Get Inspired by These 10 Canadian Women Designers

Designer Ali Budd is a powerhouse in the industry, from starting a business out of her basement in 2010 to eventually having her own home design show House of Ali. The series follows Ali and her all-female team as they renovate and design luxurious homes. Ali designs homes with intent and purpose, often foregoing trends in order to offer homeowners lasting concepts and themes that are beloved for life.

Ontario native and mom of two, Debra Salmoni doesn’t just play co-host on Scott’s Vacation House Rules. She’s also the owner and principal designer of Debra Lillian Design, where she brings her passion to life — creating spaces that clients feel at home in. Debra takes pride in making environmental sustainability the foundation of her work, often crafting homes with thoughtfully sourced vintage finds and thrifts.

While home design is at the forefront of her career, Amanda Lwanga’s background and expertise inform everything about her design firm Linger Design Studio. The Alberta-based designer is a licensed professional engineer and has a master’s degree in architecture, so her design approach combines creativity with a little bit of science. She prides herself on sustainability and innovation, always ensuring seamless, effortless looks while maintaining methodical approaches.

Amanda Hamilton is a trailblazing force in interior design. Her design expertise has been spotlighted almost everywhere: House & Home, Style at Home, Western Living and FLARE just to name a few. Her influence extends to television too — she’s appeared on The Marilyn Denis Show, Global News and Breakfast Television. She also owns her own boutique studio, Amanda Hamilton Interior Design, ran by an all-women team.

If you were to look at her resume, it seems like Kortney Wilson has done it all: from acting, to real estate, to design, she’s a creativity machine. The Making it Home with Kortney & Kenny co-host, and newly-married mom of three, is set to debut her new show Life is Messy with husband Kenny Brain. Kortney is best known for flipping outdated houses into unique spaces, blending modernity and rustic aesthetics to turn any space into a dream home. 

Toronto-based Natalie Chong is all about mixing comfort and aesthetics — the main formula that makes her design firm, Nest Design Studio, trusted and true. She founded her business at 22 years old, and is still thriving in the design industry 15 years later. Beyond her work in interior design, Natalie collaborates with home brands and shares insights into her projects on Instagram. 

Sarah Baeumler is a design extraordinaire and has starred on multiple Home Network shows, including Island of Bryan. But did you know she’s also a creative entrepreneur? Her namesake lifestyle brand is all about designing authentically and with intention. Baeumler’s eye for design is very influenced by nature, inspired by travel and discovering the world one outdoor adventure at a time. 

For over ten years, Holly Baker has designed spaces that promote a slower way of life. Always bright and airy, her designs are beloved by those looking for warm and inviting places to call home. Her passion for design also led her to roles on the small screen where she hosted several renovation shows. 

Sarah Richardson is a household name in Canadian home design and has been a beloved presence on Home Network. Her projects often offer a glimpse into her creative vision, and her work has been rewarded time and time again: In 2010, Sarah won a Gemini Award for Best Host in a lifestyle program for Sarah’s House. She’s also received a spot in Havergal College’s Hall of Distinction. 

Brenda Danso, founder of BD Interior Design, may have been born in California, but her design work as a west-coaster-turned-Toronto-native is unmatched. Brenda has appeared on Cityline and has been featured in many Canadian platforms. She takes inspiration from her Ghanaian roots, often boasting those textiles in her use of bold and vibrant colours.