Interior design takes a certain level of; creativity, genius, business sense and an over all understanding of aesthetic to really get it right. It’s more than just, “bright colours” and some “furniture flow” when it comes to designing a space. Finding all of these traits in a designer, plus that feeling of confidence knowing you’re not going to have your wallet taken to the cleaner is a challenge in it self. Yes, interior design isn’t cheap, and you get what you pay for. However, that doesn’t mean you’re going to give up your first born just to have a beautifully designed and decorated home. I caught up with Ottawa based Luc Crawford, Crawford has been in the interior design world for over twenty years. His design work has garnered him media attention, a number of awards, and has been featured in countless publications including Christie’s International magazine, Our Home magazine, Reno and Décor magazine, and many more! Sitting down with Crawford, he shared some insight into his background and some advice on decorating for city living.

What pulled you towards interior design?

It would have to be my creative approach to everything I do, I have always been passionate about residential and commercial design.

What do you love most about what you do?

I enjoy making a space beautiful. I love to see the appreciation my clients have for my work. They love their space, I love their home

What do you love the least?

False expectations, over promising and under delivering.

What would you say is the biggest misconception about what you do?

Consumers believe that designers are a luxury item costing top dollar, when that isn’t the case. A consultation with a designer to point you in the right direction is only going to cost about the same as a registered massage.

Tell us something about your job that people would be surprised to hear?


I do more than choose paint, fabric and furniture. As designers we specialize in everything and at the top of our list is construction and renovation.

Is there an interior designer whose career you look up to?

Kelly Hoppen – her approach to design is flawless, sleek and always on trend.

Who inspires you?


My husband and two girls.

Can you give us some design tips for small space (condo) living?

• Desk behind the sofa paired with a small clear chair, this desk against the back of the sofa invites sliding right in for a little work or reading. It could even double for a dining space.
• Daybed in the living room Any of us who have lived in a studio can appreciate this idea: A daybed is a great way to meld your sleeping area into a one-room-living or studio.
• Matching cabinets and walls. Paint all walls and kitchen cabinetry in all one colour. This is a great way to incorporate a kitchen that’s part of the main living space and allows use of a bold colour without drawing too much attention to the kitchen. Bold colour on the ceiling is always a great design feature.
• Deep monochrome colour A dark, all-one-colour scheme always feels lush and relaxing. Forget trying to make the room seem bigger and embrace the coziness and simplicity. Of course, it doesn’t hurt if the room has a killer view of the CN tower.
• Skinny and clear coffee table. A narrow coffee table does the job of providing a little horizontal surface in the center of the living area without taking up a big footprint.
• Small accent decorative chair or ottoman keeps the room decorative and practical.

You can check out more from Crawford at www.luccrawford.com

Image credit:  Company