In the world of interior design, the right designer can elevate a project to new heights. With over 15 years of experience, Dawn's passion for design is evident in every project she undertakes. Let’s explore the inspiration behind her work, her design philosophy, and why she chooses to work with Dala.
I’m the designer and the founder of Essence Designs, a boutique design firm based in Ottawa, Canada. With over 15 years of experience in the industry, my passion for design began while pursuing a Bachelor of Industrial Design at Carleton University.
After establishing a successful career working with lawyers, I developed a keen eye for detail and honed my organizational skills. This experience inspired me to further my education in design, and I graduated at the top of my class with honors from Algonquin College's Decorating Program. I then refined my skills by working with other design firms in Ottawa before launching my own company, Essence Designs, in 2018.
Today, my team and I work closely with clients to transform their homes into spaces that are not only beautiful but also functional and comfortable. I take a personalized approach to each project, carefully considering my clients' needs, preferences, and lifestyles to create custom designs that reflect their unique personalities and tastes.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue growing and expanding Essence Designs. With my dedication to excellence and client satisfaction, I envision our firm reaching new heights and making an even greater impact in the world of interior design for my clients. Click here to learn more about the services Essence Designs offer.
The inspiration for our Rebecca Project came from a desire to create a home that combined classic elegance with bold, modern features. Our client wanted a space that felt timeless yet had standout elements that reflected his personality and preferences.
The open-concept main floor, with its two-story cathedral ceiling and large floor-to-ceiling windows, was designed to maximize natural light and create an airy, welcoming atmosphere.
We opted for a classic shaker door style in a painted white finish to serve as a clean and versatile backdrop. This allowed us to introduce bold details, like the stunning Calacatta Super White quartz countertops with a waterfall edge, which became the focal point of the kitchen.
The furniture pieces selected for the Rebecca project add a distinct touch of warmth and style to the overall design. The custom walnut dining table and chairs offer a unique blend of craftsmanship and elegance, creating a welcoming space perfect for entertaining. The counter height stools at the island, though contemporary in design, introduce a cozy warmth that complements the modern industrial elements, ensuring the space feels both inviting and sophisticated.
The Rebecca project was inspired by a blend of classic and modern elements, with a focus on creating a space that is both timeless and reflective of the client’s personal style. The result is a stunning home that balances elegance with bold design choices, making it a true dream home for my client.
When selecting furniture pieces for my design projects, I consider several key factors to ensure that the final design is both cohesive and functional.
Style and Aesthetic: The first factor is whether the furniture aligns with the overall design concept and my client's personal taste. I carefully select pieces that feature specific details—such as the lines, fabrics, and finishes—that enhance and unify the design. These elements play a crucial role in pulling the entire space together.
Comfort: Comfort is another critical consideration, especially when it comes to seating. Everyone has different comfort levels, so I always encourage my clients to test out seating options before making a purchase. Dala has two great locations where we can test seating in person and view the custom fabrics, ensuring the selections meet both comfort and style expectations.
Budget: Lastly, budget plays a significant role in furniture selection. The size of the project and the client’s budget dictate the range of pieces we can incorporate. With Dala's new Warehouse location, there are even more options available at various price points, providing flexibility to curate beautiful and practical furniture that fits within the client's budget.
What I enjoy most about working with Dala Décor is the exceptional support and atmosphere they provide. Troy and the entire staff are incredibly helpful in assisting me to find the perfect pieces for my design projects. Their showroom is fantastic, and it's always a pleasure to visit—everyone is friendly, approachable, and in great spirits.
As an entrepreneur, much of my time is spent at my desk working on design projects, so it's refreshing to visit a showroom where I can chat and connect with the team. The customer service at Dala is outstanding, which is crucial when I recommend a specific company to my clients. Knowing that Dala is always on top of any issues gives me confidence that my clients will receive top-notch service, making our collaborations even more enjoyable.
While it’s difficult to narrow it down to just five favorite products since I’m always sourcing different items for various clients and design projects, a few pieces from Dala Decor do stand out for their quality, style, and versatility.
Sectional from the Rebecca Project: The custom sectional I chose for the Rebecca project is one of the most comfortable pieces I’ve worked with. The ability to customize the fabric made it a perfect fit for the space and the client's preferences.
Bar Stools: I’m particularly fond of bar stools, especially when they can blend seamlessly with the overall design. The Dominic and Sheila Counter Stools are favorites due to their backless design, which allows them to be tucked under the countertop, letting the cabinetry and countertops shine as the focal points.
Tohara Counter Stool: Many clients prefer stools with a back for added support, so I often select stools that offer clean lines and are easy to maintain. The Tohara Counter Stool is a great choice that complements any kitchen design with its sleek and functional style.
Light Fixtures: I’m a big fan of gorgeous light fixtures, and the Bellamy Chandelier is a classic choice that adds elegance and sophistication to any space. Its timeless design makes it a versatile option for various Projects.
These products not only meet the functional needs of my clients but also enhance the overall aesthetic of the spaces I design.
The best way to get started on a project with Essence Designs is by filling out the online intake form on our website. Once we receive your submission, we’ll send you an email with detailed information about our design process and how to book a free discovery call. During this call, we’ll discuss your project goals, timeline, and budget. The more information you can provide about your design project upfront, the better we can tailor our approach to ensure we're aligned and ready to bring your vision to life.
When working with Essence Designs on your project, we’ll ask you to fill out a worksheet and answer a few questions about your requirements, design aesthetic, budget, and timeline. This information helps us understand your needs and ensures we have everything we need to get started on the right foot.
It's also important to plan well in advance, as some items can take a few months to arrive. The more we can plan ahead, the smoother the process will be, ensuring that all elements come together perfectly and on time.
The best way to contact Essence Designs is through the intake form on our website. This will allow you to book a discovery call and provide us with the initial details about your project. From there, we can discuss your needs and start planning your design journey together.
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