CHLOE Magazine Spring 2013 Spring 2013 | Page 96

Colin and Justin’s innovative design sensibility was met with much success on British television and the duo quickly built a loyal fan following with shows such as “Trading Up”, “The Million Pound Property Experiment” and “How Not to Decorate”. But it was while the couple was promoting their British series in Canada that a sequence of fortuitous meetings bore fruit. That was more than six years ago and, since moving to Toronto where they now reside, they haven’t looked back. Whether they are sourcing items for celebrity clients or deconstructing homeowner’s style on HGTV’s “Home Heist”, Colin and Justin are never ones to take themselves too seriously. Even while on the reality show “I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here”, the duo continued to win over fans with their natural comedic flare. In part, it’s their shared sense of humour that enables the couple to work and live together in harmony. Together since their college days, the design duo understands that, for most couples, melding style sensibilities isn’t always easy. “We were lucky,” purrs Justin, “that we built our wee empire together.” Having designed literally hundreds of family homes, their signature collection ‘Colin & Justin Home’ (which is available at stores including HomeSense, Marshalls and Winners) appeals to those who appreciate style and function in equal measure. “All our designs are really carefully plotted and planned, really sleek and really well made.” As for their inspiration, the pair believe it comes from just about anywhere, whether the azure water, golden sand and whitewashed buildings of Grand Cayman or the bright yellow livery of New York taxi cabs. “Our biggest inspirations”, explains Justin, “are the things we see as we walk around.” Both admit they love working with colour, whether whether that’s a punch of yellow against neutral grey backdrop or bold combinations such as pink and black or Kelly green mixed with stark white. before before