In this fourth edition of the Design Interviews series, discover Becky Freeman, a renowned Canadian designer based in Toronto. Working in the decorating industry for several years, she also founded her own design company called The Property Stylist. Her Instagram account @the.property.stylist features her latest projects, as well as some newest trends and inspirations. Find all the details of our interview with this home decor enthusiast.
What is the Design Interviews series ? It is a special series of articles featuring our local designers and content creators! In this segment, you can read all the highlights of Décors Véronneau’s conversations with specialists in the Canadian home design industry.
1- What style inspires your interior design?
Becky : “Our style at The Property Stylist is very much inspired by welcoming and calming elements. Natural materials, curved lines and cozy neutrals are the name of the game. We love a great balance of modern and vintage treasures in any space to invite a collected sense of character. We always infuse a bit of colour through impermanent items like decor, textiles and greenery.”
2- What led you to create an Instagram account dedicated to home decor?
Becky : “When I began dabbling in real estate styling, I wanted to share before and after photos to illustrate what was possible with some vision, beautiful decor and willpower. I believe in the power of transformative storytelling to inspire others to feel empowered to create change in their own lives – potential is everywhere, it just takes the decision and talent to embrace it. Once I began sharing the results of my work at my client’s properties on my feed, the feedback was very supportive and it’s still what keeps me motivated to share what we’re up to at TP.”
3- How important are flowers and plants to you when it comes to decorating a space?
Becky : “When it comes to putting a design together, plants add just the right amount of texture, colour and life to any space. Tall trees are especially great for creating a sense of height, movement and visual interest within a space. When it comes to property styling, homeowners often move out throughout the selling process, so incorporating faux plants is ideal because they look great and require zero maintenance!”
4- What plants are in your top 3?
Becky : “My top 3 plants would have to be the following: Olive Tree, Bird of Paradise, Fern.”
5- What is your favourite trend in the world of plants (variety, a way to use them: in pots, in plant walls, hanging, etc.)?
Becky : “As you may have guessed by now, I love incorporating plants of all shapes and sizes within the interiors I style. For larger trees and plants, I love pairing them with woven baskets or concrete planters for added texture. When styling shelves or built-ins, trailing plants work wonders and really direct the eye to the vignette. I’ve also always adored a ‘living wall’ as wall art as well as the fascinating health benefits it offers.”
6- What's the best trick you've learned for showcasing plants?
Becky : “I find that placing plants near windows marries the indoors and out, creating a fresh and natural flow in any room.”
7- How do you select plants for your home (favourite, current trend, etc.)?
Becky : “I tend to find the vessel that a plant will be inhabiting first, then envision the best scale and style to suit it. I tend to hunt down styles that I notice out and about at retail stores, then ask the staff the names of them, I’m a plant hunter! It’s also inspiring to visit nurseries that carry a wide selection to learn the varieties, the staff are often very knowledgeable and willing to help.”
8- What is your favorite flower?
Becky : “I’ve always loved a white daisy for its understated beauty, however my favourite time of year is when the Ranunculus hit the flower stands. I’ll splurge on these lovelies to celebrate the start of spring!”
9- What do you like best about Décors Véronneau's flowers and plants?
Becky : “When styling, I always incorporate one or two plants per room. The variety of faux florals that Décors Véronneau has to offer, as well as the quality and price point, is unmatched. From small tabletop florals such as ferns and ponytail palms, to larger trees such as fiddle leaf figs or olive trees, Décors Véronneau has a wide selection that always meets our styling needs. As an added bonus, we love that they’re a Canadian company and ship quickly!”
10- According to you, what is the main advantage of the artificial?
Becky : “I would have to say that the main advantage of using faux florals is the affordability aspect. While nothing can replace a fresh bouquet of flowers, faux plants and trees are a great way to add colour and texture to a space without breaking the bank. Also, plant care requires a lot of love and attention, which can be easily overlooked with busy schedules and day-to-day obligations. With a little dusting from time to time, your faux trees will always be ready for their close up.”
11- What is your favourite season to decorate?
Becky : “Spring! Hands down, I love to give the house a good cleaning and redo the planters outside with fresh Spring florals and greenery. It’s also an opportunity to switch a few things out indoors without worrying about getting caught in a snowstorm in transit.”
12- Which Décors Véronneau's plants or flowers do you have in mind for the next season?
Becky : “Besides the addition of more olive trees (our favourites!), we would love to add a Smoke Tree, Zamioculcas, and a Dracaena to our inventory.”
