From a single kitchen island makeover to refreshing an entire home, cottage, vacation property, or office, beautiful changes can begin with just one consultation.
At AVA INTERIOR DESIGN, I believe that creating a home you love doesn’t have to involve a complete renovation, an overwhelming budget, or months of planning. Sometimes, all it takes is a fresh perspective, thoughtful design decisions, and a little professional guidance to make an incredible difference.
Having worked in interior design since 2005, I have come to appreciate that every client, every property, and every project is different. Some homeowners are building from the ground up, while others simply want to improve what they already have.
My approach is simple: I offer flexible, hourly interior and exterior design consultations, as needed, so you can make improvements at your own pace.
A Beautiful Kitchen Island Transformation in The Kingsway, Etobicoke
One of my wonderful clients moved into a beautiful home in The Kingsway, Etobicoke, a couple of years ago. Although she loved many aspects of her new home, there was one area she knew she wanted to change: the kitchen island.
The existing island was dark and lacked the warmth and character she envisioned for her family’s home. The bar stools were uncomfortable, the sink was too small, and the faucets weren’t quite right. Most importantly, the overall appearance didn’t reflect her and her husband’s personal style.
Rather than replacing the entire kitchen, we focused on what would make the greatest difference.
Through design consultations, I helped guide my clients toward a new kitchen island that would brighten their space, improve everyday functionality, and create a more welcoming atmosphere.
The transformation was about so much more than appearance. It was about making the kitchen work better for the people who use it every day.
Today, my clients absolutely love their refreshed kitchen, and I couldn’t be happier for them!
This is one of my favourite aspects of interior design: helping people discover that they don’t always need to start over to fall in love with their homes again.
You Don’t Have to Renovate Everything to Make a Beautiful Difference
Perhaps you love your home but have a few areas that no longer feel quite right.
Your kitchen cabinets may be perfectly good, but you would love a new island. Your living room may simply need better furniture placement, a beautiful rug, or updated lighting. Your bathroom might benefit from new fixtures, mirrors, or finishes without changing the entire layout.
Sometimes, even a fresh paint colour can completely change the atmosphere of a room.
You may have been putting off these decisions because you’re unsure where to begin, which materials to select, or whether your ideas will work together.
That’s where I can help.
With professional design guidance, you can make confident decisions while keeping the features you already love.
Interior Design Help When You Need It – By the Hour
Not everyone needs or wants a full-service interior design project.
Many of my clients simply need an experienced designer to visit their property, review their ideas, help them compare options, or accompany them when selecting finishes and furnishings.
I enjoy being involved at whatever stage my clients need me.
Some of the ways I can assist include:
- Kitchen refreshes: New islands, countertops, cabinet finishes, hardware, faucets, sinks, backsplashes, lighting, and seating.
- Bathroom improvements: Tile selections, vanities, plumbing fixtures, mirrors, lighting, storage, and layout considerations.
- Paint and colour consultations: Interior and exterior colour palettes that complement your home’s architecture, furnishings, and natural light.
- Furniture and decorating: Sofas, accent chairs, dining furniture, rugs, artwork, bedding, accessories, and window coverings.
- Lighting updates: Chandeliers, pendants, sconces, recessed lighting, and decorative fixtures.
- Space planning: Improving furniture arrangements, room flow, storage, closets, and everyday functionality.
- Windows and doors: Guidance on styles, finishes, proportions, and how selections complement the overall property.
- Exterior refreshes: Front entrances, exterior colours, architectural finishes, lighting, and curb appeal.
- Pre-construction and renovation decisions: Reviewing drawings, room layouts, cabinetry, materials, fixtures, and finishes before important decisions are finalized.
Whether you need assistance for one hour, a few visits, or ongoing consultations throughout your project, my services can be tailored to your needs.
Building or Renovating? Bring in a Designer Before Making Your Selections
One of the most valuable times to consult an experienced designer is before construction or renovation decisions become permanent.
Perhaps you’re working with a builder, architect, contractor, or cabinetmaker and have been presented with dozens of decisions.
Where should the kitchen island be positioned? Is there enough room around the dining table? Will the closet provide adequate storage? Are the bathroom finishes coordinated? Will the lighting and electrical placements suit the furniture arrangement?
These details can greatly influence how comfortable and functional a space feels once completed. I can review your drawings, discuss your lifestyle, help you consider practical improvements, and assist with selecting finishes that complement one another. I also enjoy collaborating with builders, architects, tradespeople, and other professionals, providing additional design guidance when needed.
You don’t have to make every design decision alone, and you don’t have to hire a designer for an entire project to benefit from professional advice.
Refreshing Cottages, Vacation Homes, and Investment Properties
Your primary residence isn’t the only property that deserves thoughtful design.
A cottage should feel comfortable, welcoming, and easy to enjoy. A vacation home may need durable, practical furnishings while still reflecting the beauty of its surroundings. An investment property may benefit from carefully selected improvements that enhance its appearance and appeal.
I offer consultations for cottages, vacation homes, condominiums, secondary residences, and investment properties. Whether you’re furnishing a waterfront retreat, updating a family cottage, refreshing a vacation property abroad, or preparing a furnished rental, I can help you make selections that balance beauty, comfort, and practicality.
My design experience includes residential and commercial projects in Canada and internationally, and I welcome opportunities to assist with properties beyond the Greater Toronto Area.
Your Office Deserves to Feel Beautiful, Too
We spend a significant amount of time in our working environments, yet offices are often overlooked when it comes to comfort and design.
Whether you work from home, own a professional office, or manage a small commercial space, thoughtful improvements can make your surroundings more functional, organized, and inviting. Sometimes, new lighting, improved furniture placement, fresh paint, comfortable seating, or a more cohesive colour palette can transform the experience of being at work.
I offer hourly design consultations for office refreshes, helping clients improve their spaces without necessarily undertaking a major renovation.
A Home Should Reflect the People Who Live There
One of the most important things I have learned throughout my career is that beautiful design is personal. Your home shouldn’t feel like a showroom that doesn’t represent you. It should tell your story, accommodate your lifestyle, and include the pieces you genuinely love.
That might mean incorporating treasured furniture passed down through generations, updating a favourite chair with beautiful new upholstery, or combining existing furnishings with a few carefully selected new pieces.
I believe in working with what you have whenever possible and making thoughtful improvements that feel meaningful to you.
A well-designed home is not necessarily the newest or most expensive home. It’s one that feels comfortable, functions beautifully, and reflects the people who enjoy it.
Why Choose Hourly Interior Design Consultations?
Hiring a designer by the hour gives you the freedom to decide how much assistance you need and when you need it.
You may want a single consultation to help you get started, or you may prefer to call me back as your project progresses. There is no need to rush through every room or complete everything at once. You can prioritize your improvements, plan around your budget, and make decisions as you’re ready. For some clients, I become a trusted design resource they can call upon whenever another decision arises.
That’s exactly the kind of relationship I enjoy building. Let’s Refresh Your Space, One Thoughtful Decision at a Time
Since founding AVA INTERIOR DESIGN in 2005, I have had the pleasure of helping clients create beautiful, functional spaces that suit their individual lifestyles.
Based in Etobicoke, I provide design consultations throughout The Kingsway, Bloor West Village, Toronto, Mississauga, Oakville, Burlington, and surrounding communities, with opportunities for cottage, vacation property, and international projects.
Whether you’re considering a new kitchen island, selecting bathroom finishes, choosing furniture, reviewing construction drawings, updating an office, or simply wondering how to make your home feel more like you, I would be delighted to help.
No project is too small to deserve thoughtful design advice. You don’t need to renovate your entire home. You don’t need to make every decision today.
And you certainly don’t need to wait until you’re ready for a major project.
Refresh your home at your own pace.
AVA INTERIOR DESIGN
Interior & Exterior Design Consultations | Decorating | Styling | Space Planning | Finish Selections
Flexible hourly consultations, as needed.
Serving Etobicoke, Toronto, the Greater Toronto Area, cottages, vacation properties, and beyond.
Contact AVA INTERIOR DESIGN to arrange your personal design consultation.
Love Your Home. Make It Yours.