Welcome to “Living by Design,” a series of insightful interviews with interior designers to delve into their journeys, styles, and inspirations. Through intimate questions, these visionaries share their insights, challenges, and triumphs, offering readers a glimpse into the artistry and thoughtfulness that shapes their work.
Join us as we uncover the first of many stories behind the spaces and discover the musings that define the essence of living by design.
Kayla Daniels is the owner & principal designer at Kayla Daniels Interiors, a residential design studio based in Ontario, offering a full range of interior design services, from remodels to custom home builds, complete furnishing, and true-to-you styling.
Kayla started her career on a more traditional path in human resources. But after years of pursuing her passion for painting and interior design projects on the side, she took her business full time in 2022. We recently partnered with her to develop her distinct brand and website, expressing her down-to-earth style both online and offline.
Design Journey & Style
1. How would you describe your design style in three words or less?
Warm, classic, and down to earth.
2. Where is home for you? What do you love most about it?
Home is in Waterdown, ON. What I love most is the people I share it with. On the design side, I love that it is functional, but so cozy and inviting. Nothing is too precious, but everything is classic. Everyone who spends time in our home tells me they love that it is warm, comfortable, and makes you want to stay a while. I love that it is full of memories and collected objects, art, and treasures that form the story of our lives.
3. What past experiences have shaped your style?
Growing up I was always creative. Art was something I constantly immersed myself in and design came naturally to me. I was the kid who spent their Sundays touring model homes with my Mom, thumbing through design magazines, watching home makeover shows (Trading Spaces, anyone? haha), or rearranging the furniture in my room. I don’t think my room stayed the same for more than a month at a time, whether it was a full furniture layout change, or simply styling the shelves and changing the pictures on the wall. My Mom was very influential when it came to design. Our home was always so classic and comfortable. She has impeccable taste and wasn’t afraid to bring in pattern and colour. In fact, I kind of wish we still had the pair of floral sofas and wing back chairs that were in our living room growing up. She is a big reason why I have such an appreciation for craftsmanship and quality. It would be rare if my Mom had a piece of art that wasn’t custom framed. My passion for art, travel, and exploration have definitely shaped my design sense. I love anything and everything classic. Visiting museums, new cities, and pining over details of architecture have definitely shaped my style. I thank my parents for exposing me to these things from a young age. Spending the majority of my childhood outdoors most definitely shaped the heavy influence of nature in my colour palettes and materials I am most drawn to. I remember the first time I knew I wanted to be a designer – it was when I watched the scene in Father of the Bride Part 2 where Frank reveals the nursery to George Banks. Goosebumps everywhere and I knew I needed to provide that same feeling and experience for people.
4. What led you on the path of starting your own business?
I’ve always known I would own my own business. My path took many turns, but I wouldn’t change anything because each experience garnered me a skill that I heavily rely on now. I’ve been dreaming of what the business would be from a young age and I am so thankful I’ve gotten to the place where I can marry my love for design with owning my own business. To truly love what you do is a gift.
5. When it comes to your work, what brings you the most contentment and fulfillment?
A few different phases of our design approach give me this. I would say the initial material pull where it feels like pure chaos but it’s my own version of a puzzle. I pull and place until it feels perfect. I wish I could say there was more of a formula to it, but it’s a feeling in my body when it’s right. Next would be when the clients start to feel it come together. They’ve seen the drawings, the design boards, the 2D images, but the moment things become real – and many times there are tears haha – it is incredibly fulfilling. Lastly, I think it would be styling and photographing the finished spaces. I love the creativity that comes from being able to tell the story of the space. This is a skill I am continuing to build upon and one that I find great contentment in.
“I care so much about our clients. Sometimes to a fault. I lose sleep over your flooring at 4am lol.”
6. Could you share your top 3 sources for inspiration?
I might have to share more than 3 – Travel, food & dining, design books – preferably the classics, antiquing, and nature.
7. What elements do you believe every thoughtfully designed home must possess?
Personal treasures & quirk, natural light, original art (professionally framed), high quality pieces, a variety of textures and materials all grounded by a functional layout (one that works FOR YOU), and a cohesive colour palette.
8. What’s the best interior design advice you’ve ever received?
It’s not really advice I’ve been given, but a quote that I connect deeply with: “The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten.” Great design, design that is thoughtful, personal, and transcends trends, is an investment in both time and money.
9. And the best business advice you’ve ever received?
No one knows what the hell they are doing. Trust your gut, know your value, and don’t compare your beginning to someone else’s middle.
10. What’s one thing you wish clients knew about you or your process before starting a project?
That I care so much about our clients. Sometimes to a fault. I lose sleep over your flooring at 4am lol.
11. Name some Instagram accounts that you find enjoyable to follow.
@turkuazkitchen – I could watch her videos for hours.
@plumecalligraphy – everything Aileen creates is ethereal.
@hagemanhomesinteriors – Rhiannon has been a mentor, is a friend and whenever she posts something I want to jump through my screen. She is incredibly talented.
@interiordesigncommunity – the memes are so relatable and hilarious and make me laugh out loud daily.
@sarahholtbydesign – An incredibly talented architectural designer, a friend and wonderful artist.
@boxwoodavenue – such a special place in my heart for Chloe. She was one of the first mentors I had in design and she has become a friend. I love her passion, her intention and her storied content!
@wdesigncollective – I resonate so much with Marianne’s style and I admire her as a designer and founder.
@amberinteriors – as a businesswoman, creative, and designer. I look up to Amber so much.
@studiomcgee – I have to mention Studio McGee as well. As a business woman, designer, entrepreneur, and someone I find very inspiring from many angles.
Honestly, there are far too many more to mention. That’s a very tiny peek into the many accounts I enjoy following!
12. If you had to choose, what’s your favourite colour scheme/palette to work with?
Hmm hard to say. I think deep blues, olive greens, brownish reds, creams, and whites. Variations of these colours tend to show up in every single project we work on.
13. What are you working on at the moment?
We have so many exciting projects on the go right now! Also I have been doing some planning and scheming for the business as well. There are a couple of key goals I am mapping out that I’d like to achieve over the next 2-5 years. Think “design as a sensory experience.”
14. What do you do outside of work to design a life you’re proud of? What brings you the most joy?
Spending time with my son and my family. Hands down. I love spending time with family and friends. I love traveling, painting, wine tasting, sports, trying new restaurants, nature walks, exploring new cities and shoppes. Throughout my life I have found that what brings me the most joy is sharing experiences with those I love most. Whether that’s grabbing a coffee and heading to Luke’s baseball game or swimming lesson, or going on an overseas adventure with my favourite people.
Take Ten: Fast Favourites
Design Book:
Anything by Gil Schafer and Memories of Home by Heidi Caillier
Travel Destination:
Paris
Signature Scent:
Beach Walk by Maison Martin Margiela
Family Tradition:
Every Friday night, Dave Luke and I make homemade pizzas in the pizza oven, have a kitchen dance party, and then watch a movie
Quote/Motto:
(1) What is done in love, is done well (2) Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire (3) Give yourself permission to create without inhibition
Pattern or Solid:
Pattern
Design trend you think will last:
Ironically… designing for what you love, not what is trendy
Shop:
Too many to list
Room in your home:
Family Room
Wardrobe Staple:
Baggy jeans and a crew neck sweatshirt
Latest purchase you’re loving:
Anine Bing Jean Jacket
As we conclude this interview with interior designer Kayla Daniels, we hope her journey and the inaugural feature of our Living by Design series has sparked a sense of inspiration within you. Consider this your open invitation to delve into more intimate stories to discover what defines the essence of living by design.
Explore Kayla’s work on her website and Instagram.
All photos by Niamh Barry.
