What influences the influencers? No Images? Click here Designer Montana Labelle Montana Labelle We continue our series of profiles on influential designers whose work pushes the limits and takes us to a better and more beautiful place. Meet Montana Labelle, whose distinctive, modern aesthetic has earned her the title as "one to watch" in the Canadian design community. With a degree from Parson's School of Design in New York, Labelle began her career as an apprentice for the elite Toronto design firm, Gluckstein Home. She launched her own firm in 2013 and her projects were soon featured in the country's top style publications, leading to a flourishing business creating both residential and commercial spaces. Just five years in, Montana is sought out for her instantly recognizable, luxurious, and fashion-influenced perspective on style and designs. Here's what influences this young designer. Q Your style? A I would classify my design style as minimalist meets classic. I'm heavily drawn to a neutral palette and bold monolithic design choices. Although a lot of people view my work as "black and white," we're definitely transitioning to a more neutral, soft palette, mixing beiges, whites and natural woods - and of course always a hint of black for an element of boldness. Q Why did you choose your profession? A Growing up I always wanted to be in the fashion industry. My mother, Karen Kwinter, who was a fashion stylist for many years at Canadian Living, nevertheless discouraged me. I knew I loved beautiful things and was always very creative - but didn't know how to translate that into a profession. Ultimately, my love for interior design was nourished when I began interning at Gluckstein Home. I quickly fell in love with beautiful fabrics, stones and woods. Why dress a person when you can dress a whole house? Q Who and what inspires you? A Travel and fashion! I'm always incredibly inspired by hotel design, restaurant design, and just seeing new places. Every time I go on vacation I come back with a totally refreshed sensibility. I am also always super keen to see what's the latest and greatest coming down the runways, as I find high fashion can be a tremendous influence to the interior design world and vice versa. Q Your happy place? A Los Angeles. And my new home! Q What are the benefits of working with a designer? A There are SO many choices to be made during a new build, renovation, or even just re-decorating. I think many people fail to realize how much really goes into a beautiful, properly polished space. Working with someone in the industry means all of the details are thought through and incorporated into the final design of the space. It can be overwhelming for someone to take it on, and working with a designer will give you the aesthetic you're looking for. Q Any tips for tabletop styling? A Coffee table styling is my favourite. The biggest tip that I can provide is the importance of a) layering and b) investing in good pieces that speak to you. There are so many times I go into someone's home and they have one or two items on the coffee table and they don't understand why it doesn't look finished. It's all about layering! Start with a large scale gorgeous tray and then add books, bowls, smaller trays, flowers, boxes etc to get it looking finished. Investing in quality pieces is also extremely important. I would strongly advise against mass market stores that have a million of the same item. I always like to curate and carefully select items that I know will last a lifetime. Georg Jenen's new Caravel Black Cutlery, $192 for a 5 pc place setting. Q What are you coveting from HG right now? A The George Jensen black cutlery. I just ordered 10 place settings for my own house! |