,” the designer says. Glass
believes education was a necessary part of her growth. She
adds, “you need academics to support your talent. Honing
your skills in sewing and painting are a part of the initiation
if you are serious about your craft.” By the time she was 25,
she registered her first design company.
Glass has developed unique ideas from travel, applying
various facets of culture to client projects. She finds cultural
inspiration from European history, architecture in London
and French bistros. Fundamental elements from fabric
books, watching how people dress, window shopping and
magazines like House Beautiful and Elle Decor are among
the other things that influence Ms. Glass’ strong creativity.
“When my team and I design, I keep in mind that I want to
do spaces that will look great ten years from now,” she states.