Introducing a new blog series, Meet Our Team: Designer Spotlight.
Ready to get to know our team a little better? A big part of ensuring a smooth renovation and design journey is working with the right people. That's why over the next few weeks we'll be introducing you to each team member here at the Elmwood Design Centre. Get to know each designer, understand their likes and dislikes and learn more about what got them to where they are today. That way you‘ll have a better opportunity to choose who you think will be the perfect match for YOU (although with our team, you can't go wrong with anyone).
Starting with our Kitchen Designer, Marie Eve—here's a little bit about her:
Career Beginnings
Marie-Eve’s been a part of the Elmwood Group for five years and has been with the Design Centre since it’s doors first opened. Her first position within the company was Sales Consultant at our sister store, Home Furniture & Lighting. While completing her degree in Interior Design at the Université de Moncton, she worked at Home Furniture & Lighting on the side, gaining hands on work experience in kitchen design. Her journey with the company then continued at the Elmwood Design Centre after graduating, becoming a permanent kitchen designer on staff.
Marie-Eve's focus as an interior designer has always been on her client's needs. Getting to know their lifestyles, design preferences and unique visions is a priority, resulting in spaces that are not only beautiful but also functional and personalized. It's not just about measurements and colours - she strives for continuous open communication with clients, making sure that no detail is left out.
First Project as a Kitchen Designer
Just like with learning anything new, your first try is never what you expect. Marie-Eve's first project as an intern Interior Designer was a kitchen renovation, which turned out to be a little more challenging than expected:
"I hadn't anticipated just how complex it would be until I started the project. I didn't quite realize the amount of detail and time that goes into designing a kitchen. Thankfully I had the support and guidance from my colleagues and the project ended up being a success."
Since that first project, she's put many more under her belt, continuing to grow and succeed as a designer. It just goes to show that fear will always come with trying something for the first time, but giving up is never the answer. Push forward, learn as you go and remember that what is truly meant for you will always fall into place.
Now that we've introduced you to what we like to call the "toddler years of a designer,” let's dive into some Q&A with Marie-Eve:
Q: Name one design "rule" you love to break and why?
A: "Mixing metals. It adds character and balances out the space. I would stick to 2-3 though to avoid business."
Q: What advice would you give to clients who are taking on a renovation for the first time?
A: "Budget wisely and determine how much you’re willing to spend, including a buffer for unexpected expenses (10-20% of your total budget). Prioritize spending on areas that will add the most value and functionality."
Q: What inspired you to become a designer?
A: "My passion for creating visually appealing environments. I was also drawn to the way interior design combines artistic creativity with analytical problem-solving. I enjoy the opportunity to create beautiful, functional spaces while engaging in both imaginative and practical thinking."
Q: What’s a common misconception about interior design that you’d like to debunk?
A: "That it’s solely about making a space look nice. There’s much more to it; it’s about creating functional spaces that meet the specific needs of the people who use them. It's not just about making things look pretty - it involves thoughtful planning."
Q: How do you find inspiration for your projects?
A: "I use Pinterest for design ideas and trends, follow designers on social media for fresh perspectives, and draw inspiration from the architecture and design elements of places I visit while traveling. These experiences help me understand and appreciate all kinds of different design principles and trends."
There’s nothing quite like a good, ol’ fashioned Q&A. But we’ll stop there to avoid writing a full-blown script for her first biopic (working title, The Secret Life of Marie-Eve.)
We hope you enjoyed this small glimpse into Marie-Eve’s career and journey as a kitchen designer. We believe that every successful renovation starts with the right team. And you deserve to get to know each member before committing (we’ll reference our “designer first date” analogy again here). Stay tuned as we introduce you to more of our talented design consultants in the coming weeks. We're excited to share their stories, passions, and expertise with you.
Remember, no matter who you choose to work with, you're in excellent hands (we may be a little biased but we still believe this as a fact). Let’s create your next dream space together!
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