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 stories behind the spaces and discover the musings that define the essence of living by design.
Rebecca Simon is the creative founder & principal designer at Maison Ellie Interiors, a residential design studio specializing in full-service and virtual interior design for every stage of family life.
After designing nurseries for her two kids (one being for her daughter, whose middle name is the heart of the studio), Rebecca realized her love for creating nurturing spaces could extend beyond her walls.
With an education in psychology and a decade in home furnishings advertising, Rebecca’s most meaningful credential is simply being a parent who gets it. She believes children can thrive when a space feels right while giving grownups room to maintain their peace of mind and style. We recently partnered with Rebecca to develop her distinct brand and website, expressing her sophisticated yet whimsical style both online and offline. You’ll love getting to know her.
Design Journey & Style
1. How would you describe your design style in three words or less?
Warm, comfortable and inviting.
2. Where is home for you? What do you love most about it?
We made the big move from Toronto to Ottawa a few years ago and bought a piece of land where we built our forever home. We love the quieter pace of life and all of the green space… being immersed in nature and hosting family and friends here has brought us so much happiness.
3. What past experiences have shaped your style?
Growing up with an innate passion for design has definitely shaped my style. I spent my childhood days watching design shows on TV after school, helping friends redecorate their rooms, and once begged my parents to hire a local artist to paint clouds and cherubs on my ceiling (which they luckily didn’t agree to). I so vividly remember accompanying my mom to BB Bargoons in Toronto to look through fabrics for a pair of antique chairs we were having reupholstered as part of a home renovation – those burgundy chairs now sit in my husband’s office. Since launching my own business 8 years ago, my style has really landed in a comfortable and approachable place. I view design as an environment in which everyone should feel welcomed and nurtured.
4. What led you on the path of starting your own business?
While preparing our first home for our son’s arrival in 2015, I quickly realized how obsessed I was with the entire process of planning and decorating his nursery. Going through the same motions two years later for our daughter solidified everything. I had that typical light bulb moment – to leave my stable job in advertising and launch a design studio specializing in kids spaces. It just took off and remains one of the best decisions I’ve made because I feel excited and proud about the work that I do each and every single day.
5. When it comes to your work, what brings you the most contentment and fulfillment?
I strive to provide a seamless design experience to my clients and believe that the journey is just as important, if not more, than the end result. I feel most fulfilled when client connections just click, when there’s trust in the design process, and when my clients are thrilled with the outcome of their finished spaces – there’s no better feeling!
“Every room I design must portray a personalized representation of how that family lives and who they are. It’s so important for me to select elements that have been thoughtfully curated for them, whether that be textures they are drawn to, a colour palette that is soothing to them, or specific materials that are important to use. For that reason, every project possesses different elements of importance.“
6. Could you share your top 3 sources for inspiration?
My eyes are like magnets for colour combinations and design details, and I tend to find inspiration all around me, which I believe to be a wonderful way to live… to seek out what inspires us. If I had to narrow it down, here’s what I would share:
Music and scents can really bring all sorts of inspiration forward for me. The way a specific song makes me feel can also evoke a visual response of how I’d like a room design to be presented. I often assign a music track or scent to my projects as I am conceptualizing the designs, because I really feel this helps to set the entire purpose and vibe of the space.
Food is a big one for me… sometimes it’s the way food is presented on a plate (in either a minimal or more organic way) or the way certain textures and colours are displayed together.
Architecture is a no brainer, but it’s not just about appreciating the art and science behind the structure – sometimes a window display at a department store or the way tiles have been layed in a century-old museum can spark inspiration.
7. What elements do you believe every thoughtfully designed home must possess?
Every room I design must portray a personalized representation of how that family lives and who they are. It’s so important for me to select elements that have been thoughtfully curated for them, whether that be textures they are drawn to, a colour palette that is soothing to them or specific materials that are important to use. For that reason, every project possesses different elements of importance.
8. What’s the best interior design advice you’ve ever received?
To trust your personal eye and intuition – the best projects are always the ones that just instantly click. The materials sourcing comes together effortlessly, your clients are willing to let you push the limits with bolder decisions, and you just rely on your intuition to guide the way. That’s when magic happens.
9. And the best business advice you’ve ever received?
To set yourself up with proper systems from day one, like utilizing proper bookkeeping software and finding a small business accountant, incorporating your business, getting business insurance, and a proper legal services contract drafted, etc… Entrepreneurship doesn’t look the same for everyone and we’re undoubtedly going to make mistakes along the way, but having these systems in place from the beginning sure does take a lot of the stress away.
10. What’s one thing you wish clients knew about you or your process before starting a project?
My design process is like a puzzle – once I’ve figured out the space planning and furniture requirements (which my practical brain LOVES), then comes the wonderful creative process of conceptualizing a design. Sometimes, when a client provides too much visual direction or ideas during our discovery process, that can hinder the creative process. I pride myself on working collaboratively with my clients, and while I always take their preferences to heart to make sure the end result works effortlessly with their specific needs, a trusting client that values the creative process will always result in a better outcome.
11. Name some Instagram accounts that you find enjoyable to follow.
I’m always so inspired by what Molly @mollykiddstudio is doing and admire her project updates and behind-the-scenes content so much.
The team over at @jamesmayhomes floods me with daily inspiration and I am always so excited to see what they are creating and working on.
I’ve loved following Marco’s journey in making his new insanely beautiful Spanish-inspired house into a home (@want.zamora).
Have you ever seen Werner’s incredible paintings? I could literally get lost in his Reels and how he captures the creative process so vividly (@werner_bronkhorst).
I’m a Pilates girlie and have been following Melissa’s MWH program for years – her content gives me an instant mood boost and her podcasts are so inspiring (@melissawoodtepperberg).
I looove a good home restoration account and @belgravevilla is a fun one to watch!
Arvin @arvinolano shares the coolest vintage finds and his Round Top content is the BEST.
12. If you had to choose, what’s your favourite colour scheme/palette to work with?
I definitely gravitate towards muted colour schemes, and you’ll often find a pop of french blue, buttery yellow, blush pink, or sage green in any of my room designs. For me, it’s all about balancing out the colour with lots of texture, fun patterns, and prints. I will always integrate some sort of a stripe or plaid and often layer in a floral – in my eyes, design should always feel playful and comfortable!
13. What are you working on at the moment?
I am wrapping up the sweetest playroom project in Toronto with a blue and lavender colour scheme; it’s going to be so cool and I can’t wait to share it! I’m also working on two amazing bunk room projects, a kids’ bathroom remodel, and I’m about to start an epic playroom project with a climbing structure and slide! I’ve also been working on a full home renovation project with existing clients in Toronto and the entire journey has been incredible so far.
14. What do you do outside of work to design a life you’re proud of? What brings you the most joy?
I love traveling and am always up for a good dinner party, but am a homebody at heart. A true creature of habit, I love a slow start to the morning, seeing the kids off to school with my Earl Grey tea in hand and settling into my work day in my home office. Getting to do something I love so much each day is such a gift. I’ve recently picked up running again (after a 13+ year hiatus), and it’s been such a wonderful focus and challenge for me. I’m also a true Pilates lover and crave any time I get to spend on my mat; it’s so good for my mind and soul. My greatest joys in life are my two incredible kids and my golf-obsessed husband Mat. Spending time with them at home and doing anything as a family is my greatest pride and joy! We’re currently in our “family board game era,” and Clue has been a fan-favourite this month.
Take Ten: Fast Favourites
Design Book:
I find Amber Lewis’ books to be such wonderful resources and often flip through them. Currently in my cart is Jeremiah Brent’s new book “The Space That Keeps You” – in fact, I’m going to hit ‘buy’ on that one today.
Travel Destination:
Anywhere in France, everything just hits differently there!
Signature Scent:
Santal 33, Le Labo (fun fact: both my husband and I wear the same scent).
Family Tradition:
Friday night movie night with the kids! Nothing like cuddling up on the couch with pizza and wine, and watching a new movie. Paddington in Peru is a goodie ; )
Quote/Motto:
“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams, live the life you’ve imagined.” I mean, is there anything more important than living authentically and pursuing your passions?
Pattern or Solid:
Pattern 100%!
Design trend you think will last:
Pattern mixing – there is always a moment for mixing florals and stripes.
Shop:
With most of my shopping being done online nowadays, I really appreciate the thrill of a good HomeSense run, haha! If you know, you know.
Room in your home:
A toss up between my office (my creative haven) or our dining room where we installed wood planks and beams to the ceiling from a local mushroom farm; it’s such a cozy and dramatic room.
Wardrobe Staple:
I spend 85% of my time in leggings and a sweatshirt but otherwise am wearing denim with a t-shirt or button up shirt.
Latest purchase you’re loving:
A striped buttery yellow button up shirt from Gap, it’s so fun!
As we conclude this interview with interior designer Rebecca Simon, we hope her journey 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 Rebecca’s work on her website and Instagram.
Photography by Sonia V Branding, Heidi Lau & Rikki Snyder.
