Design Crushes...

(photo source: Coastal Living.com)

We all have them...

Considering I am a married woman, I figure a design crush is the safest, most appropriate kind of crush to have. After all, don't we all put some of our favourite design celebrities on a (beautifully designed) pedestal? And really, I have to somehow justify the ridiculous number of design magazines I have purchased over the years...

Enjoy the (growing) list of my favourites, and perhaps you'll develop your own crush on one or more of these talented individuals.

In essence, I believe in giving credit where credit is due, and the following industry leaders deserve the accolades I have given them:

Matthew Mead ...

(well, you knew he'd be at the top of the list, didn't you?)

Matthew Mead is a stylist, editor, and writer whose work I admire very much. I have had the good fortune to interview and do collaborative posts with him, and I can attest that he is as nice a person as he is talented. If you want great inspiration and style tips, read the following posts and be sure to check out his website: Matthew Mead Style.com . But first, check him out here:

Monday Morning Tea...with Matthew Mead

Inspiration from Matthew Mead...and me!

Styling...with Matthew Mead

In the Kitchen...with Matthew Mead

The Gift of Flowers...from Matthew Mead

Some Painterly Advice...from Matthew Mead

Redefining Matthew Mead Style...

The Perfect Easter...with Matthew Mead

Matthew Mead Inspires...

Man of My Dreams...

Peter Fallico...Canada's favourite male HGTV designer. Sure, he may not go around flexing his biceps like Mike Holmes, but he doesn't have to do demo; he does design...cool, smart design. Plus he can make you just about anything you want made; or even better, he'll teach you how to do it!!

Sarah Richardson...if Peter is Canada's favourite male designer, then Sarah is Canada's interior design sweetheart. Though once more girl next door (when Room Service was her media outlet), Sarah Richardson is decidedly more sophisticated city girl now, at the helm of the slick, stylish Design Inc. Either persona, Sarah can do it all - from country cottages and get-aways (like this yurt), to industrial spaces, posh homes and her own decked out (though charming, coastal style) cottage...on its own island!

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Keep checking back as I add more of my favourites to this list!

Meet Peter Fallico...!!!

all photos: HGTV.ca

Peter Fallico is the designer who defies all designer stereotypes. He is unpretentious, a do-it-yourselfer, seems to actually know what a realistic budget is, and can deftly put his hammer where his mouth is. Not only that, Peter Fallico is sweet. I mean, really, really nice. Not that I've met him of course, but as one of the loyal fans of all his television shows (past and present), I have certainly got a good idea of who the real person is after the camera stops rolling. Not only does Peter Fallico quickly put his clients at ease and involve them in projects as much or as little as they wish - but he genuinely seems just as excited as they are about the beautiful spaces he and his team create.

Even though he is the star of the show, he eagerly seeks out the opinions of the designers and head carpenter on his design team... even letting them seemingly lead the way at times. This speaks to his modesty; and yet we, the viewers, all know that the outcome is exactly as he envisioned. Peter definitely has a modern, hip vibe, yet he respectfully carries out more traditional styles with ease. His projects always seem easy and doable, and you get the feeling he would thumb his nose at swank, all the while balancing the fine line between elegance and comfort.

More prominent Canadian designers (think Sarah Richardson and Debbie Travis) seem to steal most of the media limelight. Not fair, I say. In fact, if you google Peter Fallico's name, it is difficult to get a more detailed synopsis of Peter`s career history. Of course, HGTV offers up the perfunctory rundown on Peter's shows and credentials, but if you want to know more, check out this link (which also provides details about his new, upcoming show, Home to Flip): http://www.celebrityeventsnetwork.ca/cgi-bin/front/daytimeenterprises.cgi?display_page=yes&page_id=24 . Peter is incredibly successful, yet we hear more of the Sarah Richardsons and Linda Reeves of the industry, who, talented as they are, aren't the only successful Canadian designers. True to his nature, I doubt the lesser media accolades concern Peter...

According to HGTV :
" Peter Fallico is a familiar face to home decorating enthusiasts in both Canada and the USA. His decorative home projects have appeared in Canadian Select Homes and Style at Home magazines and on City-TV’s Cityline. Peter is the DIY guy on HGTV’s This Small Space and the host of Home to Go. This fall Peter is hosting a brand new show for first time homeowners called Home to Stay. Home to Stay picks up where Home to Go left off as Peter helps first time homeowners make the right budget conscious renovating and design decisions about making their very first home look amazing...

...A renovator and furniture design graduate, Peter has quickly become a television and magazine personality best known for his simple easy-to–do projects that not only look great but are practical as well. Peter’s approachable personality and easy to understand project instructions make him a sought out favourite for presentations at home shows and conferences."

Indeed, check out the website and have a look at some of Peter's completed spaces. If you like a good hands-on project, check out this shortlist of some of his inspiring do-it-yourself projects: http://www.hgtv.ca/hometostay/hts_project_plans.aspx

Most importantly, check out his shows and watch out for his name. Peter Fallico`s design skills may be rocketing him to stardom, but it's his down-to-earth, easy going personality that will keep him there!!