Jessica McGouran is here to enlighten us all! Based in Toronto, this professional designer has a keen eye for eclectic styling, and we could not wait to hear some of her tried and tested best design advice. Read on to hear her tips on how to dodge design mistakes, what she thinks every room needs and why she wants to invite Ryan Gosling over for dinner. Not to be missed! ;)

Collaboration is key! I want my clients’ space to reflect their personality and lifestyle so it’s important to understand who they are and how they live. I never want to be a ‘one trick pony.’ My personal style and design aesthetic is constantly evolving and influenced by things like my travel experiences and artistic preferences.

I’ve always been happiest when I’m doing something creative. As a kid, I studied dance and loved painting, sewing, and any sort of arts and crafts. After university, I found myself in a job that wasn’t creatively inspiring, so I took a few interior design courses at George Brown for fun. I loved them and thought, ‘Wow, I could complete the program and have a career in this!’

When I finished school and got back from living in Thailand, some client opportunities appeared and I just jumped in. Once I realized, “I can do this!” the thought of working for someone else never crossed my mind again.

My design ‘crushes’ are always changing. There’s so much new and amazing work being put into the world. Kelly Wearstler and Jonathan Adlerwere some of my early influences. I love their use of bold colours, patterns, and textures, and how everything works together in perfect balance.

Recently I’ve been admiring Jessica Helgerson Interior Design. They work in older homes and maintain the character, but still make the space feel fresh and new. Sarah Sherman Samuel is another favourite. Her modern style, with nods to the 50’s and feminine details is so pretty and inviting. The house she designed with Mandy Moore is TO DIE FOR. Australian designer Alexandra Donohoe (Decus Interiors) and Canadian Designer Gillian Seagalare two more who I follow religiously.

This is easy! Rugs that are too small for the space is one of my biggest pet peeves. All of the furniture needs to be on the rug, even if it’s just the front feet. Otherwise, it looks like there’s a little napkin on the floor.

Following too many trends. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all about keeping up with trends and adding ‘it items’ to spaces. But pick 1 or 2. A space with too many trendy items feels contrived – like it’s trying too hard. Pick timeless pieces that speak to you, then layer in some trendier pieces.

Not adding colour to permanent fixtures like millwork, tiles, flooring, and walls. I see a lot of homes where people want to play it safe by choosing only white and light grey finishes. Adding colour to these areas gives your home personality and depth, and feels warmer.

Furniture in ‘sets’ – like a sofa, love seat and chair combo or a bedroom set with matchy-matchy headboard, dresser and end tables. It just feels like a cop out. Every piece should be chosen individually for its function and design.

Custom window treatments! Window treatments add depth and texture to a space and they’re so often overlooked. A room doesn’t seem finished without them.

Wow, that’s a tricky one. Every project is as unique as the client and their home. I can honestly say I have enjoyed all of them and learned from all of them. Some of my most memorable ones might be:

Project Crang - These clients were very aligned to my design aesthetic and age range, so it was a really fun project to work on. They had total trust in my vision and let me run with it. I love how this space turned out.

Project Hopedale - I really loved my client’s vision for this space. Mixing old and new, and keeping the character and charm was a really fun challenge. They weren’t afraid of using bold colours and finishes, and the result was amazing. It’s one of my most popular/shared projects online.

Project Sutherland - This was one of my first big renovations and decorating projects. It’s actually my parents’ house so it was really fun being able to redesign the house I grew up in. Thanks, Mom!

I have some great projects on the go right now that I can’t wait to share and reveal over the next few months.

James Cordon - he’s hilarious and carpool karaoke is the most genius show.

Anthony Bourdain - for his knowledge of food, and traveling the world, and dining with fascinating people in crazy places.

Stevie Nicks – because I think she’s badass, Fleetwood Mac is one of my favourites, and I think she probably has some wild stories about their glory days

Chrissy Tiegan – because I feel like we would legit be friends in real life and she’s a huge foodie.

Ryan Gosling so I can convince him to marry me :) (Sorry Reece)