As a Certified Interior Decorator , Certified Color Consultant , Certified Canadian Staging Professional and Residential Staging Expert , Kelly Penuita has always had a passion for fabric , pattern , color and texture . In 2008 , she took this lifelong passion and started Deco Chic Interiors . Kelly ’ s goal was to provide a very real approach to decorating , based on an understanding that families live in their homes and they need to be able to do this comfortably without worrying about staining the sofa or scratching the table . This down to earth approach to design allows Kelly to provide clients with homes that are not only gorgeous , but also highly functional for their particular lifestyle .
Located in Winnipeg , which Kelly lovingly refers to as the DIY Capital of Canada , Deco Chic recently started offering eDesign services . Clients receive professional guidance along with full mood boards with product selections and they can then complete at their own pace . Kelly ’ s advice to clients , whether virtual or full service , is to go with what you love ! If you focus on that rather than popular trends , you will end up with a space you love .
CANADIAN HOME TRENDS What advice would you give your younger self ?
KELLY PENUITA I would tell my younger self to believe in my abilities , go for what I want and don ’ t stop until I get it .
CHT Name one thing on your bucket list . KP Visit one or more of the islands of Fiji . CHT What is your favorite room in your house ?
KP Right now , my favorite room is our family room . We got a new super comfy sectional last summer and I moved outside my color comfort zone for the accent cushions . I love how it turned out ! - Kelly Penuita , Deco Chic Interiors , www . decochicinteriors . ca
Susan Jomha studied residential interiors at the University of Alberta . After spending a few years working in the furniture industry as a designer and then spending some time as a stay-at-home mom to two beautiful children , Susan made the decision to go out on her own and created Distinct Interior Design in 2010 . Known for her classic , highend and unique style , Susan believes that the true key to success as a designer is good listening skills . Susan takes the time to get to know each client , their needs , personal style , budget and more , treating each client like a new friend . She also spends time researching the globe for new trends and ideas to ensure she is bringing the best options to the table !
CANADIAN HOME TRENDS What is your favorite room in your house ?
SUSAN JOMHA I would have to say my dining room . We ’ ve always made family dinner a priority . Every day , we gather in the dining room to discuss our day and listen to our kids ’ stories about their friends and what goes on in their wonderful little worlds .
CHT If you could have lunch with any one person in the world , who would you pick and why ?
SJ Wayne Gretzky . He ’ s such a great role model and athlete . I find him to be very inspiring . He has been very successful in his career and family life , two things that I find very important . He never has a mean or arrogant word for anyone .
CHT What inspires you ?
SJ My father was a highly creative individual . He built our home where I was born in Lebanon and designed beautiful motifs and medallions throughout the home . He always involved me in smaller projects . Even though he was not a designer he had an extensive background in renovating and small builds . As a child , he taught me to design unique shapes and quizzed me on problem solving skills and creative solutions . He was my inspiration . If it wasn ’ t for him , I wouldn ’ t be the person I am today . - Susan Jomha , Distinct Interior Design , www . distinctinteriordesign . ca